ISLAMABAD: A senior PML(N) leader and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that neither the government was considering extending the incumbent army chief’s term nor COAS demanded it.
“The COAS’s second term is coming to an end by end-November this year. And, I don’t believe an extension after an already-extended term will go in the interest of the country or the army.”
Referring to the demand of Imran Khan, Abbasi said that a short-term extension is not a reasonable demand. Former prime minister stated this while speaking in a TV programme on Tuesday.
Abbasi said the prime minister appoints the COAS and Shehbaz Sharif will perform his duty.
“It is the PM’s prerogative and he will announce the name of the next army chief on time,” he said.
PML(N) leader said that a curtain should be drawn on democracy if the army chief’s appointment is the focal point of the country’s politics.
“If we can make difficult economic decisions, then the prime minister should have the right to appoint the army chief,” he asserted.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi challenged Imran Khan to show no-confidence on the floor of the assembly.
“If you (IK) want to create a path [into power corridors while agitating] from the road, there is no room for it,” he added.
