RAWALPINDI : Nov 10,2022: An announcement made by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday that army chief , Qamar Javed Bajwa , has begun farewell visits of the garrisons put on hold of all rumours relating to retirement of the incumbent and appointment of the new chief of army staff (COAS) .
Despite a clear announcement by the ISPR some months ago, the rumour relating to retirement of the incumbent army chief were touching top level of foul play in Pakistan.
The political pundits were giving twist to the issue on almost daily basis. The political strategists and commentators who start rumours every evening through their so called talks shows on local TV channels were adding confusion to the rumours on retirement of the incumbent army chief and incoming of his successor without any break.
Pakistan is among those countries where anybody can make any claim or hurl accuaitions on anybody without substantiating them with any evidence .
Interestingly top level political leadership of Pakistan crosses all limits to make unfounded claims and hurling allegations of serious nature on opponents without any self imposed restrictions. Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) has led other political parties in rumours mongering . Take any case right from the national security to appointment of the new army chief and from murder of any journalist or attack on it’s long march, PTI has a long and unending history of disiminating rumours which suit it to get the political milage.
Living its methodology of proving falsehood as truth , PTI top leadership made appointment of the new army chief his topic of every political speech in recent weeks.
Unfortunately , PTI top leadership did not deter from making unconstitutional demand of having his say in appointment of the new army chief.
Pakistan’s constitution says the prime minister will appoint the new army chief on completion of the tenure of the incumbent one. There is no role of any other political leader in appointment of the new army chief , but PTI wanted it without having any knowledge of the constitution.
Likewise , you can see political pundits and commentators making comments on serious issues of national significance without having any knowledge of the matter under discussion .
Keeping in view growing uncertainty in the country , the ISPR has issued the following statements to stop publicity mongers from making more rumours on the matter in hand.
*ISPR*
“General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited Sialkot and Mangla garrisons as part of his farewell visits to various formations. COAS met officers and men at both locations and addressed the troops. COAS appreciated formations for their excellent performance during various operations, training and natural calamities. COAS advised troops to keep serving the nation with same zeal and commitment no matter what the circumstances.
Earlier, on arrival at Sialkot, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Muhammad Aamer and by Lieutenant General Ayman Bilal Safdar at Mangla garrison”.
ISPR statement is crystal clear and it will halt rumours making machines on the retirement of Qamar Javed Bajwa and appointment of his successor .
Incumbent army chief ,Qamar Javed Bajwa, will retire on November 29 2022. He served Pakistan as army chief for six years . His tenure as army chief could be called as the most challenging time of Pakistan history. Pakistan army made unprecedented successes during his tenure. His visionary leadership resulted in success of Pakistan in war against terror. Incumbent army chief faced criticism from some circles gracefully but kept on moving forward to protect the national interest . Incumbent army chief shored Pakistan whenever it faced hard time on economic front and his services as army chief will always be honoured by the people of Pakistan.