The Pakistan Army on Monday brushed aside reports that the army chief would seek to extend his tenure from three to four years. ISPR Director General Lt-General Asim Saleem Bajwa said in a Twitter message that speculations about extension in service of COAS are baseless. Though still ten months left in his retirement but there were debates and speculations going on in the media regarding this particular question either COAS would get the extension or not.
Masses and various politicians welcomed this decision of COAS whose popularity is touching the sky after successful military operations against the militants. Indeed it is a brave decision and deserved appreciations. Particularly if we put glance at our history we will find that people in position of substantial power kept extending their stay under one pretext or another. He not only killed the baseless speculations nurturing around by announcing his intention to not seek an extension but also highlighted the institutional strength of Pakistan army. He affirmed that fight to root out terrorism will continue with full resolve without him at the helm of affairs. The culture of extensions is not only damaging to democracy but also to the institutional health of the army itself. He proved that institutions need to be consolidated as they are bigger than the individuals. He would be the first army chief in years to finish his tenure on schedule.
As COAS has pledged that in 2016 country would give an emphatic defeat to the militancy and menace of terror would be eliminated. We believe his words and nation is looking towards his brave initiatives to achieve the goal of a peaceful Pakistan.
Dignified decision of COAS of not seeking extension has proved institutional strength of Pakistan army.
