Since Kayani is the senior most military officer among the three forces, he will automatically be handed the acting charge of CJCSC, says an official. PHOTO: AFP
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 8th, 2013.
COMMENTS (15)
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so one day every one will see his fate
There is still confusion. Seems issue is there and would be clear when new chief take over charge.
Yawn...
Hopefully a positive and mature change will come in security establishment after such retirements.. Ever generals protect generals, politicians protect politicians. While the public were encourage killing each others.
Why thank and hail him? He led a pretty useless force who could not a damn thing about the GHQ attack, Salala, OBL, Mehran base and so on so forth.
Create a group of candidates who on merit qualify for this post. Appoint the one elected through secret ballot by this group. This is the system for getting the best appointment.
@Mohinder sandhu: Really\?? What about general VK SIngh's antics.
“Occasionally the tree of Liberty must be watered with the blood of Patriots and Tyrants.” We have to get rid of these useless and corrupt drama queen leaders. Pakistan's economy could have crossed the $500 billion mark if the past five years we had better leaders but sadly we have turned into a failed state. Pakistan can be compared to African nations now. corruption,poverty, drugs and crime is what this nation has become. We have turned into an underdeveloped country from being one of the fastest developing countries. Palestine and Burma are our top priorities and Pakistan is our last. My dear brothers and sisters if you want Pakistan to enter the 21st century then FIGHT for your RIGHTS.
An utter embarrassment!!! for the Army Cheif who slept throughout his tenure (;
@Nadir: Yes for OBL fiasco and incompetence in tackling all forms of terrorism!
Although, the CJCSC is principally the highest ranking military officer among the armed forces, he doesn’t have any authority over the combat forces.
WHY?
Power abhors vacuum.
The latest controversy of general kiani"s retirement clearly shows that who is in command.In most countries it will be a defense ministry's simple notification that general is retiring and next in command will take over.But here every body was cautiously watching what is gonna happen next, no body dare to question or suggested the date when general will retire.I can say for sure the civilian government must have taken a sigh of relief that general himself sorted their problem.
Why the delay in selection??
Nation must thank and compensate General Kayani for yet another sacrifice.