‘Constitutional Violation’: Kayani’s extension challenged in SC

The petitioner pointed out to Article 184(3), asked court to direct govt to appoint General Wynne as new COAS.

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s extension was challenged in the Supreme Court on Saturday. Advocate Col (retd) Imanul Raheem filed a petition against the extension of General Kayani’s tenure, terming it a violation of the Constitution.  The petitioner pointed out to Article 184(3), asking the court to direct the government to appoint the senior most general, currently General Khalid Shameem Wynne, as the new COAS. The petitioner, who served as the Judge Advocate General in the Pakistan Army for 27 years, maintained that army regulations of 1998 also do not permit Gen Kayani to retain his current post. 28 Lt Generals have been retired from service beforehand, in the aftermath of the extension which is in clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution, the petition pointed out.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th, 2012.