Major Promotions and Transfers Expected in Pakistan Army
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army is expected to undergo major promotions and transfers in the coming weeks, raising questions about the possible retirement and extension of several three-star generals.
According to journalist Majid Nizami, the appointment of the commander of the National Strategic Command at a four-star rank has already been made, while the four-year tenures of 10 other lieutenant generals are due to end within the next few weeks.
In a post on X, Nizami said the last major round of promotions took place around 20 months ago, when four officers, excluding medical officers, were promoted to the rank of lieutenant general.
He said the key question in the upcoming routine institutional changes was how many three-star officers would be retired. Following recent legislation, the decision regarding extensions for generals will reportedly be made by Field Marshal Asim Munir rather than the prime minister or the federal government.
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The Army chief’s tenure has already been redefined for a third time, while Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lieutenant General Asim Malik is already serving an extension. Therefore, granting an extension to another lieutenant general would not be unexpected, Nizami said.
Several other questions also remain unanswered, including whether a deputy or vice chief of army staff will be appointed and who will be selected for the important position of chief of general staff.
There is also speculation over whether, after Field Marshal Asim Munir, a precedent could be established for one officer to lead both of the country’s intelligence agencies at different times.
Other issues under discussion include whether a serving general will be appointed to the newly established Defence Industrial Production Authority, whether the National Database and Registration Authority will once again be headed by a three-star officer, and whether Military Intelligence will receive a three-star general as its chief for the first time in its history.
