Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has revealed that PML-N Supreme leader Nawaz Sharif approved the name of the new army chief nominated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
While talking to a private news channel, Ishaq Dar also revealed that the coalition government had also devised a plan B in case President Arif Alvi rejected the summary sent by the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the new army chief.
Ishaq Dar, while sharing details of both plans, mentioned that as per plan A, the government decided to retain those whose names were mentioned in the summary.
Read more: Govt officially notifies new COAS, CJCSC after President okays appointments
“Our plan B was to promote the candidate whose name was presented in the summary and appoint him as the vice-chief of army staff,” the finance minister said.
آرمی چیف کی تعیناتی کے لئے صدر اگر سمری واپس بھیجتے تو پلان اے کے بعد پلان بی تیار تھا ، وزیر خزانہ نے پلان بی بھی بتا دیا!@MIshaqDar50
مکمل پروگرام کے لئے لنک دیکھیںhttps://t.co/xQWnGRExhv#NadeemMalikLive #Pakistan #SamaaTv pic.twitter.com/UBsDCOGdG4
— Nadeem Malik 🇵🇰 (@nadeemmalik) December 13, 2022
Consultations on appointment of new army chief
Last month, Lt Gen Asim Munir was appointed the 17th Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan. He has served as the Quartermaster General in the Pakistan Army. He was appointed DG of the Military Intelligence in early 2017 and then ISI Director General in October 2018.
Lt-Gen Munir is also the recipient of the Sword of Honour from the 17th course of the Officers Training School in Mangla. Also, he is the recipient of the Hilal-i-Imtiaz.
Prior to his appointment, the government had maintained that the appointment would take place at the Prime Minister’s discretion. However, earlier in November, PM Shehbaz flew to London where he met his elder brother former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif.
Read more: General Asim Munir assumes charge as 17th COAS of Pakistan
It was reported that discussions during these high-level huddles revolved around crucial political matters in Pakistan including the new army chief’s appointment.
While responding to speculations about the role of Nawaz Sharif in the appointment, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had said that it would be done at the “premier’s discretion” and he would decide.
Now, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has revealed that PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif gave the approval for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s top pick for Pakistan’s new army chief.