It seems that there will be no major changes in the Pakistan Army Act of 1952. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has given a clarification on the matter.
Taking to Twitter, Khawaja Asif rejected the rumors of the government considering making “major changes” to the Pakistan Army Act. On the other hand, with this clarification, it is being speculated that a plan to amend the Act is on the cards. Nevertheless, Khawaja Asif also called out the media for creating an “uncalled for” hype.
Read more: National Assembly passes Army Act Amendment 2020: Latest Updates
“The media hype over amendments in Pakistan Army Act is uncalled for. The government is not considering any major changes in the said Act. SCP had demanded a review of relevant clauses of PAA in its judgment in CP 39/2019 which shall be complied with in due course,” Khawaja Asif said.
Media hype over amendments in Pakistan Army Act is uncalled for. Government is not considering any major changes in the said Act. SCP had demanded review of relevant clauses of PAA in its judgement in CP 39/2019 which shall be complied with in due course.
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 16, 2022
Earlier, media reports had emerged that the government “seems” to be considering amending the army act to empower the appointing authority — the prime minister — to retain any candidate through a simple notification, rather than having to go through a complex, constitutional process.
The report further mentioned that after some changes, the report will be laid down before the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) after the Ministry of Defence’s nod last month. Later, it will land before the parliament for legislation.
Interestingly, the report comes as the army is all set to see a change of command, with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa all set to retire soon.
Read more: FIA springs into action against anti-Army campaign
Meanwhile, reacting to the reports of changes in the Army Act, PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan accused the “imported government” of bringing changes to the Army Act “for its own benefit”, saying all appointments made by the “imported government” were made for “personal benefits”. He reiterated that all-important appointments should be made on merit.