Stopgap Arrangement: Kayani to step into Wynne’s boots for now

In past, former military ruler Gen Musharraf was also given the additional charge of CJCSC.

ISLAMABAD:

Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani will be handed the additional charge of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) until Gen Khalid Shameem Wynne’s successor is picked, officials said on Monday.

The CJCSC post stood vacant from midnight on Monday following the retirement of Gen Wynne, who completed a three-year stint.

A defence official told The Express Tribune that in the absence of Gen Wynne’s successor, Kayani would be made acting CJCSC. The official, who requested anonymity, said that in the past former military ruler Gen Musharraf was also given the additional charge of CJCSC.

He, however, was later formally appointed CJCSC in addition to the post of army chief he was occupying in an effort to appease the general that eventually ousted Nawaz Sharif’s second government in a military coup in Oct 1999.

The official added that since Kayani is the senior most military officer among the three forces, he will automatically be handed the acting charge of CJCSC. On Sunday, Kayani dismissed speculation that he was seeking a third extension in his twice prolonged tenure. The army chief said that he would retire on November 29 -- the day his term expires.

Meanwhile, a special ceremony was held at the Joint Staff Headquarters as the armed forces bid farewell to Gen Wynne, the outgoing chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee who stepped down after 42 years of active service.

The ceremony was attended by the three services chiefs and other senior military officials.

“A smartly turned out Joint Services guard presented salute as the chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee arrived at the venue. General Khalid Shameem Wynne reviewed the parade,” said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.

Gen Wynne applauded the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces in defending the motherland, be it a conventional or the unconventional threat. He reiterated that defence of the country is impregnable and gallant soldiers, sailors and airmen will not hesitate in making it even more formidable.

Although, the CJCSC is principally the highest ranking military officer among the armed forces, he doesn’t have any authority over the combat forces.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2013.