Process to appoint new Army Chief likely to start next week

Islamabad_Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Thursday visited Sialkot and Mangla garrisons as part of his farewell visits to various formations, said a statement issued by Inter Services Public Relations.

COAS met officers and men at both locations and addressed the troops.

COAS appreciated formations for their excellent performance during various operations, training and natural calamities.

COAS advised troops to keep serving the nation with the same zeal and commitment no matter what the circumstances.

Earlier, on arrival at Sialkot, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Muhammad Aamer and by Lieutenant General Ayman Bilal Safdar at Mangla garrison.

Meanwhile the process to appoint new Army Chief is likely to start next week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif decided in a meeting held in London.

The prime minister who is in Britain held a meeting with his elder brother and former PM Nawaz Sharif in London.

During the meeting, it was decided that the former PM and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan this year. A diplomatic passport has also been issued to the former PM.

Sources privy to the meeting suggests that important decisions have been made in the meeting. It was also decided in the meeting that the government won’t be pressurized by the long march and the marchers will be dealt according to law.

Sources further said that PM Shehbaz will make important appointment in stipulated time and will meet coalition partners after returning to the country next week.

Maryam Nawaz, Khawaja Asif, Malik Ahmed, Salman Shahbaz and Hussain Shahbaz were also present in the meeting which continued for over three hours.