LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) rejected and declared inadmissible a petition on Wednesday that sought to designate the army commander based on seniority. The appeal submitted by attorney Najma Ahmed demands that the respondents appoint the army leader with the most expertise.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Qamar Javed Bajwa, would retire on November 29, according to the petitioner’s argument in court. Five generals selected by the Ministry of Defence for the position of army chief are taken into consideration for the new COAS appointment while keeping tradition in mind.
The petitioner claimed that one of the five military officials might be appointed army chief at the prime minister’s choice under the rules of business.
The petitioner cited Article 243 (4b) of the Constitution, which outlines the method for the selection of the Chief of Army Staff, and argued that this system violates Article 25 of the Constitution and is therefore illegitimate and unconstitutional.
He asserted that the federal government is required by law to name the new army chief. The petitioner pleaded with the judge to order the appointment of the senior-most commander as the army chief.
The petitioner claimed that prominent attorney Aitzaz Ahsan had also voiced opposition to the army chief’s appointment following the conventional process. The court advised the petitioner to contact the Supreme Court, noting that such a case should be considered in front of the entire court. It should be remembered that following significant discussions between PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in London, it was decided to name the senior-most officer in the military as the new army chief.
The nomination of the army chief is a constitutional issue, and the decision would be made in accordance with the constitution, Prime Minister Shehbaz told reporters following the meeting.
The next chief of army staff might be chosen from any of the five candidates, according to Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who stated as much in a press conference last month.
The defence minister responded, “All three-star generals are eligible for this,” in response to a question about the appointment of the army chief based on seniority.