Extension to Gen. Kayani controversial: ex-Army chief Baig

RAWALPINDI - By giving an extension to Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, democracy in the country has taken a hit and would not get the protection it requires, claimed his predecessor in the same office General (retired) Mirza Aslam Baig.

General Baig said General Kayani should have instead been made the chief of defence staff, which was his right.

Admitting candidly that a three-year extension as COAS’ had been recommended for him also, he said his situation and approach was different.

He said the need of the hour was to make a joint command of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force.

He said that he had asked former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and former president Ghulam Ishaq Khan to form such a command, but they did not pay heed to him.

General (retired) Assad Durrani said that the government’s explanation for giving an extension to General Kayani was strange, and seemed to suggest that everything would collapse after three years.

The News quoted him as saying: “Will the system come to an end? Will the Army chief and the chief justice be appointed in line with the tenure of the government?”

Talat Masood said that the present war against terror could only be won with the public support.

He said that unless the civilian government realises its responsibility, the issue could not be solved. (ANI)