Tuesday’s meeting at the Prime Minister’s House between PPP co-chair Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif focused on the “overall status” of the nation.
According to a statement made by Marriyum Aurangzeb, the information minister, the former president asked how PM Shehbaz was doing and was thanked for his visit.
It is important to note that on November 15, following his return from the UK, Shehbaz tested positive for Covid-19. The prime minister tested positive for the virus a third time.
The two leaders met today as the selection process for the future army chief was underway.
The government is prepared to select the new Commander of Army Staff by Friday, and the prime minister had requested a report from the defense ministry for the appointment of the new army chief as well as the service histories of all potential candidates.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated during Monday’s National Assembly session that his office had received the prime minister’s letter, which had been delivered to General Headquarters, requesting that the appointment process begins on Monday.
He stated that the summary would likely be delivered to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) within two days, together with the service dossiers of the senior-most lieutenant generals recommended for promotion and appointment as chief of army staff and chairman joint chiefs of staff committee.
On a point of order, he stated that it was conceivable that the appointment of the army chief would be finished in two to three days.
Blaming the media for giving the matter too much hype, Asif said: “The media itself is in a state of confusion … I request them from the floor of this house to maintain the sanctity of the process”.
A few media outlets had said earlier in the day that the PMO had already received the summary for the nomination of the chief of army staff. However, Asif informed the media following a meeting with the prime minister that there was not yet a summary.
“We’re not pressed for time or under any strain. He had stated that the procedure was anticipated to be finished by November 25.
On November 29, Gen. Bajwa will retire, while Gen. Nadeem Raza, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, will do so on November 27.
