‘Gen Faiz Hameed fought for army chief’s position until the last moment’

Khawaja Asif says General (retd) Bajwa had mentioned stepping back if Faiz Hameed’s name was proposed for the top slot

Defence Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif claimed that the country’s former spymaster, Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, made relentless efforts to become the Chief of Army Staff until the very last moment.

In an interview, Khawaja Asif shared that prior to his retirement, Faiz was determined to secure the top military position and actively pursued it.

He said that former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa was also in continuous contact with PML-N leadership, seeking their support in this regard. General Faiz personally reached out as well, he added.

Asif confirmed that General (retd) Bajwa had mentioned stepping back if Faiz Hameed’s name was proposed, while Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif should do the same if Asim Munir was suggested. He noted that his meetings with General (retd) Bajwa, often facilitated by helicopter, were witnessed by Ahmed Ali Khan, the then Speaker of the Punjab Assembly.

Khawaja Asif further asserted that the political developments following Faiz Hameed’s retirement clearly indicate his influence. He emphasized that someone who has wielded immense power often finds it difficult to take a back seat.