Month: November 2022

Rapid roll-back of Project Imran Khan begins with rapidly changing scenario in Pakistan

Analytical Report by J. Choudhry/ISLAMABAD

The military establishment’s decision to stay away from politics and appointment of senior most Generals as army chief (Syed Asim Munir and CJCSC (Sahir Shamshad Mirza) by the coalition government indicate the rapid roll-back of project Imran Khan after miserable failure of this experiment which has literally led to the bankruptcy of Pakistan.

Bringing Imran Khan to power was an ambitious project of the establishment, but its total failure left the power brokers with no other choice but to get rid of the PTI government, give up interference in politics, and let the democratic forces to make decisions on their own to save the country from default.

On Thursday and Friday (Nov 24-25), a few important developments have taken place in the country which indicated the rapid roll-back of Imran Khan project and leaving the democratic setup at the will of the political parties.

The most important development was the appointment of new army chief _ Lt-General Syed Asim Munir. It is believed that General Bajwa and company, PTI chairman Imran Khan, etc., were not in favour of appointing Asim Munir as new army chief and they wanted someone else to hold this post.

However, a firm stand taken by the coalition government _ especially Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with tacit support of Nawaz Sharif influenced General Bajwa and others to leave the appointment of army chief to the discretion of PM Shehbaz Sharif.

Meanwhile, a day after the appointment of new army chief _ Lt-General Syed Asim Munir and chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee Lt-General Sahir Shamshad Mirza _ two senior Lt-Generals, Faiz Hameed and Azhar Abbas have decided to get early retirement.

The news of Gen. Faiz’s early retirement has strengthened viewpoint that the roll-back of project Imran Khan has begun in Pakistan with a full speed.

According to security analysts, with the change of command at GHQ on Nov 29 and early retirement of Gen. Faiz Hameed _ PTI chief Imran Khan and his like-minded in the party will not be able to find the hidden support that they have enjoyed in the past during the four-year tenure of PTI in the center.

At present, PTI is ruling in two provinces _ Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. However, despite being in power in Punjab, Imran Khan and other senior PTI leaders could not lodge an FIR against PM Shehbaz, Major-General Faisal Naseer and interior minister Rana Sanaullah, in connection with murderous attack on Imran Khan in Wazirabad during long march on Nov 3.

All these developments are indicating a downfall of Imran Khan and PTI as well. The chaotic four-year rule of PTI in center and nine years in KP has pushed the country into a deep quagmire of default. The financial crisis of Pakistan has deepened to such an extent that the government of Imran Khan was rolled back on the midnight of April 9, 2022, through a no-confidence move. All those turncoats and opportunists who have voted for PTI’s government led by Imran Khan, suddenly switched their loyalties towards the coalition government, led by PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif.

Apparently, PM Shehbaz Sharif is making important decisions in collaboration with the coalition partners _ but it is an open secret that Nawaz Sharif is dictating all the major decisions from London.

Many PML-N leaders believe that General Bajwa and company were responsible of ouster of Nawaz Sharif (PML-N) from power and now General Bajwa and company have returned the power to PML-N by distancing themselves from PTI and project Imran Khan.

Two senior Lt-Generals opt for early retirement

Two Lt-Generals _ Azhar Abbas and Faiz Hameed, are seeking early retirement after the appointment of new army chief and chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee. New army chief and CJCSC have assumed the charge of their new responsibilities.

On Nov 24, on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi has approved appointments of new army chief Lt-General Syed Asim Munir and Lt-General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. Both have been promoted as 4-star Generals with effect from Nov 29 _ the day they will assume the charge of their new responsibility.

Soon after the appointment of new army chief and CJCSC _ two senior Lt-Generals _ Azhar Abbas and Faiz Hameed decided to get early retirement.

Brother of Lt-General Azhar Abbas also confirmed his brother’s decision of seeking early retirement, Geo TV reported quoting sources and family members of these Lt-Generals.

Importantly, Lt-General Faiz Hameed became a controversial senior army officer when then Prime Minister Imran Khan locked horns with army’s top command over Faiz’s transfer to Peshawar as Corps Commander.

Imran Khan was not in favour of the army’s decision to transfer Faiz Hameed from the post of DG ISI as he was supporting PTI government in pursuing their ‘agenda’. Lt-General Faiz Hameed came to limelight when a tug of war last for weeks between PM Imran Khan and army over his transfer from DG ISI to Corps Commander Peshawar.

Imran Khan, nonetheless, surrendered gradually and Faiz Hameed was posted as Corps Commander Peshawar, from where he was transferred and posted Corps Commander Bahawalpur.

Interestingly, Faiz Hameed was appointed DG ISI in place of Syed Asim Munir (now army chief) as Asim Munir informed Imran Khan (when he was PM) about loot-maar of Pinki-Gogi and Usman Buzdar in Punjab through different methods, including high level postings and transfers.

Instead of taking action against the first lady, Farah Gogi and Usman Buzdar, who was chief minister at that time, Imran Khan became frustrated with DG ISI Syed Asim Munir and got him removed from the post _ resultantly, Faiz Hameed was appointed the DG ISI. At that Imran Khan had never thought that one day he will have to face Syed Asim Munir as army chief of Pakistan.

General Asim Munir is the only Hafiz-e-Quran army chief of Pakistan. He is honest, highly professional and a capable army leader as well.

During the past few months, Imran Khan raised a lot of hue and cry in the name of merit, seniority for the appointment of new army chief and his only purpose was to foil the government’s plan to appoint Syed Asim Munir as army chief because of the reasons quoted above.

From Nov 29, new army chief will take command from General Qamar Bajwa and what would be the political and security scenario in Pakistan _ it will be seen in the days to come.

Lt-Generals Asim Munir, Sahir Shamshad are two senior most Lt-Generals among six candidates recommended for CJCSC and COAS posts

J. Choudhry/ISLAMABAD

At present, Lt-Generals Asim Munir and Sahir Shamshad Mirza are the two senior most Lt-Generals among the six candidates recommended for the posts of Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Army Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff.

Other four senior Lt-Generals, included in the list of candidates who are suitable for the posts of CJCSC and COAS are Lt. Gen. Azhar Abbas, Lt. Gen. Nauman Mehmood, Lt. Gen. Faez Hameed and Lt. Gen. Mohammad Amir.

Now it depends on the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his coalition parties in the government to whom they select as the CJCSC and new army chief.

Senior most Lt-General Asim Munir.

Talk of the town is that the PML-N leaders want to appoint Lt-General Asim Munir as the next army chief while the military establishment led by General Bajwa is keen to Lt-General Sahir Shamshad Mirza as the new COAS.

On Thursday (Nov 24), the Prime Minister has summoned a special cabinet meeting to finalize name of new army chief and the CJCSC. PM Shehbaz is also scheduled to leave for Turkish official visit after chairing cabinet meeting and it is expected that the name of the new army chief will be announced tomorrow (Nov 24) as per the tweet of Defence Minister.

Second senior most Lt-General Sahir Shamshad Mirza.

On Tuesday night, soon after the statement of the Inter Services Public Relations statement, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the Prime Minister Office has received the summary containing names of six senior most Lt-Generals for the appointment of the top two positions in the military _ CJCSC and COAS.

Khawaja Asif tweeted, “The Prime Minister Office has received the summary from the Ministry of Defence.”

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the name of the next army chief would be made public within two days.

“I am asking for another 48 hours,” he said.

Meanwhile, ISPR said the summary of the senior most candidates for the top two positions has been sent to the defence ministry.

According to sources, the six lieutenant generals included in the list are Lt. Gen. Asim Munir, Lt. Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Lt. Gen. Azhar Abbas, Lt. Gen. Nauman Mehmood, Lt. Gen. Faez Hameed and Lt. Gen. Mohammad Amir.

It is pertinent to mention here that Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff are retiring from the post on November 29.

Importantly, the statement of ISPR emerged minutes after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif rejected the rumours claiming that the Prime Minister’s Office has received the summary for the appointment of the new chief of army staff.

Taking to Twitter, Khawaja Asif said that the PM’s Office has not yet received the summary.

Defence Minister said, “Yesterday, we sent the letter [from the ministry to the military command]. Now, if we get the dossiers today or tomorrow, it is a matter of routine.”

Khawaja Asif also said that once they get the summary, then it is a formal move because then it has to go to the cabinet (for endorsement).

“Then the advice will go to the President, then hopefully the same day or the next day that will be sorted out,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a special meeting of the federal cabinet on Nov 24 (Thursday).

In the cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz will take all cabinet members into confidence over the appointment of the next army. PM is expected to share the name of the new army chief before leaving for two days official visit to Turkiye on Nov 24.

PTI leaders will soon be in jail: Najam Sethi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s renowned TV analyst and a famous media personality claimed that some important PTI leaders _ including Imran Khan will be arrested in different cases soon.

Speaking in the recent talk-show of the “Naya Daur” a famous current affairs Video channel, Najam Sethi said that some cases against Imran Khan and other senior PTI leaders are at an advanced stage of the investigation.

There is plenty of evidence of PTI leaders’ involvement in corruption and misuse of the public authority when they were in the government, he said.

Sethi, who is known for sharing breaking news and bold analysis, said that soon after the appointment of the new army chief, some leading PTI leaders will land in jail. He also said that Pakistan could not afford chaos at this stage because the country is on the verge of default.

A week ago, Najam Sethi was the first media analyst who disclosed that the government has received summary from the army containing names of five top-most senior Lt-Generals for the appointment of army chief.

He, however, refrained from disclosing the name of the upcoming COAS.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Prime Minister has held a meeting after receiving summary of senior most Lt-Generals on Monday.

Defence Minister also said on Tuesday (Nov 22) that the notification of appointment of new army chief will be issued by Nov 26.

The sitting army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa will hand over the charge of the army’s command to the newly-appointed COAS on Nov 29 in Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, after receiving summary today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an important meeting on Monday noon with some federal ministers to short-list two Lt-Generals for the appointment of chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of Army Staff.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and Law Minister Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, etc., attended the meeting, chaired by PM Shehbaz.

According to sources, Prime Minister’s Office on Monday received the summary from the defence ministry regarding the appointment of a new army chief which carries names of five senior most Lt-Generals. 

The PM Office, however, did not disclose the names of five Lt-Generals mentioned in the list sent by the GHQ to Defence Ministry which was forwarded to PM Office by Defence Ministry on Monday (Nov 21), marking the beginning of the process to select the CJCSC and COAS.

A couple of days ago, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said through Twitter that the name of new army chief will be announced either on Tuesday (Nov 22) or Wednesday (Nov 23).

The new army chief will take charge on November 29 as the sitting COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa hand over the charge to the new comer.

As process for the appointment of new army chief has started on Monday (today), the government hoped that President Dr Arif Alvi will not create any “hurdle” in the smooth process.

President Dr Alvi and PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi have also stated that they will not oppose the appointment of army chief by the coalition government.

Lt-Gen Asim Munir will be new army chief, Sahir Shamshad to be CJCSC: Info Minister

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recommended the name of Lt-General Syed Asim Munir as new army chief. PM has sent this advice to President of Pakistan Arif Alvi today (Nov 24) after holding a cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, second senior most Lt-General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is being appointed as chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee.

New army chief Asim Munir and CJCSC Sahir Shamshad Mirza will take charge of their new responsibilities with effect from Nov 29, 2022.

With the government’s decision to appoint Asim Munir as new army chief, the debate about who will be the new army chief of Pakistan _ Lt-General Asim Munir or Lt-General Sahir Shahmad Mirza _ top two senior most Lt-Generals of Pakistan Army ended toay.

Earlier, Prime Minister Office has received summary from the defence ministry which carried names of six senior most Lt-Generals. PM Shehbaz Sharif, according to sources, also held a consultative meeting with federal ministers _ Khawaja Asif, defence minister, Rana Sanaullah interior minister, and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, law minister, etc., in the PM Office on Monday.

Lt-General Syed Asim Munir, the senior most Lt-General in Pakistan Army.

If the government follows the seniority list, then Lt-General can be appointed as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) while the second senior most Lt-General Sahir Shahmad Mirza can be appointed as new army chief.

Lt-General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, second senior most Lt-General in Pakistan Army.

However, if the government follows the wish-list, then the COAS post can be given to General Asim Munir and CJCSC post to Sahir Shahmad.

At present, as per the seniority list, Lt General Asim Munir, Lt General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Lt General Azhar Abbas, Lt General Numan Mahmud and Lt General Faiz Hameed are the five senior most Lt-Generals.

So far, all the stakeholders _ military establishment, coalition government and President of Pakistan have shown the commitment to follow the seniority mechanism for the appointment of CJCSC and COAS.

Nonetheless, the coalition government follows the principle of seniority or merit in the high-profile appointments _ it will be seen in next couple of days.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the process of the appointment of top two posts in army has been initiated today.

According to sources, Prime Minister’s Office on Monday received the summary from the defence ministry regarding the appointment of the CJCSC and COAS which carries names of five senior most Lt-Generals. 

The PM Office, however, did not disclose the names of five Lt-Generals mentioned in the list sent by the GHQ to Defence Ministry which was forwarded to PM Office by Defence Ministry on Monday (Nov 21), marking the beginning of the process to select the CJCSC and COAS.

A couple of days ago, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said through Twitter that the name of new army chief will be announced either on Tuesday (Nov 22) or Wednesday (Nov 23).

The new army chief will take charge on November 29 as the sitting COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa hand over the charge to the new comer.

As process for the appointment of new army chief has started on Monday (today), the government hoped that President Dr Arif Alvi will not create any “hurdle” in the smooth process.

President Dr Alvi and PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi have also stated that they will not oppose the appointment of army chief by the coalition government.

Russia seeks release of ‘Merchant of Death’ from the United States through swap of prisoners

J. Choudhry

Russian officials are negotiating with the United States, seeking release of a Russian arms dealer _ Viktor Bout, famous as the Merchant of Death. Release of the Merchant of Death is being ensured through swap of prisoners.

For the first time, the US or Russian officials have said that Viktor Bout could be part of an exchange of prisoners.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov hoped the prospect of a swap had “strengthened”.

The US has previously said it was eager to organise a prisoner swap to release US basketball player Brittney Griner. She was convicted of illegal drug possession in August after cannabis oil vapes were found in her bags as she tried to enter Russia.

The double-Olympic winner has been sent to a penal colony in a remote region south-east of Moscow.

On Friday Mr Ryabkov said a “common denominator” had not yet been reached between the US and Russia, but “it is undeniable that Viktor Bout is among those who are being discussed [for exchange] and we certainly count on a positive result”.

He also said Bout had been “persecuted” in the United States and wished him the “firmness of will and spirit” to cope with his incarceration.

Bout – a former Soviet air force officer – was extradited from Thailand to the US in 2010, after a sting operation by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

One of the world’s most infamous arms dealers, his exploits are so notorious that they inspired a Hollywood film and led to his nickname.

He was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to kill Americans and US officials, delivering anti-aircraft missiles and aiding a terrorist organisation.

He claimed he was simply an entrepreneur with a legitimate international transport business, wrongly accused of trying to arm South American rebels – the victims of US political machinations.

Mark Galeotti, an expert on the Russian security services at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, believes Bout’s case has become “totemic” for Russian intelligence who are keen to show they do not abandon their own people.

Radio Pakistan goes ‘bankrupt’, pays half pension with delay

Exclusive by J. Choudhry

For the first time in the past two decades, Radio Pakistan, an entity of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation has gone almost bankrupt.

Radio Pakistan paid half of the pension (not the total) to its retired employees on Nov 17 and 18 because ‘funds are not available,’ according to sources.

At present, there are more than four thousand pensioners who are bewailing to get the full pension for the month of Oct 2022. They kept on calling their colleagues and senior officials of Radio Pakistan in Islamabad (head office) to know the fate of their pension for the month of Oct _ payable by the 1st of Nov 2022.

On Wednesday (Nov 16), the pensioners were informed that they will be paid only half of their pension this time because Radio Pakistan don’t have ‘money to pay their full pension.’

Consequently, on Thursday the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) paid half of the pension to those retired employees who have accounts in the National Bank of Pakistan, whereas the ex-employees who have accounts in Habib Bank Limited, received half of their pension on Friday. Thus, no one knows whey the organization will pay remaining amount of pension for the month of Oct 2022 and this has happened for the first time in 22 years.

At present, Radio Pakistan/Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation; is being run from 32 different stations/cities, and the number of employees is in the thousands while retired employees, from junior to senior, are more than four thousand at this time.

According to sources, the top officials of Radio Pakistan have told their retired colleagues in clear words that _ at this time, the organization doesn’t have money to pay pension on time. Hence, the ex-employees got half of the pension on Thursday and Friday _ and now they are praying for the payment of the remaining due amount of pension this month.

“We always got pension on time (1st of every month) and except Nov 2022, in the past two decades we did not face any problem in getting our pensions,” some retired media personnel told this writer/analyst.

Many of the retired employees, according to sources, are living in rented homes and this month they will not be able to pay rent, utility bills, and fulfill their other obligations, etc.

If Radio Pakistan stops the payment of pensions, then what would happen to more than four thousand retired employees whose livelihood is their only income from pension?

And if the same thing happens to the serving employees of PBC/Radio Pakistan, how they will survive financially?

Is it a sign that the state institutions are facing bankruptcy due to financial crisis, lack of interest of the policymakers, or negligence of the top level management?

Whatever the situation is, the retired employees have urged the President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice of Pakistan to help them and save Radio Pakistan and sitting/retired employees from facing bankruptcy.

Fair Marketing Pakistan’s NutriGulten Free wins 2nd best product award in Expo Dubai

LAHORE: An emerging Pakistani food sector group, Fair Marketing Pakistan Group of Companies (FMP), has been awarded 2nd position in the ISM Expo Dubai (Confectionary & Snacks Exhibition) recently held in the United Arab Emirates.

FMP Group’s product ‘NutriGulten Free’ was given the 2nd best product award at this three day food industry related fair.

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Executive Committee member and FMP Group’s of companies co-owner Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer thanking the almighty on this achievement of his company said that he strictly believe that solution of all the financial problems faced by Pakistan lies in exporting more to fetch more valuable foreign exchange.

He said it is an honour and moment of proud for whole of the nation especially Pakistan’s food industry that one of their product has been acknowledged internationally.

Expect more Video Leaks of Politicians: More PML-N leaders can be targeted

A couple of days after the video leak of PML-N Senator Pervez Rashid, political circles are anticipating more video leaks of politicians _ especially those belonging to the PML-N within the next couple of days.

On Nov 8, a leaked video of PML-N leader Pervez Rasheed went viral on social media. In the leaked video, Pervez Rasheed is seen alone and perhaps he is showing his ‘male organ’ to someone through a video call. In this video, PML-N Senator appears calm and quiet.

Video of Pervez Rasheed has been leaked a week after PTI Senator Azam Khan Swati raised hue and cry over a video. He said that someone has filmed him along with his wife _ however, the influential people, who have seen Azam Swati’s video are saying that female with Swati is not his wife and the lady is someone else.

The Federal Investigation Agency, however, issued a statement three days ago saying the video of Azam Swait was fake, made with deep-fake technology.

Apart from this video, now knowledgeable people are talking about the release of more videos of politicians and PML-N can be the main target. It is a talk of the town that the video of a famous female leader of PML-N might appear on the social media any time this week to defame her and her family.

Apparently, the main purpose of the rascals behind video leaks is to defame the politicians to achieve their nasty goals and to create a deterrence for selected politicians having popularity and fame in the masses in Pakistan and abroad.

However, if the talk of the town proves true, the people will see more filthy political environment in the country soon after the release of a dirty video of a famous female politician of PML-N. And this filthy game may not end with just that video, and people will see more video leaks in the coming days _ targeting the leading politicians.

Who is behind the video leaks? Is it a tit-for-tat strategy of political parties to settle their scores in the same manner? Why is it so easy to make videos of leading politicians and leak them to social media users at an ‘appropriate time’. The authorities concerned must have powers and courage to expose the elements behind this dirty mission.

People still remember the leaked video of Zubair Umar, former Governor of Sindh and PML-N leader, which was debated a lot in Pakistan and abroad.

A few weeks ago, some YouTubers talked about the possibility of leaks of dirty videos of Imran Khan and Khan also told his followers in a couple of public rallies that his fake video, made with deep-fake technology will be released to defame him. If the dirty-game of video leaks goes on, famous leaders like Imran Khan and Maryum Nawaz can become victims of deep-fake technology.

Saudi Crown Prince MBS to be a ‘Guarantor’ to end Political Crisis in Pakistan

Exclusive Report by J. Choudhry

Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman is expected to become a Guarantor to overcome the ongoing political crisis in Pakistan which is worsening day by day.

Saudi Crown Prince is expected to visit Pakistan around Nov 21 and one of the key objectives of his visit during this critical time in Pakistan can be the mediation between the warring political parties _ PDM/coalition government, PTI with the involvement of the establishment.

The visit of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, according to well-informed sources, will be coinciding with the announcement of new army chief before Nov 29 and PTI chairman’s call to gather his party leaders, and thousands of workers and supporters in Rawalpindi in the last week of November, probably before the announcement of new army chief.

Whether Saudi Crown Prince comes to Islamabad or our leaders go to Saudi Arabia, one thing seems to be clear at this time that without the mediation of Muhammad Bin Salman, the ongoing political imbroglio is not going to end and the situation can deteriorate to an alarming level.

Another important issue is that Saudi Arabia is opposing the name of a Lt-General for his appointment as new army chief with a view that the senior most should be appointed new COAS.

A team of security experts will be arriving in Pakistan before the visit of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to evaluate security situation in Pakistan and discuss issues of mutual interest.

When thousands of PTI workers will gather in Rawalpindi _ which falls in the jurisdiction of Punjab government and being controlled by PTI-PML-Q alliance, no one will stop them and what would be their next target _ no one knows at this stage. Rawalpindi not only hosts the GHQ, it is also the nearest city to Islamabad. And the situation can get out of control in case the political tug of war deepens further.

In this critical scenario, according to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was advised to announce early elections before the arrival of PTI workers in Rawalpindi. That’s why PM Shehbaz rushed to London from Egypt two days ago to discuss ‘urgent agenda’ with Nawaz Sharif and other family members in London.

The PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, PM Shehbaz Sharif and other members of Sharif family have rejected demand of early elections and vowed to continue the term of their government. It means they are not willing to go for elections because they know that they will lose _ perhaps everything because of extensive bombing through Bills of electricity, gas, record high petroleum prices, massive taxation and devaluation of rupee _ from Rs175 to above Rs226 in the open market after hitting Rs250 mark before arrival of Ishaq Dar.

Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and family members resolved not to accept PTI or ”any one else” pressure for early elections.

Only Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Suleman Sharif, Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz and rest of the family members were present at the meeting in which they decided not to accept pressure from any side, including PTI for early elections, Geo TV reported today quoting sources.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suddenly reached London from Egypt two days ago after attending COP27 summit in Cairo to meet his elder brother Nawaz Sharif to discuss long-march, snap polls demand, and scenario arising after attack on Imran Khan.

In the family meeting, Nawaz Sharif askedd Shehbaz to do his best to take Pakistan out of the economic crisis without succumbing to any kind of pressure.

Shehbaz Sharif’s this visit to London was the third such trip since he became prime minister in April. Sharif’s visit to London comes two weeks before the end of Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure. The army chief is set to retire on November 29.

Latest Development: Saudi Crown Prince defers visit to Pakistan

Pakistan’s foreign office has announced that the proposed visit of Saudi Crown Prince has been deferred. Saudi Arabia is a member of G20 nations and Saudi Crown Prince and other officials are attending G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, from Nov 15-16, 2022.

The foreign office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told media that the visit of Saudi Crown Prince will be rescheduled and new date of his visit to Pakistan will be announced soon.

Story updated on Nov 13 at 10am.

New army chief: Lt-Gen. Asim Munir can be next COAS of Pakistan as General Bajwa will retire on Nov 29

ISLAMABAD: Lt-General Asim Munir is being tipped as the new army chief of Pakistan after the retirement of COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

General Bajwal is scheduled to retire on Nov 29, 2022, and he has repeatedly stated that he will not accept further extension. At present, Lt-General Asim Munir is the senior most Lt-General in army.

In his recent interview to a senior journalist of The News, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hinted at the appointment of the senior most Lt-Generals as next army chief and CJCSC.

Meanwhile, Lt-General Azhar Abbas is expected to be promoted as 4-Star General for his appointment as Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The notifications of promotion and appointment of both the Lt-Generals _ Asim Munir and Azhar Abbas are expected to be issued in next few days.

Traditionally, the appointment of new army chief is announced two to three days before the retirement of the sitting COAS. However, the prime minister, defence minister and COAS finalise the name of new army chief three to four weeks ahead of retirement of army chief.

For instance, General Raheel Sharif and General Qamar Bajwa’s appointment as army chief was notified two days before the retirement of the serving army chiefs.

The incumbent COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa and CJCSC General Nadeem Raza are retiring on the same day _ Nov 29, 2022. And a few days before their retirement, the names of the new CJCSC and COAS will be finalised and notification may be issued in last week of General Bajwa as army chief.

Importantly, before leaving for 2-day China’s visit on Nov 1, 2022, PM Shehbaz Sharif told senior journalist Ansar Abbasi that defence ministry had yet not received summary from the army for the selection of CJCSC and COAS. As per practice, GHQ recommends five to six senior-most Lt-Generals for the selection of army chief and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

Then it is the constitutional privilege of prime minister to select any one from the given names as COAS and CJCSC.

COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa was appointed as army chief in 2016 for a three-year term. However, after the formation of PTI government led by Imran Khan as Prime Minister General Bajwa got three-year extension through hectic lobbying. Nonetheless, in last four to five weeks, General Bajwa has said thrice that he will not accept extension and getting retirement on Nov 29, 2022.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his elder brother Nawaz Sharif have decided to appoint the senior most Lt-General as the next army chief of Pakistan, ending controversy about the selection of new COAS.

According to PML-N, Pakistan Army will recommend names of top five Lt-Generals and the Prime Minister will appoint the two senior most Lt-Generals as the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff. If Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appoints the senior-most Lt-Generals as CJCSC and COAS, Imran Khan would not be in a position to politicize their appointments.

Latest update

Pakistan Army’s media wing said that GHQ has forwarded the summary for the selection of CJCSC and COAS. The summary contains six names of senior most Lt-Generals. GHQ has sent summary to the Ministry of Defence which has forwarded it to the Prime Minister Office on Tuesday night.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the name of new army chief will be notified within 48 hours as the Prime Minister office has received the summary.

Story updated on Nov 23 at 6:15am.