PM extends Army Chief’s term for 3 years from Nov 29

PM extends Army Chief’s term for 3 years from Nov 29

Updated at: 2247 PST, Thursday, July 22, 2010 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday extended the term of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Ashfaq Paervez Kayani for three years starting from November 29, 2010. In a televised announcement, the Prime Minister said the decision to extend the term of COAS has been in consultation with the President Asif Ali Zardari to ensure successful culmination of the ongoing war against terrorism. “The government is presently engaged in war against terrorism which is now in a critical stage,” the Premier asserted, adding, this requires continuity of military leadership under the present Army Chief who led successful operations in Swat, Malakand and South Waziristan. He said the Army Chief, due to his professional capabilities and leadership qualities, is looked upon with respect and honor both domestically and internationally. The Prime Minister said the operations initiated against Army Chief remained engaged in the planning, execution and supervision of military operations, making possible success of the offensives launched against the militants.