PM Khan chairs emergency Cabinet meeting to discuss Pak Army chief's extension issue

With Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa's 3-year extension in limbo, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday chaired an emergency Cabinet meeting along with the top general to discuss the legal implications of a major Supreme Court ruling on Thursday and possible scenarios.

In an unusual move, Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended until Wednesday the government notification of August 19, reappointing Bajwa, who was due to retire on November 29, for another three-year term as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).

The government's legal team briefed the prime minister and his Cabinet over objections raised by the apex court during Wednesday's hearing, The Express Tribune reported.

Bajwa also attended the meeting being held at the PM Office, Express News and Dawn News reported.

The high-level meeting is called to consult on amendments made in rules of the Army Act, the reports said.

The Supreme Court after hearing the matter on Wednesday adjourned the hearing in the case until Thursday.

The three-year term of Bajwa as the COAS is ending on Thursday at midnight. He will be able to continue his service as the COAS if the Supreme Court decides the case in his favour before Nov 29, Dawn News said.

Soon after the surprise move by the apex court, the Cabinet approved a new notification for "extending" the tenure of Bajwa, hours after the Supreme Court suspended a notification issued by the government on August 19, raising legal questions regarding his reappointment as the COAS.

Later, senior Cabinet members, Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood and Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid, along with Prime Minister's Special Assistant Shahzad Akbar, told reporters that the Cabinet has decided to withdraw the August 19 notification on the reappointment of Bajwa as the army chief in view of the Supreme Court observations and approved a new notification.

The new notification was approved after the Cabinet amended Rule 255 of the Army Regulations by inserting a new word "extension in the service".

In another surprise move, Law Minister Naseem resigned voluntarily on Tuesday to represent Bajwa before the top court.

The powerful Pakistan Army, which has ruled the country for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has wielded considerable power in deciding matters concerning security and foreign policies.