Prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the government’s decision to extend the powerful army chief's term by three years during an address to the nation late last night.
The extension given to army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has evoked mixed reactions in Pakistan, with defence experts backing it to ensure continuity in counter-terrorism operations and others saying it will not help the consolidation of national institutions.
Prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the government’s decision to extend the powerful army chief's term by three years during an address to the nation late last night.
He said Kayani had played a key role in planning and executing operations against extremists and terrorists and needed to remain in his post to ensure the success of the offensive.
Leading defence analyst Lt Gen (retired) Talat Masood welcomed the extension in service for 58-year-old Kayani, saying the government has made the right decision in the larger national interest.
"Gen Kayani has always tried to help strengthen democracy and democratic forces in the country," he said.
Kayani has won respect for Pakistan's armed forces, which are at the forefront in the war against terrorism, and improved the army's image in the country and abroad, he said.
Maj Gen (retired) Jamshed Ayaz Khan, a former president of the Institute of Regional Studies, and Masood endorsed the government’s contention that the extension will ensure continuity of military leadership in operations against militants.
Masood noted that the army has conducted successful operations in Swat, Malakand and the restive tribal belt under Kayani's command.
Khan told the media: "You can't change horses in mid-stream, particularly a commander when war is going on." The ongoing operations were a success due to the army's policies and the role played by Kayani, who was "leading from the front", Khan said.
He added that Kayani was also a key player in dealing with the US, NATO and Afghan forces in Afghanistan.
Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Hamid Gul, however, told the media that it would have been better if Kayani had refused the extension.
Leading columnist Mosharraf Zaidi contended that the government's decision will not help build national institutions during a crucial phase when Pakistan is grappling with major political, economic and security problems.
"Gen Kayani is an excellent soldier and a great general because he's the one who’s had to fight a war that the army was not prepared for," Zaidi told PTI, referring to operations against militants.
"We don’t expect miracles from this government but this decision was disappointing as it will not help the consolidation of national institutions," Zaidi said.
Zaidi noted that Kayani had to step into political and foreign policy issues like the strategic dialogue with the US due to the "incompetence" of the civilian government.
Under an ideal system, the generals would "focus on the fighting" and move out on completing their tenures, the columnist said.
"Through this extension, the government is not sending out a good signal. There are 750,000 brave men in the army. Is there not one we can trust?" Zaidi asked.
Kayani, who succeeded former military ruler Pervez Musharraf as army chief in November 2007, will now remain in office till 2013.
Though political commentators often speak of Pakistan's "power troika" comprising the President, Prime Minister and army chief, insiders in the government acknowledge that Kayani has emerged as the most important player in shaping the country's foreign policy, especially relations with India and the US.
He will be army chief even after President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani have completed their terms.
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