ISLAMABAD: (HRNW) Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has asserted that the appointment of new army chief was a prerogative of the incumbent prime minister (PM) under relevant procedures and laws.
In an informal talk with journalists outside Parliament, the defence minister said he had already informed the media that the process of appointments has been started.
He again ruled out reports of a deadlock over the name of the new army chief, claiming that past appointments were part of history in which all were shareholders. “If someone wants to challenge this matter in court, it is his right,” he added.
“The appointment of new army chief was a prerogative of the incumbent prime minister,” he said, reiterating that the matter should not be politicised.
Separately, in a tweet, the defence minister said the process of appointing the army chief and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC) had begun. “The process would be completed soon in line with all constitutional requirements,” he added.