Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and the country's former prime minister Imran Khan said that the former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had given him the advice to dissolve the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), The News.com reported.

In an interview held on Sunday, Khan said that he held a meeting with General Bajwa, in the presence of President Arif Alvi, where the former army chief suggested if he wanted elections then he needs to dissolve his governments in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to a report published by The News.com.

The deposed prime minister was ousted from his office following a no-confidence motion in April 2022. Khan said that he was informed by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) that Bajwa intended to bring Shehbaz Sharif into power.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-interim-bail-in-three-cases-extended-till-april-13-579092">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's interim bail in three cases extended till April 13</a>

"General Bajwa and the (premier intelligence) agency knew that the current rulers had stolen the money from the national kitty and taken it abroad. Despite knowing this, General Bajwa was willing to give them 'NRO' as he had planned an extension (for himself)," said Khan.

In the interview, Khan stated that elections can take place in July if the incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decides to dissolve the National Assembly, which is the parliament's lower house.

"Elections can be held in July if the prime minister dissolves the assembly," stated the ousted premier.

He further emphasised that the caretaker government present in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where PTI was in power before the two assemblies were dissolved by Khan on January 14 and 18, respectively, are illegal as their stipulated term has lapsed.

He stated that the caretaker government needs to be abolished and a new "neutral" interim government must be instated. He added that the country's Supreme Court has given the date of May 14 for the Punjab elections and his party won't allow the government to postpone elections beyond that.

WATCH | Imran Khan urges international community to recognise Taliban | WION Dispatch

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"If they think they (incumbent government) will pressurise the Supreme Court, we will not let it happen. They will scandalise the top court to run away from elections," Khan said.

Even as the government continues to cite security as a major issue for conducting elections, the lack of monetary funds for conducting polls has been communicated as the real reason behind the delay.

"There may be no money even in October. The situation may worsen. We cannot go beyond May 14,” Khan said. He added that people have been irked by the rising inflation and the government is afraid of their reaction and hence, is postponing the elections. "They are scared of elections," Khan said.

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and the country's former prime minister Imran Khan said that the former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had given him the advice to dissolve the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), The News.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and the country's former prime minister Imran Khan said that the former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had given him the advice to dissolve the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), The News.com reported. In an interview held on Sunday, Khan said that he held a meeting with General Bajwa, in the presence of President Arif Alvi, where the former army chief suggested if he wanted elections then he needs to dissolve his governments in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to a report published by The News.com. The deposed prime minister was ousted from his office following a no-confidence motion in April 2022. Khan said that he was informed by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) that Bajwa intended to bring Shehbaz Sharif into power. ALSO READ | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's interim bail in three cases extended till April 13 "General Bajwa and the (premier intelligence) agency knew that the current rulers had stolen the money from the national kitty and taken it abroad. Despite knowing this, General Bajwa was willing to give them 'NRO' as he had planned an extension (for himself)," said Khan. In the interview, Khan stated that elections can take place in July if the incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decides to dissolve the National Assembly, which is the parliament's lower house. "Elections can be held in July if the prime minister dissolves the assembly," stated the ousted premier. He further emphasised that the caretaker government present in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where PTI was in power before the two assemblies were dissolved by Khan on January 14 and 18, respectively, are illegal as their stipulated term has lapsed. He stated that the caretaker government needs to be abolished and a new "neutral" interim government must be instated. He added that the country's Supreme Court has given the date of May 14 for the Punjab elections and his party won't allow the government to postpone elections beyond that. WATCH | Imran Khan urges international community to recognise Taliban | WION Dispatch "If they think they (incumbent government) will pressurise the Supreme Court, we will not let it happen. They will scandalise the top court to run away from elections," Khan said. Even as the government continues to cite security as a major issue for conducting elections, the lack of monetary funds for conducting polls has been communicated as the real reason behind the delay. "There may be no money even in October. The situation may worsen. We cannot go beyond May 14,” Khan said. He added that people have been irked by the rising inflation and the government is afraid of their reaction and hence, is postponing the elections. "They are scared of elections," Khan said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan: Imran Khan says former army chief Bajwa asked him to dissolve provincial assemblies

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has claimed that retired Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa called him a 'playboy' during their last meeting before the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) leader was ousted from his position.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has claimed that retired Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa called him a 'playboy' during their last meeting before the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) leader was ousted from his position. "In a meeting with General Bajwa in August 2022, he told me that he had audios and videos of my party men. He also reminded me that I was a 'playboy'. I told him…yes, I was (a playboy) in the past and I never claimed that I am an angel," Khan told the media during an interaction at his Lahore residence. The PTI leader has had a long-standing feud with Bajwa. Khan considers the former army chief as one of the principal architects of his fall from the prime minister's chair. Khan added that Bajwa's 'set-up' was still working in the establishment. "In Pakistan, the establishment is the name of one person." WATCH | Gravitas: TTP declares parallel government in Pakistan × The cricketer-turned-politician lamented that he gave an extended rope to Bajwa who showed his true colours after receiving the extension. "It was my great mistake to grant extension to Gen Bajwa. Bajwa started showing his 'true colours' after getting the extension and eventually conspired against my government on the issue of accountability," added Khan. "I came to know that he [Bajwa] was carefully playing a double game...and wanted to make Shehbaz Sharif the prime minister. Bajwa stabbed me in my back." Read more: Pakistan says will target TTP on Afghan soil, Taliban say things can be resolved by dialogue While a democratic regime sits in Islamabad at all times, it is the army headquarters in Rawalpindi where the big decisions are taken and communicated to the executive. Thus, for most Pakistani PMs, having an ally in the army chief is all the more necessary. When it was announced that General Bajwa was finally retiring after his six-year tenure in the office current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed that Khan had approached him and offered the name of three candidates who could be nominated for the post of army chief. "Imran Khan suggested that we give him three names and he gives three names for the post of army chief and then we decide on the appointment of the new chief from those six names." Khan refuted the allegations and said he did not want an army chief of his choice but someone who is selected on merit. Read more: After PM Shehbaz Sharif's allegations, Imran says, 'Don’t want an army chief of my choice' (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

General Bajwa called me a 'playboy' during our last meeting: Imran Khan

Ramping up his attack against General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who recently stepped down as Pakistan’s army chief, former prime minister Imran Khan said he regrets extending the tenure of the military chief in 2019.

Terming his decision a “big mistake”, Khan accused Bajwa of playing a “double game” against his government.

In an interview with a local TV channel, the ex-PM said he regretted putting his trust in the then-army chief. “I would believe in everything General Bajwa would tell me because our interests were the same… that we had to save the country.”

“I did not get to know how the lies were spoken and I was betrayed,” he added.

Khan, who was ousted in April this year after losing a no-confidence motion in parliament, claimed that he received reports from the intelligence agencies on “what games were being played against his government”.

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He alleged that the military establishment under General Bajwa was in cahoots with Pakistan Muslim League (N) chief Nawaz Sharif to topple his government.

The former-cricketer-turned politician further alleged that their partnership became apparent following the removal of Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed, considered close to Bajwa, as the ISI chief in October 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asim-munir-kicks-off-armys-game-of-thrones-in-pakistan-with-major-reshuffle-539646">General Asim Munir kicks off Pakistan army's game of thrones with major reshuffle</a>

“Gen Bajwa was playing a double game and I discovered later that even PTI’s members were being given different messages,” he was quoted as saying.

Gen Bajwa, 61, retired on November 29 after getting a three-year extension in 2019 by the then prime minister Khan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mends-its-strategy-after-ttp-calls-off-ceasefire-539099">Pakistan mends its strategy after TTP calls off ceasefire</a>

On a number of occasions, Khan had lashed out against the former military chief for allegedly interfering in government affairs.

Khan and Bajwa used to enjoy cordial relations as it was widely believed and claimed by the opposition that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief won the elections in 2018 with the help of the army, which was headed by Bajwa at that time.

In his farewell address last week, Bajwa said that his decision to keep the military establishment “apolitical” will shield it from the “vagaries of politics” in the coup-prone country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ramping up his attack against General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who recently stepped down as Pakistan’s army chief, former prime minister Imran Khan said he regrets extending the tenure of the military chief in 2019.

Ramping up his attack against General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who recently stepped down as Pakistan’s army chief, former prime minister Imran Khan said he regrets extending the tenure of the military chief in 2019. Terming his decision a “big mistake”, Khan accused Bajwa of playing a “double game” against his government. In an interview with a local TV channel, the ex-PM said he regretted putting his trust in the then-army chief. “I would believe in everything General Bajwa would tell me because our interests were the same… that we had to save the country.” “I did not get to know how the lies were spoken and I was betrayed,” he added. Khan, who was ousted in April this year after losing a no-confidence motion in parliament, claimed that he received reports from the intelligence agencies on “what games were being played against his government”. “We were constantly told that they want continuity, while in the background conspiracy was happening”-@ImranKhanPTI pic.twitter.com/0JOEjowHOu — PTI (@PTIofficial) December 3, 2022 × He alleged that the military establishment under General Bajwa was in cahoots with Pakistan Muslim League (N) chief Nawaz Sharif to topple his government. The former-cricketer-turned politician further alleged that their partnership became apparent following the removal of Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed, considered close to Bajwa, as the ISI chief in October 2021. Also read | General Asim Munir kicks off Pakistan army's game of thrones with major reshuffle “Gen Bajwa was playing a double game and I discovered later that even PTI’s members were being given different messages,” he was quoted as saying. Gen Bajwa, 61, retired on November 29 after getting a three-year extension in 2019 by the then prime minister Khan. Also read | Pakistan mends its strategy after TTP calls off ceasefire On a number of occasions, Khan had lashed out against the former military chief for allegedly interfering in government affairs. Khan and Bajwa used to enjoy cordial relations as it was widely believed and claimed by the opposition that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief won the elections in 2018 with the help of the army, which was headed by Bajwa at that time. In his farewell address last week, Bajwa said that his decision to keep the military establishment “apolitical” will shield it from the “vagaries of politics” in the coup-prone country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Big mistake’: Ex-Pak PM Khan regrets extending tenure of former army chief Bajwa

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has come out in defence of the outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. The agency said that the allegations surrounding the army chief and his family members making the rounds on social media were "misleading".

A recent report by Pakistani investigative news website FactFocus claimed that Gen Bajwa and his family amassed assets worth 5.66 billion US dollars (12.7 billion Pakistani rupees) over the past six years of his term. This includes assets and businesses&nbsp;both within and outside Pakistan.

Watch | Pakistan: Lt Gen Asim Munir appointed as new Army Chief, will succeed Gen Bajwa

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The claims in the report were based on tax records and wealth statements of the Bajwa family.

Ishaq Dar, the finance minister, initiated an investigation shortly after the news was released and stated that the leak&nbsp;violated "the complete confidentiality of tax information that the law provides."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/social-media-anger-illicit-family-wealth-outgoing-pak-army-chief-bajwa-faces-pushback-online-537363">Outgoing Pak army chief Bajwa faces online anger over ‘lies’, huge rise in family wealth during term</a>

However, the military's media wing ISPR&nbsp;said in its statement that the data presented in the report was exaggerated and based on assumptions, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

Calling the allegations "blatant lies and malice" the agency said that the report is totally untrue and that Gen Bajwa and his family regularly file their tax returns.&nbsp;"Like every citizen, the army chief and his family are answerable to the tax authorities for their assets."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lt-gen-asim-munir-named-pakistans-new-army-chief-536997">Lt Gen Asim Munir, due to retire on Nov 27, named Pakistan’s new army chief&nbsp;</a>

The agency said that the report gives a "false impression" that these assets were acquired by the outgoing army chief's 'samdhi' (his children's in-laws) during his six-year tenure.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has come out in defence of the outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. The agency said that the allegations surrounding the army chief and his family members making the rounds on social media were "misleading".

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has come out in defence of the outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. The agency said that the allegations surrounding the army chief and his family members making the rounds on social media were "misleading". A recent report by Pakistani investigative news website FactFocus claimed that Gen Bajwa and his family amassed assets worth 5.66 billion US dollars (12.7 billion Pakistani rupees) over the past six years of his term. This includes assets and businesses both within and outside Pakistan. Watch | Pakistan: Lt Gen Asim Munir appointed as new Army Chief, will succeed Gen Bajwa The claims in the report were based on tax records and wealth statements of the Bajwa family. Ishaq Dar, the finance minister, initiated an investigation shortly after the news was released and stated that the leak violated "the complete confidentiality of tax information that the law provides." Also read | Outgoing Pak army chief Bajwa faces online anger over ‘lies’, huge rise in family wealth during term However, the military's media wing ISPR said in its statement that the data presented in the report was exaggerated and based on assumptions, reported Dawn. Calling the allegations "blatant lies and malice" the agency said that the report is totally untrue and that Gen Bajwa and his family regularly file their tax returns. "Like every citizen, the army chief and his family are answerable to the tax authorities for their assets." Also read | Lt Gen Asim Munir, due to retire on Nov 27, named Pakistan’s new army chief The agency said that the report gives a "false impression" that these assets were acquired by the outgoing army chief's 'samdhi' (his children's in-laws) during his six-year tenure. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan military's media wing calls reports of General Bajwa's wealth 'blatant lies and malice'

In what can be said to be a politically loaded address, Pakistan's outgoing Army chief Bajwa has asked political leaders to 'accept defeat'. Watch this report.

General Qamar Bajwa delivers his last speech as Pakistan Army chief

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is set to retire on November 29. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already started the process of appointing his successor, saying that they will be finalising the names by this week.

Gen. Bajwa, 61, has already served his three-year extension and refused to extend his tenure further.

The Express Tribune newspaper has reported that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sent a list of recommendations to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Under the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) 1952, the MoD issues the ‘discharge summary’ of the incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to pave the way for the appointment of his successor.

According to the newspaper, the MoD has named five potential successors, even as the government is holding discussions to select the next army chief.

As per the seniority list, these are the five potential candidates who can replace Bajwa. Lt General Asim Munir, Lt General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Lt General Azhar Abbas, Lt General Numan Mahmud and Lt General Faiz Hameed.

<h2>Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood</h2>

Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood currently serves as the president of the of the National Defence University, Pakistan’s top military education institution.

He previously headed a department of the spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) that monitors foreign policy and security issues.

<h2>Who will be Pakistan's next Army chief? The process for the appointment begins</h2>

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<h2>Lieutenant General Asim Munir</h2>

Lt. Munir is the senior most officer after outgoing Gen. Bajwa, and is currently serving as Quartermaster General in the Pakistan Army. He previously served as the head of ISI, but was removed by Imran Khan during his premiership within eight months of his appointment.

<h2>Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed</h2>

Lt. Hameed is a three-star ranking general in the Pakistani Army, considered to be an Imran Khan loyalist. &nbsp;He is currently serving as Commander of the XXXI Corps

He was in charge of the ISI when the Taliban took over Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-govt-orders-probe-against-journalist-for-leaking-wealth-records-of-army-chief-bajwa-536310">Pak govt orders probe against journalist for leaking wealth records of army chief Qamar Bajwa</a>

Hameed once boastfully claimed to have helped the Taliban oust the Americans last August and Americans suspect Hameed’s role in supporting Khan’s foreign conspiracy claims against the US for his ouster, reported Islam Khabar.

<h2>Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad Mirza</h2>

He is the senior-most serving officer in the army after General Bajwa. As director general of military operations, he oversaw strikes against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and other militant groups in the North Waziristan province, near the Afghan border, according to Bloomberg.

<h2>Lieutenant General Azhar Abbas</h2>

General Azhar Abbas Abbas currently holds the second most important position in the military- chief of general staff- and oversees the military’s operational and intelligence business.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is set to retire on November 29. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already started the process of appointing his successor, saying that they will be finalising the names by this week.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is set to retire on November 29. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already started the process of appointing his successor, saying that they will be finalising the names by this week. Gen. Bajwa, 61, has already served his three-year extension and refused to extend his tenure further. The Express Tribune newspaper has reported that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sent a list of recommendations to the Prime Minister’s Office. Under the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) 1952, the MoD issues the ‘discharge summary’ of the incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to pave the way for the appointment of his successor. According to the newspaper, the MoD has named five potential successors, even as the government is holding discussions to select the next army chief. As per the seniority list, these are the five potential candidates who can replace Bajwa. Lt General Asim Munir, Lt General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Lt General Azhar Abbas, Lt General Numan Mahmud and Lt General Faiz Hameed. Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood currently serves as the president of the of the National Defence University, Pakistan’s top military education institution. He previously headed a department of the spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) that monitors foreign policy and security issues. Who will be Pakistan's next Army chief? The process for the appointment begins Lieutenant General Asim Munir Lt. Munir is the senior most officer after outgoing Gen. Bajwa, and is currently serving as Quartermaster General in the Pakistan Army. He previously served as the head of ISI, but was removed by Imran Khan during his premiership within eight months of his appointment. Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed Lt. Hameed is a three-star ranking general in the Pakistani Army, considered to be an Imran Khan loyalist. He is currently serving as Commander of the XXXI Corps He was in charge of the ISI when the Taliban took over Afghanistan. Also read | Pak govt orders probe against journalist for leaking wealth records of army chief Qamar Bajwa Hameed once boastfully claimed to have helped the Taliban oust the Americans last August and Americans suspect Hameed’s role in supporting Khan’s foreign conspiracy claims against the US for his ouster, reported Islam Khabar. Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad Mirza He is the senior-most serving officer in the army after General Bajwa. As director general of military operations, he oversaw strikes against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and other militant groups in the North Waziristan province, near the Afghan border, according to Bloomberg. Lieutenant General Azhar Abbas General Azhar Abbas Abbas currently holds the second most important position in the military- chief of general staff- and oversees the military’s operational and intelligence business. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

With Pak army chief Qamar Bajwa set to retire, here are top contenders likely to succeed him

With the date of retirement of Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa fast approaching, the Shehbaz Sharif government is expected to start the appointment process on Monday, according to a report in Dawn.

With the date of retirement of Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa fast approaching, the Shehbaz Sharif government is expected to start the appointment process on Monday, according to a report in Dawn. The tenure of General Bajwa ends on November 29 and the appointment of the new chief is likely to take place before November 27. The government, its allies and the military establishment were on the same page regarding the consultation process for the appointment, according to a source quoted by the publication. The report added that the Sharif government is hopeful that President Dr Arif Alvi will not create any 'hurdle' in the selection process. Pakistani media reports have suggested that the president could hold up the notification for up to 25-days. In the lead-up to the appointment, PM Sharif had stopped in London earlier this month to meet his older brother Nawaz Sharif. According to Defence Minister Asif Khawaja, the appointment of the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS) figured in the discussion. WATCH | PM Shehbaz Sharif meets Nawaz in London, delays return to Pakistan × As soon as the news of the meeting hit the newsstands, Pakistan's opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and its chief Imran Khan trained his guns on the Sharif brothers. He said the brothers were creating a spectacle by choosing the next Army chief in London. "Today, a spectacle is taking place in London. Nowhere does such a scene takes place. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in London. What is the purpose of the meeting? Talks are being held on the decision to choose the Pakistan army chief," said Khan. "The important decisions of the country are taken abroad and by those who have looted Pakistan for the last 30 years," he added. Last week, Sharif created another round of controversy when it came to light that his government was mulling amending the laws to have greater authority over the re-appointment of the army boss and other officers. Read more: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to get power to 'retain' Army chief, other senior officers (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan Army chief appointment process to start today: Report

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday claimed that his predecessor Imran Khan contacted him a month ago and offered him the name of three candidates who could be nominated for the post of army chief.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday claimed that his predecessor Imran Khan contacted him a month ago and offered him the name of three candidates who could be nominated for the post of army chief. According to local media reports, Sharif made the revelation while holding a meeting with social media influencers in the eastern city of Lahore. "Imran Khan suggested that we give him three names and he gives three names for the post of army chief and then we decide on the appointment of the new chief from those six names," said Sharif. "If there is a common name in both the lists, then we will agree. I flatly refused Imran Khan's offer by saying 'thank you'," he added. The Pakistan PM said he "only offered to hold talks on the charter of democracy and the charter of economy". “I sent a message [to Imran Khan] that the appointment of army chief is the constitutional right of the prime minister and I would do it on my own,” he added. WATCH | Imran Khan accuses Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif of corruption × The statement by Sharif, if true, could harm Khan, who has started a march from Lahore to the capital city of Islamabad to protest against the ruling administration and call for fresh elections. The former PM has been iterating for the past few months that the Sharif government is stalling elections to bring an army chief of its choice. Read more: Pakistan PM to appoint next Army chief in November, says Defence Minister Asif As reported by WION, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa is in the last essay of his stint as the army leader. He is expected to retire in November after a six-year tenure and Sharif is yet to name his successor. The appointment of the Army chief in Pakistan is a big deal as the Army rules the coup-prone country from behind the curtains. While a democratic regime sits in Islamabad at all times, it is the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi where the big decisions are taken and instructed to the executive. Most governments in Pakistan tend to have an Army chief that dictates the actions. The selection of the COAS thus assumes paramount importance. Read more: Pakistan army chief hints at peace with India without mentioning Kashmir (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif claims Imran Khan contacted him for new army chief's selection

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa is in the last essay of his stint as the army leader. In the backdrop of the country going through its worst period, both on the economic and human front courtesy of the devastating floods, Bajwa is now batting for peace. Without naming India Bajwa called for the resolution of all bilateral ties.&nbsp;

“We must give peace a chance by developing a mechanism to resolve all our bilateral issues peacefully. Moreover, as opposed to fighting each other, we should collectively fight hunger, poverty, illiteracy, population explosion, climate change and disease,” &nbsp;said Bajwa at the passing-out parade at Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;

Bajwa, who is expected to retire after his extended six-year tenure in November, however,&nbsp;asserted that the desire for peace must not be construed as weakness.&nbsp;

“I must highlight here that our desire for peace must not be construed as our weakness. No one should make any mistake about our collective resolve to defend our core interests and every inch of our motherland,” he added.&nbsp;

“We are trying our best to break the political logjam which has denied the countries of South Asia to move forward and resolve all regional and bilateral issues in a peaceful and dignified manner.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-to-appoint-next-army-chief-in-november-says-defence-minister-asif-517303">Read more: Pakistan PM to appoint next Army chief in November, says Defence Minister Asif</a>

However, experts were not too amused with Bajwa's call. Indian Army's&nbsp;Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain stated it wasn't the first time that Bajwa had came up with such lofty statements.

"This is not the first time that General Bajwa has talked about peace with India. But the follow-up has hardly been evident," Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain told WION.&nbsp;

"Whenever you speak about these things, it must be followed with executive direction and some kind of demonstration which unfortunately has been missing," added the army veteran.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> has appealed for peace with its regional partners. 
 
Pakistan's chief of army staff, General <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QamarJavedBajwa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QamarJavedBajwa</a> stressed on the need for peace and developing mechanisms for resolving bilateral issues.<a href="https://twitter.com/alysonle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alysonle</a> speaks to LT General (R) <a href="https://twitter.com/atahasnain53?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atahasnain53</a> for more perspective <a href="https://t.co/oKBFvJdz4i">pic.twitter.com/oKBFvJdz4i</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1578729422038917121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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While Bajwa batted for a peaceful resolution of the relations, he didn't bring Kashmir into the conversation which experts believe was a rarity from the Pakistani army chief.

In April earlier this year, Bajwa had worked the peaceful resolution of disputes between the two neighbours into his speech but added the Kashmir caveat again.&nbsp;

“Pakistan continues to believe in using dialogue and diplomacy to resolve all outstanding issues including the Kashmir dispute and is ready to move forward on this front if India agrees to do so,” Bajwa said.&nbsp;

While Bajwa may have toned down his rhetoric, it was during his tenure that India-Pakistan had come perilously close to a war after the&nbsp;dastardly Pulwama attack&nbsp;in 2019.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa is in the last essay of his stint as the army leader. In the backdrop of the country going through its worst period, both on the economic and human front courtesy of the devastating floods, Bajwa is now batting for peace.

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa is in the last essay of his stint as the army leader. In the backdrop of the country going through its worst period, both on the economic and human front courtesy of the devastating floods, Bajwa is now batting for peace. Without naming India Bajwa called for the resolution of all bilateral ties. “We must give peace a chance by developing a mechanism to resolve all our bilateral issues peacefully. Moreover, as opposed to fighting each other, we should collectively fight hunger, poverty, illiteracy, population explosion, climate change and disease,” said Bajwa at the passing-out parade at Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Bajwa, who is expected to retire after his extended six-year tenure in November, however, asserted that the desire for peace must not be construed as weakness. “I must highlight here that our desire for peace must not be construed as our weakness. No one should make any mistake about our collective resolve to defend our core interests and every inch of our motherland,” he added. “We are trying our best to break the political logjam which has denied the countries of South Asia to move forward and resolve all regional and bilateral issues in a peaceful and dignified manner.” Read more: Pakistan PM to appoint next Army chief in November, says Defence Minister Asif However, experts were not too amused with Bajwa's call. Indian Army's Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain stated it wasn't the first time that Bajwa had came up with such lofty statements. "This is not the first time that General Bajwa has talked about peace with India. But the follow-up has hardly been evident," Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain told WION. "Whenever you speak about these things, it must be followed with executive direction and some kind of demonstration which unfortunately has been missing," added the army veteran. #Pakistan has appealed for peace with its regional partners. Pakistan's chief of army staff, General #QamarJavedBajwa stressed on the need for peace and developing mechanisms for resolving bilateral issues.@alysonle speaks to LT General (R) @atahasnain53 for more perspective pic.twitter.com/oKBFvJdz4i — WION (@WIONews) October 8, 2022 × While Bajwa batted for a peaceful resolution of the relations, he didn't bring Kashmir into the conversation which experts believe was a rarity from the Pakistani army chief. In April earlier this year, Bajwa had worked the peaceful resolution of disputes between the two neighbours into his speech but added the Kashmir caveat again. “Pakistan continues to believe in using dialogue and diplomacy to resolve all outstanding issues including the Kashmir dispute and is ready to move forward on this front if India agrees to do so,” Bajwa said. While Bajwa may have toned down his rhetoric, it was during his tenure that India-Pakistan had come perilously close to a war after the dastardly Pulwama attack in 2019. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan army chief hints at peace with India without mentioning Kashmir

A game of thrones is playing out in Pakistan. Pakistan's Army Chief is facing a rebellion from within.

Gravitas: Pakistan's Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa faces a rebellion from within

The Azadi March in Islamabad has left the Pakistani Army divided. As Imran Khan scrambles to control the rally, reports say a few Generals have taken a stand against General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Gravitas: Pakistan's army divided over opposition protest in Islamabad

Pakistan's win over South Africa at the World Cup on Sunday may be a relief but the presence of two spectators, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, chief of the Pakistan Army, and Major General Asif Ghafoor, the military's senior-most spokesperson has attracted all the wrong attention.

Pakistan Army Chief Trolled Over Match

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-orders-release-of-indian-national-hamid-nehal-ansari-183735">Pakistan's Army </a>Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other top military officers on Thursday pledged to support all stakeholders for bringing Afghan war to a logical and peaceful conclusion.

The 216th Corps Commanders' Conference, which was presided over by Gen Bajwa, also reviewed geo-strategic environment with special focus on regional security and situation on Pakistan's eastern and western borders, including the Line of Control (LoC), the army said in a statement.

The commanders also highlighted the importance of regional approach to eliminate roots of terrorism, they said.

The forum hoped "for success of ongoing Afghan reconciliation process while supporting all stakeholders to bring Afghan war to a peaceful logical conclusion", the statement said.

The military brass also pledged to safeguard against all external threats while consolidating gains of counter-terrorism military operations, which have put security situation of the country on positive trajectory for socio-economic progress and development, it said.

They also expressed support for the national institutions.

"We shall continue to support all state institutions for peace, stability and progress of the country in best interest of the people of Pakistan," the army chief said.

Pakistan's Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other top military officers on Thursday pledged to support all stakeholders for bringing Afghan war to a logical and peaceful conclusion.

Pakistan's Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other top military officers on Thursday pledged to support all stakeholders for bringing Afghan war to a logical and peaceful conclusion. The 216th Corps Commanders' Conference, which was presided over by Gen Bajwa, also reviewed geo-strategic environment with special focus on regional security and situation on Pakistan's eastern and western borders, including the Line of Control (LoC), the army said in a statement. The commanders also highlighted the importance of regional approach to eliminate roots of terrorism, they said. The forum hoped "for success of ongoing Afghan reconciliation process while supporting all stakeholders to bring Afghan war to a peaceful logical conclusion", the statement said. The military brass also pledged to safeguard against all external threats while consolidating gains of counter-terrorism military operations, which have put security situation of the country on positive trajectory for socio-economic progress and development, it said. They also expressed support for the national institutions. "We shall continue to support all state institutions for peace, stability and progress of the country in best interest of the people of Pakistan," the army chief said.

Pakistan Army pledges to support stakeholders to bring Afghan war to peaceful conclusion 

&nbsp;

Pakistan is committed to countering &quot;all militant groups&quot; operating within its territory, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has assured US Defence Secretary James Mattis during their first telephonic conversation. 
Gen (retd) Mattis reaffirmed the importance of bilateral military relationship during his conversation with Pakistan&#39;s Chief of Army Staff, the Pentagon said.

 
&quot;Gen Bajwa reiterated Pakistan&#39;s commitment to counter all militant groups operating in its territory,&quot; Pentagon Spokesman Capt Jeff Davis said.

 
&quot;Mattis recognised the significant sacrifices the Pakistan military has made in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and expressed appreciation for the Pakistan military&#39;s recent support for efforts to defeat ISIS-Khorasan Province,&quot; he said.

 
&quot;Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral military-to-military relationship, and highlighted the importance of continuing to work together on counter-terrorism and regional stability,&quot; Davis said. 
Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor said in a statement that General Bajwa and Secretary Mattis &quot;had a twenty minutes telephone conversation&quot;.

 
He said they reaffirmed the commitment towards the common goal of peace and stability in the region and discussed measures towards that end. Bajwa and Mattis also agreed on continued engagement at multiple levels. 
&quot;Secretary Mattis commended the sacrifices and resilience of the people and armed forces of Pakistan and appreciated the role Pakistan Army has played in battling the scourge of terrorism,&quot; Ghafoor said.

 
The army chief also congratulated the Secretary on his assumption of new responsibility and expressed the hope that his vast experience in the field will be of great value to the region, Ghafoor said. 
Pakistan has been trying to establish a rapport with the new administration but so far without much success.

 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s close foreign policy aide Tariq Fatemi had visited Washington in December but could not meet any top official of then president-designate.

 
The only high-level contact so far between the two sides was a brief telephonic talk between Trump and Sharif, who had called the former to congratulate him after his electoral triumph.

 
The call became controversial after its transcript was issued by Pakistan.&nbsp;It is believed that Mattis knows Pakistan well as he served as head of the US Central Command and has been to the country many times. 
In his confirmation hearing before the Senate, Mattis had emphasised on remaining engaged with Pakistan.

&nbsp; 
General John Nicholson, who leads the US and international forces in Afghanistan, has called for a &quot;holistic review&quot; of the relationship with Islamabad.&nbsp;

(PTI)

Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has assured US Defence Secretary James Mattis of all help to countering "all militant groups"

Pakistan is committed to countering "all militant groups" operating within its territory, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has assured US Defence Secretary James Mattis during their first telephonic conversation. Gen (retd) Mattis reaffirmed the importance of bilateral military relationship during his conversation with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, the Pentagon said. "Gen Bajwa reiterated Pakistan's commitment to counter all militant groups operating in its territory," Pentagon Spokesman Capt Jeff Davis said. "Mattis recognised the significant sacrifices the Pakistan military has made in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and expressed appreciation for the Pakistan military's recent support for efforts to defeat ISIS-Khorasan Province," he said. "Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral military-to-military relationship, and highlighted the importance of continuing to work together on counter-terrorism and regional stability," Davis said. Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor said in a statement that General Bajwa and Secretary Mattis "had a twenty minutes telephone conversation". He said they reaffirmed the commitment towards the common goal of peace and stability in the region and discussed measures towards that end. Bajwa and Mattis also agreed on continued engagement at multiple levels. "Secretary Mattis commended the sacrifices and resilience of the people and armed forces of Pakistan and appreciated the role Pakistan Army has played in battling the scourge of terrorism," Ghafoor said. The army chief also congratulated the Secretary on his assumption of new responsibility and expressed the hope that his vast experience in the field will be of great value to the region, Ghafoor said. Pakistan has been trying to establish a rapport with the new administration but so far without much success. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's close foreign policy aide Tariq Fatemi had visited Washington in December but could not meet any top official of then president-designate. The only high-level contact so far between the two sides was a brief telephonic talk between Trump and Sharif, who had called the former to congratulate him after his electoral triumph. The call became controversial after its transcript was issued by Pakistan. It is believed that Mattis knows Pakistan well as he served as head of the US Central Command and has been to the country many times. In his confirmation hearing before the Senate, Mattis had emphasised on remaining engaged with Pakistan. General John Nicholson, who leads the US and international forces in Afghanistan, has called for a "holistic review" of the relationship with Islamabad. (PTI)

Terror talk on agenda: Pakistan army chief calls up US Defence Secretary

The dusty desert city of Khuzdar in southwestern Pakistan has no hospital and no commercial flights into its tiny airport, but government officials who visited recently spoke in glowing terms of its future as a hub of commerce.

Pakistan&#39;s new army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, was among a flock of dignitaries who descended upon Khuzdar, a city of 400,000, to tout the benefits of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for the southwestern province of Baluchistan.

How much the $57 billion network of energy projects, roads and a deep-water port linking western China with Pakistan&#39;s southwestern coast will benefit ordinary Pakistanis has been debated in recent months, with critics saying Chinese banks and companies will gain most.

Pakistani officials, however, assured students, officials and citizens at a seminar in Khuzdar that CPEC would bring new prosperity to Pakistan&#39;s largest, least-populous and poverty-plagued province.

&quot;Baluchistan unfortunately had been neglected in the past, for a host of reasons, but not anymore,&quot; Bajwa told the gathering at Khuzdar&#39;s Baluchistan University of Engineering and Technology.

The head of the army is one of the most powerful positions in Pakistan, where the military not only controls security but also operates a vast business empire and often dictates key areas of foreign policy.

Students in the audience were sceptical about whether CPEC would benefit the province.

Baluchistan, which has rich reserves of natural gas, copper and gold, has long complained that the national government takes far more from the province than it gives back. Ire over this has contributed to a long-running ethnic separatist rebellion.

A study late last year by the Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC) estimated CPEC would create 700,000 jobs in Pakistan and a Chinese newspaper recently placed the number at more than 2 million. But in Khuzdar, questions about how many jobs would come to Baluchistan from CPEC went unanswered.

&quot;I want to know what share Baluchistan will get and what the other provinces will get and on what basis?&quot; a female student asked during a question and answer session.

Where&#39;s the gas?

Concerns over how much Baluchistan will benefit were even voiced by a national official, Minister for Ports and Shipping Hasil Khan Bizenjo.

&quot;We just want to make sure that under CPEC the same thing does not happen to us as 1952, when gas was found in Baluchistan and yet in 2017 there is no gas in Khuzdar,&quot; said Bizenjo, originally from Baluchistan and a speaker at the conference.

Other speakers, however, envisioned Khuzdar as a centre of trade and industry.

Baluchistan chief minister Sanaullah Zehri said that Khuzdar would be one of 29 Special Economic Zones under CPEC that would &quot;greatly benefit the people of the city&quot;.

Khuzdar does not connect the provincial capital, Quetta, to the port city of Gwadar, but state representatives at the conference highlighted its significance as the second-largest city in the province and a potential transit point between Quetta and Karachi, Pakistan&#39;s biggest city and economic hub.

&quot;We believe that Khuzdar has the ability to attract a great deal of local and foreign investment,&quot; said Anwar Ul-Haq Kakar, a spokesman for the Baluchistan government.

The Khuzdar university&#39;s vice chancellor, Mohammad Amin, said he hoped CPEC could bring investment and jobs, because the city&#39;s location four hours&#39; drive from Quetta had made it difficult to attract even faculty at the school.

&quot;No one is coming because there is no infrastructure here as yet,&quot; Amin said of the university. &quot;We will offer any PhD who accepts a job here a brand new Toyota Corolla and a 100 per cent pay increase.&quot;

(Reuters)

General Qamar Javed Bajwa assured people at a seminar in Khuzdar that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will bring prosperity to Baluchistan

The dusty desert city of Khuzdar in southwestern Pakistan has no hospital and no commercial flights into its tiny airport, but government officials who visited recently spoke in glowing terms of its future as a hub of commerce. Pakistan's new army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, was among a flock of dignitaries who descended upon Khuzdar, a city of 400,000, to tout the benefits of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for the southwestern province of Baluchistan. How much the $57 billion network of energy projects, roads and a deep-water port linking western China with Pakistan's southwestern coast will benefit ordinary Pakistanis has been debated in recent months, with critics saying Chinese banks and companies will gain most. Pakistani officials, however, assured students, officials and citizens at a seminar in Khuzdar that CPEC would bring new prosperity to Pakistan's largest, least-populous and poverty-plagued province. "Baluchistan unfortunately had been neglected in the past, for a host of reasons, but not anymore," Bajwa told the gathering at Khuzdar's Baluchistan University of Engineering and Technology. The head of the army is one of the most powerful positions in Pakistan, where the military not only controls security but also operates a vast business empire and often dictates key areas of foreign policy. Students in the audience were sceptical about whether CPEC would benefit the province. Baluchistan, which has rich reserves of natural gas, copper and gold, has long complained that the national government takes far more from the province than it gives back. Ire over this has contributed to a long-running ethnic separatist rebellion. A study late last year by the Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC) estimated CPEC would create 700,000 jobs in Pakistan and a Chinese newspaper recently placed the number at more than 2 million. But in Khuzdar, questions about how many jobs would come to Baluchistan from CPEC went unanswered. "I want to know what share Baluchistan will get and what the other provinces will get and on what basis?" a female student asked during a question and answer session. Where's the gas? Concerns over how much Baluchistan will benefit were even voiced by a national official, Minister for Ports and Shipping Hasil Khan Bizenjo. "We just want to make sure that under CPEC the same thing does not happen to us as 1952, when gas was found in Baluchistan and yet in 2017 there is no gas in Khuzdar," said Bizenjo, originally from Baluchistan and a speaker at the conference. Other speakers, however, envisioned Khuzdar as a centre of trade and industry. Baluchistan chief minister Sanaullah Zehri said that Khuzdar would be one of 29 Special Economic Zones under CPEC that would "greatly benefit the people of the city". Khuzdar does not connect the provincial capital, Quetta, to the port city of Gwadar, but state representatives at the conference highlighted its significance as the second-largest city in the province and a potential transit point between Quetta and Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city and economic hub. "We believe that Khuzdar has the ability to attract a great deal of local and foreign investment," said Anwar Ul-Haq Kakar, a spokesman for the Baluchistan government. The Khuzdar university's vice chancellor, Mohammad Amin, said he hoped CPEC could bring investment and jobs, because the city's location four hours' drive from Quetta had made it difficult to attract even faculty at the school. "No one is coming because there is no infrastructure here as yet," Amin said of the university. "We will offer any PhD who accepts a job here a brand new Toyota Corolla and a 100 per cent pay increase." (Reuters)

Pakistan army chief promotes CPEC in Baluchistan