Gen Bajwa declined extension in service: Punjab speaker

LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said on Thursday that former army chief General (R) Qamar Javed Bajwa had declined an extension in service. Speaking to the media, the speaker noted that Gen Bajwa had the option for an extension but chose to refuse it. Commenting on Federal Minister Khawaja Asif’s statement, Malik Ahmad Khan described Khawaja Asif as a wise individual, suggesting that certain facts may have slipped his mind.

He said that Gen Bajwa was a personal friend and that their relationship remained apolitical, as he understood the boundaries of their interactions.

Malik Ahmad clarified that Gen (R) Bajwa had believed other officers were awaiting promotion and did not seek an extension. He highlighted that Gen Bajwa had repeatedly said, both in local and foreign media, that he did not wish to get his tenure extended and preferred to respect the principle of seniority.

He mentioned that Gen Bajwa had emphasised this point during a “Meet the Press” event in Washington, DC. Additionally, Malik Ahmad Khan remarked that both the PMLN and PPP had voted in favour of Bajwa’s extension. However, he disagreed with Capt Safdar’s stance on the matter.

Regarding PMLN President Nawaz Sharif’s position, Malik Ahmad said Nawaz Sharif has always maintained that any extension should be granted based on seniority.

When asked about the arrest of former ISI DG ISI Faiz Hameed, the speaker said he was not fully aware of the situation and emphasised that institutions have their own disciplines. He made it clear that he would refrain from commenting in a way that could politicise the issue.

The speaker also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of two senior journalists, Akhlaq Bajwa and Wadood Mushtaq. He announced employment for the two sons of former president of the Punjab Assembly Press Gallery Akhlaq Bajwa.

Speaking in Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Malik Ahmad said that though Gen Bajwa would express his wish to see Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza elevated as the army chief and Gen Asim Munir as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, he (Bajwa) would acknowledge that it was for the government to decide.

Malik Ahmad also rejected PTI founder Imran Khan’s allegation about any deal between Gen Bajwa and Nawaz Sharif, adding Imran Khan was insisting on retaining Gen Faiz in ISI in violation of institutional principles.

Malik Ahmad explained that Bajwa had already availed an extension. He said how Gen Bajwa could think of another extension despite being aware of Nawaz Sharif’s influence in the government and the fact that he would not favour such a decision.