Cabinet unanimously approves new summary seeking COAS Bajwa's extension   

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, has unanimously approved a new summery seeking extension in the service of  Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa for another three years, ARY News reported.  

Addressing a press conference following the cabinet meeting, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken the decision in the wake of the ongoing tense situation along the line of control, Indian threats and risk of false flag operation by Indian troops.

In a step to keep consistency in the Army’s command amid current regional situation, PM Imran under Article-243 has suggested the president to extend the service of General Qamar Javed Bajwa as the army chief, he said and clarified that the country’s constitution gave the premier discretionary powers to grant extension in service of the army chief during extraordinary situation.

Lauding the services of General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Shafqat Mahmood said that he played a significant role for the sovereignty and defence of the motherland.

The cabinet meeting added the words ‘extension in term’ in the Army Regulation Act-255 to assist the court, he said and added that the summary has been forwarded to the president for the final approval.

Read More: SC suspends notification of COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s extension

Earlier in the day, Supreme Court (SC) had suspended the notification confirming the extension of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa for another three years.

The SC had adjourned the further hearing of the case till tomorrow and served notices to the COAS, Defence Ministry and Attorney General of Pakistan.

Justice Asif Saeed Khosa had remarked that the Constitution doesn’t allow the prime minister to extend the service of the army chief. “Only the president can extend his service”, he had added.