Amid growing debate over recently expedited legislation, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, clarified that the tenures of Pakistan’s army, air force, and navy chiefs have been extended, not through extensions but by increasing their service duration. “This isn’t an extension; it’s an increase in employment tenure,” Sanaullah explained.
Earlier this month, the coalition government passed six bills — including those extending the tenure of military chiefs and increasing superior court judges — in swift, back-to-back votes, bypassing any parliamentary debate despite opposition from PTI. The National Assembly approved all six bills in 24 minutes, and the Senate followed suit in just 16 minutes. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub expressed concern, stating that the PML-N might face repercussions for pushing this legislation.
Sanaullah argued that while debate on the measure was valid, “it’s inaccurate to call this an extension — it’s an increase in tenure.” He elaborated, “Three plus three equals six, but five years seems more appropriate as it’s less, not more.”
In January 2020, under former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Senate had approved legislation allowing discretionary term extensions for military chiefs. The move followed Khan’s approval of a three-year extension for then-Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Sanaullah explained that a five-year term was more practical, eliminating the need for mid-term extensions, which he suggested should be limited to emergencies. “This duration suffices, reducing the desire or necessity for further extensions,” he added.
When questioned about PTI protests, Sanaullah acknowledged the right to peaceful demonstrations but rejected protests intended to incite disorder. He criticized KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s vow to secure Imran Khan’s release “come what may,” cautioning that demonstrations “that promote chaos or disrupt public order” are not allowed.
The PML-N leader criticized PTI’s tactics, alleging some participants were prepared for extreme measures, signaling this through funeral prayer instructions to family members. He noted that law enforcement could act if protests threatened public safety.
Discussing his own time in jail, Sanaullah said he had limited visitor access, restricted to family and lawyers, making it difficult to organize movements. He accused Khan of meeting individuals who plan “armed movements” and stated these individuals regularly relay messages to the media.
Sanaullah questioned PTI’s criticisms of the judiciary, particularly regarding Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, whose reputation, he claimed, has been unfairly impacted by PTI propaganda. He noted that Chief Justice Yahya Afridi has remained neutral amid judicial factionalism, calling it a significant stance.
He also dismissed rumors of PTI founder Khan receiving special considerations from President-elect Donald Trump and clarified that no new cases are pending against Khan. Additionally, he refuted reports that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was offered a governorship.
