Islamabad: In a significant development for Pakistan’s military leadership, President Asif Ali Zardari has officially approved the appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who will concurrently serve as the Chief of the Defence Forces.
The decision comes on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in line with Paragraph 7 of the Summary presented to the President.
The official notification, issued today from the President’s Secretariat, marks a pivotal transition in the country’s defense hierarchy.
While the specific name of the appointee has not been detailed in the immediate release, this move is expected to stabilize and guide Pakistan’s armed forces amid ongoing regional security challenges, including tensions along the Afghan border and counter-terrorism operations.
This approval follows the standard constitutional process under Article 243 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which empowers the President, on the advice of the Prime Minister, to appoint the COAS for a three-year term.
The concurrent role as Chief of Defence Forces underscores the integrated command structure of the military.
Government sources indicate that the new COAS is likely to be a senior general from the current lineup, with the appointment aimed at ensuring continuity in defense policies.
Further details on the swearing-in ceremony and the officer’s profile are anticipated shortly from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Background and Implications
The approval comes at a critical juncture, just weeks after the retirement of the previous COAS, Lt. Gen. (retd) Asim Munir, whose tenure focused on economic stabilization and internal security.
Political Context: As head of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Zardari’s endorsement reflects the civilian government’s commitment to upholding democratic oversight of the military, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s governance since the 18th Amendment.
