The Army Chief’s appointment is likely to be finalised within 24 hours.

ISLAMABAD — According to sources with knowledge of the situation, the Army Chief’s appointment would be announced within the next 24 hours.

According to reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who was joined by the chiefs of major security organisations. SAPM Malik Ahmad Khan also attended the meeting.

The process to pick the new army leader has formally begun, according to information, as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa is slated to retire on November 29.

Bilawal warns the President of the implications if the Army Chief’s summary appointment is denied.

Earlier, Foreign Minister and Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto warned the President that he would face the consequences if he attempted to stall the appointment of the new Pakistan Army chief.

According to the Foreign Minister, the prime minister has the authority to appoint a new army chief under Pakistan’s constitution. According to Bilawal Bhutto, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan wants to sabotage the process of appointing the army chief, which will not happen.

If Imran Khan truly believes in democracy, he should allow the process for the important appointment to be completed, according to Bilawal Bhutto.

The PML-N has no preference for the army chief’s appointment: Minister of Defense

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif [this week] stated that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has no preferred candidate for the position of army commander.

However, Khawaja Asif subsequently stated on Friday that a consensus was achieved during Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s meeting with President Dr Arif Alvi.