Ex-army chief Bajwa had no intention of seeking extension: Malik Ahmed

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan on Wednesday stated that he maintains a personal friendship with former Army Chief Gen (Retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, which continues to this day.

Speaking to media in Lahore, Khan addressed recent comments by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who claimed that Bajwa had previously denied seeking an extension. “I heard both of Khawaja Asif’s statements yesterday,” Khan said. “General Bajwa was clear that he was not seeking an extension, stating, ‘I’ve already received one; it’s not appropriate now.’”

Khan clarified that his conversations with Gen Bajwa rarely ventured into political matters. He mentioned a meeting in the US embassy where Bajwa denied rumours of an extension, adding, “Perhaps some details have slipped Khawaja Asif’s mind. Had there been any ill intent, Gen Bajwa had other options.”

The Speaker emphasised that his comments were made to set the record straight. “I rarely speak on such matters, but I must correct the facts. My personal friendship with Gen Bajwa remains, and I speak today in that context,” he said. “Gen Bajwa himself remarked that there are several officers deserving of advancement.”

Khan further elaborated that extending the tenure of an army chief is a government decision, noting, “For Gen Bajwa’s extension, votes were cast by the PPP, PML-N, and others.”

Regarding Asif’s remarks, Khan responded, “Khawaja Asif is referencing conversations that I have no evidence for. Gen Bajwa had previously stated in both local and international media that he was not seeking an extension and was committed to following seniority for future appointments.”