Pakistan has amended the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 to increase the tenure of the chief of the armed forces. This is being perceived as a big blow to former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Why has Pakistan extended the tenure of armed force chiefs?
The retirement age has been hiked from three years to five years. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar believes that there is no harm if the tenure is like a five-year government tenure. He said the decision will bring stability and continuation of policies for institutions.
The move is said to be aimed at gaining support from powerful military personalities. The extension will now extend Army chief General Asim Munir ‘s tenure. The service tenure will start from the chief’s appointment day.
Imran Khan’s party – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf did not respond kindly to the amendment.
How did Imran Khan’s PTI react to the amendment?
PTI already blamed the military for his downfall, so they were not impressed. Omar Ayub, the party’s lawmaker termed the decision: bulldozing of legislation without any debate in either house. Ayub said the law was neither good for the party nor the country.
Geo TV, a local channel, reported that the legislation was passed within sixteen minutes.
Members of the party even tore copies of the bill to show their opposition.
Will the new retirement age be applicable to all service chiefs?
Yes. According to the new document, the amendment will be relevant to all chiefs of staff — in the army, air force and the Navy.
