General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani announces retirement

Army Chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Sunday announced he will retire on due date next month, the military said.

The announcement came amid reports that General Kayani is likely either to get extension or a new defence post.

Section of the media also said that he is likely to be appointed as Pakistan ambassador to the United States.  

“My tenure ends on 29th November 2013. On that day I will retire. May the Almighty Allah help and guide us all,” Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said in a statement while responding to the media reports about his future.

“I have served this great nation and had the privilege of commanding the finest Army of the world for six years to the best of my abilities and with the sincerest of my intentions. It is time for others to carry forward the mission of making Pakistan a truly democratic, prosperous and peaceful country that embodies the finest dreams our founding fathers had envisaged for us,” General Kayani said in the statement. The statement was issued by the army’s Inter-Services Public Relations.

The army chief referred to debate in the media about his current responsibilities and likely future plans and described it is as “all sorts of rumours and speculations.”

“The subject of being entrusted with new duties has also come up in several reports. I am grateful to the political leadership and the nation for reposing their trust in me and Pakistan Army at this important juncture of our national history. However, I share the general opinion that institutions and traditions are stronger than individuals and must take precedence,” he said.

General Kayani said the armed forces of Pakistan fully support and want to strengthen this democratic order.

“Pakistan Army has made its contribution towards this desired END with complete clarity of mind and a comprehensive understanding of the trajectory Pakistan needs to take.”

He said the armed forces have also proven, on countless occasions, through their priceless sacrifices that the defence and prosperity of Pakistan is their highest priority.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=41893

Posted by Tahir Khan on Oct 6 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.