Pakistan Army Chief gets three-year extension

Crescent International

Sha'ban 11, 1431 2010-07-23

Daily News Analysis

by Crescent International

Reflecting the true hierarchy of power in Pakistan, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani got an extension of three more years to serve as army chief. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani.

Islamabad,

July 23, 2010 - 1700 EST

Reflecting the true hierarchy of power in Pakistan, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani got an extension of three more years to serve as army chief. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad on July 22.

It was widely expected since General Kiyani had made clear he would like to continue serving as rmy chief. Officially, it is the Prime Minister's prerogative to grant such extension but given how weak the civilian government is and it serves at the pleasure of the army chief, Gilani had little choice. Putting the best face on it, Gilani said the general's presence on the scene was essential for the fight against militancy.

General Kiyani was scheduled to retire in November. He took over as army chief from General Pervez Musharraf who was eased out of power after being at the helm following a coup in October 1999 against the government of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

General Kiyani is popular with the Americans as well who see him as a more stable and reliable partner. Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, has close relations with General Kiyani and has paid regular visits to him to press him to launch attacks both against Pakistan-based Taliban as well as those in Afghanistan. Kiyani has confined his army's operations to Pakistan, saying Afghanistan is America's responsibility.

Kiyani's extension must also be seen against the backdrop of anticipated changes in Afghanistan and the virtual defeat of US and Nato military forces there. Few generals have a better grasp of the situation in Afghanistan than Kiyani. Further, the Director of ISI, General Ahmed Shuja Pasha was also given an extension.

General Pasha is close to Kiyani and it appears the Pakistanis clearly anticipate major changes in Afghanistan in the near future. They want to have seasoned generals dealing with the issue when that happens.

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