Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa's term has been extended for another three years by Prime Minister Imran Khan in view of the “regional security environment,” an official announcement in Islamabad said on Monday, 19 August.
General Bajwa, 58, who was appointed as the chief of Army Staff by former jailed prime minister Nawaz Sharif in November 2016, was to retire in November this year.
“General Qamar Javed Bajwa is appointed Chief of Army Staff for another term of three years from the date of completion of current tenure,” read the brief notification issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
"The decision has been taken in view of the regional security environment," Dawn reported, citing the decision made by Prime Minister Khan.
The decision has come amidst speculations regarding Prime Minister Khan extending Bajwa’s term as both have been working closely.
Bajwa Also Nominated Member of National Development Council
Bajwa accompanied Khan on his maiden US visit during which he met US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Khan had also nominated Bajwa as a member of the National Development Council, in an unprecedented move.
In Pakistan, the appointment of the Army chief is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and his government.
Bajwa's extension comes amidst worsening ties between India and Pakistan following India's decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370.
Reacting to India's decision, Pakistan expelled the Indian High Commissioner, after deciding to downgrade diplomatic ties with New Delhi.
Pakistan also suspended its trade relations with India in retaliation against New Delhi's decision.
India has categorically told the international community that its move to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution, revoking the special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was an internal matter and has also advised Pakistan to accept the reality.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)