Key military appointments at appropriate time: Shehbaz

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is not in a hurry to make topmost military appointments and has said that the decision will be taken at an appropriate time.Speaking to The News, the premier said that no decision has been taken so far as to who would be the new Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).It was also learnt that the military authorities have not yet moved the summary containing a panel of three-star Generals for the topmost military appointments.It is the Prime Minister’s discretion to appoint the CJCSC and COAS. Generally, the process of initiating the summary for the Prime Minister, containing the panel, starts in the second half of November unless the premier wants the panel early.However, the issue of these appointments is informally discussed among the ruling PML-N and its coalition partners.Though the Prime Minister is the competent authority, he can consult anyone for these appointments.In the present situation, it is said the premier’s consultation with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif appears to be really important, The News reported.Before announcing the appointment, the Prime Minister is also expected to take into confidence his key coalition partners.According to a PML-N source, unlike the past, the Prime Minister may have more emphasis on seniority.Though not mandatory, the Prime Minister may also informally seek the outgoing army chief’s advice.A senior journalist in a recent tweet suggested that the name of a top lieutenant general would not be considered for promotion and appointment because of his retirement date falling just a couple of days before November 29.