General Qamar Javed Bajwa appointed Pakistan Army chief for another three years

“General Qamar Javed Bajwa is appointed Chief of Army Staff for another term of three years from the date of completion of current tenure. The decision has been taken in view of the regional security environment,” said a notification from the office of Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday. 

General Qamar Javed Bajwa was appointed Pakistan's Army chief in November 2016 by then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He took over command from former Army chief General (retd) Raheel Sharif.

“This is a timely decision. The decision was taken in view of the present situation,” said analyst Muneeb Farooq, adding that the role of General Qamar Javed Bajwa had been significant.  

Geo News’ Director News Rana Jawad said since the last year it was being observed that the Army chief was leading from the front and was being supported wholeheartedly by Prime Minister Imran Khan. “Being on the same page means Pakistan can overcome challenges and this will be a great achievement for Imran Khan’s government and General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s next tenure.” 

‘Clear message to India’

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi speaking to reporters said the decision to appoint General Bajwa as COAS for another three years was taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan taking in view the situation in Kashmir, the security situation in the region and where Pakistan’s efforts were for the peace process in Afghanistan.

When asked if any improvement was expected in Occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan following this decision, Qureshi said that a clear message was being conveyed to India that there was "continuation and clarity" in the political and military leadership in Pakistan.

"At this stage, we are not completely aware of the entire situation in Occupied Kashmir as there is a curfew in the region. When the curfew is lifted, then we will know what exactly happened there," said the foreign minister.

He said that according to some international media reports, there were some skirmishes in Occupied Kashmir even on Saturday.

Qureshi pointed to irresponsible statements from India's defence minister. "You should not have any doubts over their aims and intentions," he said.

"A very clear message (is being conveyed) that Pakistan's political and military leadership are not only ready, they are on one page. This was very important," said the foreign minister.

Profile 

General Qamar Javed Bajwa was commissioned in 16 Baloch Regiment on 24 October 1980. He is graduate of Canadian Forces Command and Staff College, (Toronto) Canada, Naval Post Graduate University, Monteray( California) USA, National Defence Univesity, Islamabad.

He has been an instructor at School of Infantry and Tactics, Quetta, Command and Staff College, Quetta and NDU. He has also been Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade and Chief of Staff of Rawalpindi Corps.

He has commanded 16 Baloch Regiment, an Infantry Brigade and has commanded Infantry Division in Northern Areas (Commander FCNA). General Bajwa has also commanded Pakistan Contingent in Congo. He has commanded Rawalpindi Corps, and his last position prior to being appointed COAS was Inspector General Training and Evaluation at GHQ.