Kh Asif and PA Speaker Clash Over Gen Bajwa’s Extension

Summary:

• The PML-N is experiencing internal discord over the issue of General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s potential extension as Army Chief.
• Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Punjab Assembly Speaker Mohammad Ahmad Khan have offered conflicting views on Bajwa’s stance regarding his extension.
• Ahmad Khan argues that Bajwa did not seek an extension, while Asif cites different statements and contexts.

Following the arrest of former spy chief Faiz Hameed, a rift has surfaced within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) concerning whether former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa sought an extension of his term. The debate intensified after differing statements emerged from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Punjab Assembly Speaker Mohammad Ahmad Khan.

In a recent statement, Ahmad Khan, who has maintained a close relationship with Bajwa, refuted Asif’s claim that the general had requested an extension and even considered imposing martial law. Khan emphasized that Bajwa had expressed a clear disinterest in extending his service during a question-and-answer session at the National Defence University (NDU) and at the United Nations, citing that there were other generals waiting for promotion.

Khan’s remarks underscore his belief that the appointment of the Army Chief should follow a straightforward process, with the senior-most officer being appointed. He also highlighted that when the majority party in Parliament decides on such extensions, the opposition’s arguments would naturally be overshadowed.

On the other hand, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has provided a cautious response, suggesting that there is no significant discrepancy between his and Khan’s statements. Asif clarified that his comments regarding Bajwa’s potential extension were based on a different context—specifically, a discussion about interim arrangements following Imran Khan’s removal. According to Asif, Bajwa had suggested the possibility of extending his tenure by six months to a year to facilitate a smooth transition, rather than seeking a long-term extension.

Asif also mentioned that Bajwa had previously discussed the option of imposing martial law, a point he connected to the broader context of his statements. This nuanced perspective highlights the complexity of the issue and the differing interpretations of Bajwa’s actions and statements.

The ongoing debate reflects the internal divisions within the PML-N and underscores the broader political tensions surrounding military appointments and extensions in Pakistan.