There is a delay in appointing Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defense Forces (CDF). It was expected that this would be discussed after the Prime Minister returns from his London tour. But, when Shehbaz Sharif returned to Pakistan on Tuesday, December 2, his flight was diverted to Lahore instead of the capital Islamabad. Due to this, speculation has intensified in the intelligence circles of the country and abroad. Sources say that this change did not happen suddenly or coincidentally, but is the result of discussions held in the Sharif family regarding a very important military appointment in Pakistan.
Obstacles in the way of Asim Munir becoming CDF
Reports coming from Pakistan show that the constitutional changes in Pakistan have made way for Asim Munir to become CDF, but the Sharif family does not want him on this post. The decision on his appointment has already been postponed several times, and now Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Lahore has further delayed it. News18 quoted sources as saying that Shahbaz Sharif is now scheduled to return to Islamabad on Wednesday, where the timing of the CDF notification may be finalised.
It is reported that former Prime Minister of Pakistan and ruling PML-N chairperson Nawaz Sharif has objections to this notification. This notification has become a major point of contention between the political leadership and the Pakistani military establishment. Apart from Asim Munir, appointments to some top and strategic positions in the Army are also an issue. News18 quoted a PML-N source as saying that Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz are trying to directly influence these appointments and are insisting on appointing their trusted people to these positions.
Source says that Sharif family wants guarantee of security within the military structure. They fear that without loyal officers in key positions, they may face attacks from the establishment like during the General Bajwa era. According to the analyst, the delay in CDF notification clearly shows the rift between Pakistani military and political leadership.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has rejected reports that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif was obstructing the issuance of notification for the appointment of CDF. Political Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif Rana Sanaullah said that all the constitutional amendments were approved with the consent of Nawaz Sharif as party president. Sanaullah said the new CDF would be an essential institution. He said that a notification will be issued at the right time after the Prime Minister returns to the country.
