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The controversy started well before the interview even aired, although it later
became clear that no direct statement was ever made to this effect. That would
have been the end of it had the PTI itself not encouraged further speculation.
The PTI chief then muddied the waters further, saying he had not sought an
‘extension’ but a ‘deferment’ of the new chief’s appointment — even though
there can be no deferment without the army chief first being given an
extension.
His opponents, on the other hand, have criticised the sudden abandonment by
the PTI chief of his ‘anti-establishment stance’ and for taking a U-turn on his
erstwhile position on extensions and appointments. Whatever the reactions,
the consensus is that Mr Khan has made an attempt to appease the military.
Editorial: Chief concern
It bears remembering that one of the reasons the PTI chairman was ousted
from power by the PDM was that he was believed to have settled on one
particular general as the next army chief. Having been deprived of the
privilege, Mr Khan recently returned the favour by stoking controversy over
the soon-to-be-due appointment, claiming that the “corrupt and degenerate”
PML-N and PPP leaders would only appoint someone who would go easy on
their ‘criminality’.
This new proposal to give the incumbent army chief an extension till the next
general election appears to be the PTI chief’s latest roll of the dice to win back
the establishment’s favour. It remains to be seen what will come of it.
The repeated granting of extensions has ill-served the army. It has only
deprived many equally if not more deserving candidates of a chance to lead. It
is time the practice is done away with through necessary legislation. No
individual needs to occupy the seat for any longer than the length of tenure
originally considered suitable.