Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who typically spends his weekends in Lahore, remained in the federal capital to make the impending choice, and the formal selection process is expected to begin “very shortly.”
The selection process for the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will begin on Monday, according to remarks made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif to a private TV news channel.
The new army leader, according to interior minister Rana Sanaullah, would be revealed in the coming days.
The two ministers’ contradictory statements indicate that the administration is under significant pressure, and some experts believe that this may be a sign of a potential impasse between the civil and military authorities over who would become the next army chief.
“Closed-door consultations” were taking place in the halls of power, according to official sources, with all eyes on the prime minister to reach an agreement among the stakeholders for the crucial appointment.
The sources further stated that the appointment process will start “very shortly.”
They didn’t specify whether the choice will be made on Friday night or in a few days, though.
According to some sources, a new army chief may be named by the Prime Minister’s Office within the next 24 hours.
Although the coalition government is eager to speak with all parties before making a final choice, the selection of the army commander is the unique prerogative of the prime minister.
The goal of the action is to increase consensus among the important parties so that the choice is in the best interests of the institution and the nation.
To read our blog on “Govt. is not planning significant changes to the Army Act, Khawaja Asif,” click here.