President can extend COAS service tenure on PM recommendation: Army Act Amendment draft

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The President of Pakistan will be able to extend the service tenure of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, said the Army Act Amendment draft obtained by 92 News. According to the draft, a new chapter has been included in the Army Act 1952 by amending the Article 243. The extension will be for maximum three years. Moreover, the appointment, re-appointment and extension of the Army Chief will not be able to be challenged in court. According to the draft, the stipulated age for the retirement of a general will not be applicable to the Army Chief. The Army Chief will continue to hold his post despite attaining the retirement age. Moreover, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee can be appointed from chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force and his appointment will be for three years. The President, according to the draft, will decide the terms and condition for the CJCSC on the recommendation of the prime minister. A senior general of the Army can also be appointed as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The CJCSC can be granted extension for three years on the recommendation of the prime minister. The CJCSC appointment, re-appointment and extension will not liable to be challenged in any court.