Army chief to retire on Nov 29; says institutions are stronger than individuals and must take precedence.
“My tenure ends on November 29, 2013. On that day I will retire,” Gen Kayani said in an unprecedented statement issued by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Speculations were rife in the local and international media that Gen Kayani might not relinquish his office in November on the pretext that it would somehow derail the military’s anti-terror campaign. Some reports even suggested that Kayani would be made chairman of a revamped Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Gen Kayani, however, put all such rumours to rest. “It’s time for others to carry forward the mission of making Pakistan a truly democratic, prosperous and peaceful country that embodies the finest dreams our founding fathers had envisaged for us,” he said.
“For quite some time, my current responsibilities and likely future plans have been debated in the media with all sorts of rumours and speculations doing the rounds. The subject of being entrusted with new duties has also come up in several reports. I’m grateful to the political leadership and the nation for reposing their trust in me and Pakistan Army at this important juncture of our national history,” he was quoted as saying by the ISPR.
However, he pointed out that since institutions were stronger than individuals they must eventually take precedence.
Gen Kayani also highlighted the army’s support to the democratic process during his six-year extended tenure as head of the powerful institution. “As I complete my tenure, the will of the people has taken root and a constitutional order is in place. The armed forces of Pakistan fully support and want to strengthen this democratic order,” he said.
He said Pakistan Army had made its contribution towards the democratic process with clarity of mind and a comprehensive understanding of the trajectory Pakistan needs to take.
“They have also proven, on countless occasions, through their priceless sacrifices that the defence and prosperity of Pakistan is their highest priority,” he added. “I have served this great nation and had the privilege of commanding the finest army of the world for six years to the best of my abilities and with the sincerest of my intentions.”
A senior army official told The Express Tribune that Gen Kayani had made up his mind long time ago that he would not seek any extension in his tenure. “He wants an honourable exit. He was very clear in his mind that others should also get a chance to reach the top position,” the official said while requesting anonymity.
However, it is not clear whether Gen Kayani will accept any other position after his retirement. There were speculations that he might be made national security adviser or Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States.
Following Kayani’s announcement, all eyes are now on the new chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the army chief.
The incumbent chairman CJCSC, General Khalid Shamim Wynne, will retire on Tuesday. One military source said that after Gen Kayani’s categorical statement, the government is likely to appoint a new CJCSC today (Monday).
The proposed names for the highest ranking military position include Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt and Lt Gen Haroon Aslam from Pakistan Army.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2013.
COMMENTS (21)
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An honorable decision by a great man.
The General can only be applauded for not disturbing the democratic set up in Pakistan but not on the professional front which was rather dismal as he was unable to control militancy which in fact increased during his tenure and thousands of innocent lives were lost.
@Nadir: Sir, no disrespect but let's not deviate from established routine. it will take time before things are right in Pakistan. Salams
"No man is indispensable." This is one of the laws of evolution. The other is "change." General Kayani did a splendid job in many ways to stabilize the country and defeat the TTP, but in some ways he was apathetic towards the civilians. Not that he was supposed to, but a word here and a word there could have made a difference. Salams and best wishes.
ET: It's time to stop trumpeting your speculations. Salams
@Betel-Q8: Well Mr. ask above has already listed his achievements. We understand your patriotism we also admire him as soldier. Thats it.
@Mirza: Remember he is on extension twice for a period of three years and has not retired on superannuation. Pakistan will remember him for ever for OBL fiasco.
@Pankaj: Anthony v/s Gen Kayani. Just un-thinkable for a comparison. What a bad taste. By the way, our PM is Nawaz Shareef, and not NawaJ Shareef. Update your knowledge !!!!
@Nadir and Roger - there is no pleasing you guys is there? If he had not done that and the announcement come from MOD you would be saying that he was 'sacked'.
COAS has performed very well in stabilization of democratic process in the country.He is a person who possesses complete knowledge of all country affairs.He should not be sent abroad. His services may be utilized as National Security Advisor to President of Pakistan.He may be assigned to eliminate terrorism from the country.
He is the person who knows the priorities and has the capacity to resolve it.He may be kept away from our enemies and utilize his services for building our country.
After president Zardri, Kayani is following a new trend of leaving when the term ends. Thanks for supporting democracy and not taking over the country which some had speculated. It is amazing that during the better part of the last two decades there have been only two army chief this is a record in any country. In most countries it is a ceremonial position and at the end of the career not for decades like Mush grabbed it. Thanks for doing the right thing general and setting an example.
He was an employee of the Government of Pakistan, and a public servant. In that sense he was no different than the postman who delivers our letters in all kinds of weather. This poor guy does not get to decide when or if he should retire, so how come another government servant does get this privilege? Is it because the postman does not have artillery and America backing him?
Bring back Mushhh!!
This Shows who is real boss in pakistan and people having too much hope from Nawaj shareef and are fooling themselves. Instead of Nawaj -Manmohan talks between AK-antony and Kayani would have been more fruitful.
So the General announces that he will retire.
Now if he meant half the words in his nicely crafted message, that message should have been preceded by an announcement from his civilian, politician bosses through Secertary MoD.
That is how it is done. Specially in armed forces with the British DNA. Civilian control, and the public perception of the said civilian control, of the armed forces and its officers is of paramount value and importance. For the very same reason, as a tradition, Flag or GoC rank officers don't exercise their right to vote in elections in many countries.
In true democracies, military brass serves at the pleasure, and at the tip of the pen of the elected civilians, no matter how odious these politicians happen to be from time to time. In return, the rank, seniority and traditions of the officer corp determines, within a very narrow band, who the civilian bosses can appoint to which post and when.
But then, I do commend General Kayani to take the decision that he took, and for having set up a proper precedent for his successors. Hopefully, the successors will improve on this and let the civilian administrative structure of the government take the lead of handling such tasks publically. These things take time to develop into ironclad traditions and General Kayani has started the process in the right direction.
All said, this is a real, positive watershed moment for Pakistan, regardless of your current challenges. All the best.
one of the most failed and shameful period comes to an end.. this country has witnessed several shameful events in his period.. hope things will better next time when we will not be caught napping all the time..
Thank you for your service
Farewell to a great leader.
who will be the next COAS any idea ??
Sir, as a citizen of Pakistan and keeping everything aside .. we as a nation, all bid you an honorable Farewell !.. thanks for all your efforts and accomplishing your duties for us ! there were strategic loopholes when it came to security issues with KPK but again we all are humans and there are chances of error in all of us...
A Standing Ovation & Farewell ! you deserve all our respect as Chief of Army Staff :D
Thank you General Kiyani for putting all speculations at rest I hope you have created a precedent for others to follow.
So the Army "announces" that he is going to retire. So he is the decision maker then? Shouldnt the Ministry of Defence be making these announcements?