ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made consultations with senior leadership of allied parties in government prior to appointment of new Army Chief and they have fully mandated PM for making appointment as per set procedure and traditions. 

Certain ministers have proposed to PM to obtain approval from federal Cabinet in regard to appointment of Army Chief but majority has not agreed with it.

According to sources PDM head Maulana Fazlur Rehman telephoned PM to inquire about his welfare and two leaders exchanged views on prevailing situation in country and appointment of new Army Chief. 

Sources said Fazlur Rehman threw all his weight behind PM side saying PM should appoint new Army Chief as per set procedure.  As per sources majority have termed appointment of Army Chief as administrative and discretionary powers of PM while PPP and JUI-F has left matter entirely on PM.

Cabinet sources said permission was never obtained from Cabinet for appointment of Army Chief. This is prerogative of PM.

Some ministers are of opinion no finger will be raised from any forum if this approval is obtained from Cabinet because approval of any important appointment is obtained from federal Cabinet in light of Supreme Court orders.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 18 2022

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