Pak SC Suspends Army Chief’s Tenure Extension Until Wednesday

In August, Pakistan PM Imran Khan had approved an extension in the tenure of General Bajwa for another three years.

File image of Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.

(Photo Courtesy: Radio Pakistan)

Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa on Tuesday, 26 November, suspended the notification of Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa's tenure extension until the hearing on Wednesday.

The court issued notices to defence ministry, federal government and General Bajwa, who is due to retire on 29 November. The hearing was adjourned until Wednesday.

On 19 August, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had approved an extension in the tenure of Bajwa for another three years.

"General Qamar Javed Bajwa is appointed Chief of Army Staff for another term of three years from the date of completion of current tenure," the brief notification issued by the prime minister's office had said.

Only President Can Extend Tenure of Army Chief

The top judge, however, rejected the application and took up the petition in public interest under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution.

“Only the president of Pakistan can extend the tenure of the army chief,” he said during the hearing.

"Army chief's tenure was extended after the president's approval," the attorney general (AG) told the court. "The summary had been approved by the cabinet."

Justice Khosa said that out of 25 cabinet members, only 11 had approved the extension.

"Fourteen members of the cabinet did not give any opinion due to their absence," Justice Khosa said.

(This was first published on Dawn and has been republished with permission.)