Pakistan’s powerful Army Chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Sunday announced he will retire on due date next month, the military said.
The announcement came amid reports that General Kayani is likely to get extension or a new defence role. Some reports also suggested that he may be appointed as Pakistan's ambassador to the United States.
"My tenure ends on 29th November 2013. On that day I will retire. May the Almighty Allah help and guide us all," General Kayani said in a statement. The statement was issued by the army's Inter-Services Public Relations.
General Kayani served for six year as the army's chief. He was appointed by former Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf in November 2007. Former Prime Minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani had granted him a three-year extension in July 2010.
The government has not yet appointed new army chief.
Political leaders have hailed General Kayani's announcement however they said the government should have made the announcement.
Following is the full text of General Kayani statement.
"My tenure ends on 29th November 2013. On that day I will retire. May the Almighty Allah help and guide us all," General Kayani said in a statement. The statement was issued by the army's Inter-Services Public Relations.
General Kayani served for six year as the army's chief. He was appointed by former Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf in November 2007. Former Prime Minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani had granted him a three-year extension in July 2010.
The government has not yet appointed new army chief.
Political leaders have hailed General Kayani's announcement however they said the government should have made the announcement.
Following is the full text of General Kayani statement.
Responding to the media reports about his future, Chief of
Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said:-
"For quite sometime, my current responsibilities and
likely future plans have been debated in the media with all sorts of rumours
and speculations doing the rounds. The subject of being entrusted with new
duties has also come up in several reports. I am grateful to the political
leadership and the nation for reposing their trust in me and Pakistan Army at
this important juncture of our national history. However, I share the general
opinion that institutions and traditions are stronger than individuals and must
take precedence.
As I complete my tenure the will of the people has taken
root and a constitutional order is in place. The armed forces of Pakistan fully
support and want to strengthen this democratic order. Pakistan Army has made its
contribution towards this desired END with complete clarity of mind and a
comprehensive understanding of the trajectory Pakistan needs to take. They have
also proven, on countless occasions, through their priceless sacrifices that
the defence and prosperity of Pakistan is their highest priority.
I have served this great nation and had the privilege of
commanding the finest Army of the world for six years to the best of my
abilities and with the sincerest of my intentions. It is time for others to
carry forward the mission of making Pakistan a truly democratic, prosperous and
peaceful country that embodies the finest dreams our founding fathers had
envisaged for us.
My tenure ends on 29th November 2013. On that day I will retire. May the Almighty Allah help and guide us all."
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