Pak Army welcome Pervez kayani’s decision to quit

Islamabad: Pakistan Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s decision to retire and not seek extension has been welcomed by defence analysts and former military officers but they were of the view that the announcement should have been made by the government.
Lt Gen (Retd) Talat Masood said that 61-year-old Kayani’s statement was a positive move as it scotched rumours which were affecting the government’s image.

“This is a very positive announcement. It was necessary to scotch the rumours. It would have been even more appropriate if the government had made the announcement,” Lt Gen Masood said.

He said that Kayani was one of the few Army Generals who understood the importance of democracy. “Even though he did interfere at times, he supported democracy as he knew its importance,” he said.

Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Shahzad Chaudhry said that the statement was necessary. “Further extension was just not possible. He personally too was not interested. The statement is a positive one as it lays to rest unnecessary speculation,” he said.

Ayesha Siddiqa, a defence analyst said that the announcement should have been made by the government and not the Army Chief. “The government should have made the announcement as it would have sent a positive image. Currently, one gets the feeling that the Army Chief decides whether he wants to continue or not,” she said.

Ali Dayan Hassan, Pakistan Director at Human Rights Watch welcomed Kayani’s statement and said a constitutional change in the leadership of Pakistan Army also strengthens the democratic transition.

“However, it was the constitutional responsibility of the government to announce the retirement of the incumbent and announce the appointment of the new chief. In failing to do so, the government appears to have left the onus of his retirement on Gen Kayani and the military,” he said.