Lieutenant General Haroon Aslam and Lieutenant General Rashid Mahmood have been reported as almost the “final” candidates, that will fill the upcoming vacancies after the retirement of Chairman Joint Staff Committee General Khalid Sharmeen Wynne and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani respectively. Although it has not been confirmed officially, these two names remain in the air as the talks for the next CJSC and COAS commence in the capital. The announcement is to be made by Premier Nawaz Sharif upon returning from the United Nations General Assembly.
Rumours and analyses emanating from journalists, military analysts and politicians remain abundant speculation, but the Premier has yet to declare a decision for either position. Considering how these two roles are the most influential card players in Pakistan’s domestic and foreign policy, it is an issue replete with dramatic turns and twists that yields – historically – unexpected changes.
Statements issued by the Federal Information Minister are ambiguous at best. This newspaper was informed that the Premier will announce the changes upon his arrival which is due in the next few days. It was contradicted by the ministry when it expressed ignorance about any such development. This growing confusion involving the most coveted military slots in Pakistan carries risk for the security situation of the country for several reasons. With 2014 around the corner and an imminent American military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan cannot afford ambiguity in its stance about its highest military rankings. Furthermore, with growing hostility from extremists and relentless episodic attacks on citizens that have led to dozens of lives lost in the past two weeks alone, the government would instill stability by giving a clear statement in the upcoming days in relation to the new CJCSC and COAS. Hopefully the decision will be in line with the order of seniority, and any adventurism will be avoided.