ISLAMABAD: Government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Friday tabled Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2020 aiming to extend Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bjawa’s tenure for three years. It was agreed to send its amendments in the Army Act to a standing committee.
This was decided after the second meeting between the government and opposition on the matter. The PML-N has already announced its support for the bill while the PPP’s condition of it being sent to the standing committee for review has been agreed to.
The bill will be presented during Saturday’s National Assembly session as well as the Senate session. It is likely to be approved in both houses.
The government will send its draft law to the standing committee and then review the suggestions it makes.
Separately, PPP head Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the PML-N announced its support for the bill without consulting other opposition parties. He said the bill itself is not difficult, but the government has made it difficult. He said the issue can be resolved by reaching a consensus.
The Army Act Amendment Bill, approved by the federal cabinet, proposes to extend the retirement age of services chiefs to 64 years, Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry said Wednesday.
The cabinet had approved amendments in Section 172 of the Army Act and Article 155 of the Services Rules, according to Defence Minister Pervez Khattak.
The amendments will be voted on and if approved, will pave the way for an extended term for Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa
Read more: Bilawal expresses concerns over legislation on army chief’s tenure
