Govt. approves amendment to Pakistan Army Act 1952, Sources

The Federal Cabinet on Wednesday held an emergency meeting to discuss and approve amendments in the Army Act, report news sources.

The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan. And reportedly, the amendments, made to the clauses related to the army chief’s tenure and extension, were passed unanimously.

The amendments had been sought by the Supreme Court in its decision in the case concerning the extension given to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

According to Samaa TV, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak said that the cabinet approved amendments in Section 172 of the Army Act. The amendment bill also includes a suggestion to extend the tenure of all the three services chief, Khattak was quoted as saying.

According to the reports, the PTI government is expected to table the amendments in the ongoing session of parliament.

President Arif Alvi had on Tuesday convened a session of both the upper and lower house of the parliament on a twenty-four-hour notice.

The Supreme Court on November 28 in short order had announced that Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa will remain the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for another six months, during which the parliament would legislate on the extension/reappointment of an army chief.