Next Chief Of Army Staff - 2013 ?
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Guessing game as Pakistan's army chief prepares to retire
18 AUG 2013 13:12 REUTERS
General Ashfaq Kayani, arguably the most powerful man in the nuclear-armed country, is expected to step down after six years in November—presenting Pakistan's new premier with the toughest of choices yet since coming to power in May.
The army has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its history since independence in 1947. But even during periods of civilian rule, the army has set security and foreign policy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says he wants to disentangle the military from politics and he has taken over the foreign affairs and defence portfolios in an apparent show of determination to wrest those responsibilities from the army.
But the military is unlikely to relinquish its hold at such a sensitive time. As Western forces prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of next year, Pakistan is striving to prevent old rival India from increasing its influence there.
Illustrating the difficulties Sharif might face in setting foreign policy, his bid to improve ties with India has been undermined by violence between Indian and Pakistani forces in the disputed Kashmir region. While the two armies trade fire and blame, Pakistan's civilian government can only look on.
Nevertheless, the Pakistani military has meddled less in politics under Kayani, earning him a reputation as a pragmatic leader willing to ease the military's grip on political affairs and publicly endorse democracy.
Sharif, himself ousted in a military coup in 1999, has a difficult relationship with the army, and picking Kayani's successor could be the defining moment of his second term.
"It's not just that Nawaz wants someone he can trust and who he can use to neutralise the army's political role," one retired senior military official told Reuters. "The army also wants someone who will be able to work with Nawaz."
The job has been at the centre of a drawn-out guessing game and officials would not speculate publicly on it. But in private interviews with army officers, politicians and diplomats, several names have emerged as possible contenders.
Those include Lieutenant General Rashad Mahmood, the current chief of general staff, Lieutenant General Tariq Khan, who is considered pragmatic on US relations, and Lieutenant General Haroon Aslam, the most senior official after Kayani.
Some have even floated the idea that Kayani—whose term was extended for three years in 2010 to the discontent of some of the top brass climbing the ranks below him—might end up staying in the job for another three years.
"No guarantees'
Kayani, a chain-smoking, unsmiling man known for his low-key manner, is dubbed the Quiet General of Pakistani politics. His public statements in support of Pakistan's transition to democracy have earned him respect in the West.
In a speech just before the May election, Kayani said a bad democracy was better than the worst kind of dictatorship. And yet his words hardly concealed a warning that the army's support for democracy would not be available forever.
"Everyone says that under Kayani the army is now transformed and we can trust in its democratic credentials. But let's not jump the gun," said a source in Sharif's administration.
"One era of soft military leadership does not make for a lasting legacy. The civilians will have to work hard to make sure everyone knows their limits."
But even under Kayani some generals have grumbled quietly over the softer approach, and a new army chief might feel pressure to exert his authority over the civilians.
This could set the military on a collision course with Sharif again, like in 1999 when he was overthrown by General Pervez Musharraf and jailed. Just a year earlier, Sharif had picked Musharraf as his new army chief.
"There are no guarantees the current status quo will last beyond Kayani," said one diplomat in Islamabad.
Criticising the top brass has long been taboo. But that too has changed after the Supreme Court ruled last year that the military must stop interfering in politics, eroding the generals' untouchable status in the eyes of the public.
The army's standing also took a hit over a secret 2011 operation by US forces to kill Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil. Ordinary Pakistanis saw it as a violation of sovereignty that the army had failed to prevent.
Technically, Kayani has to come up with a shortlist of three candidates and send it to Sharif for approval. In reality, Sharif may not have much choice but he will at least try to strike a semblance of balance, officials say.
"A super assertive new chief whose first priority is to win back the former glory of his institution and a prime minister who likes being the boss and won't share the spotlight with anyone. That's an interesting combination," said one official close to outgoing President Asif Ali Zardari.
"The new crop of generals are not even remotely as patient as [Kayani] when it comes to the screw-ups of civilian leaders." - Reuters
Guessing game as Pakistan's army chief prepares to retire | News | World | Mail & Guardian
18 AUG 2013 13:12 REUTERS
General Ashfaq Kayani, arguably the most powerful man in the nuclear-armed country, is expected to step down after six years in November—presenting Pakistan's new premier with the toughest of choices yet since coming to power in May.
The army has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its history since independence in 1947. But even during periods of civilian rule, the army has set security and foreign policy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says he wants to disentangle the military from politics and he has taken over the foreign affairs and defence portfolios in an apparent show of determination to wrest those responsibilities from the army.
But the military is unlikely to relinquish its hold at such a sensitive time. As Western forces prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of next year, Pakistan is striving to prevent old rival India from increasing its influence there.
Illustrating the difficulties Sharif might face in setting foreign policy, his bid to improve ties with India has been undermined by violence between Indian and Pakistani forces in the disputed Kashmir region. While the two armies trade fire and blame, Pakistan's civilian government can only look on.
Nevertheless, the Pakistani military has meddled less in politics under Kayani, earning him a reputation as a pragmatic leader willing to ease the military's grip on political affairs and publicly endorse democracy.
Sharif, himself ousted in a military coup in 1999, has a difficult relationship with the army, and picking Kayani's successor could be the defining moment of his second term.
"It's not just that Nawaz wants someone he can trust and who he can use to neutralise the army's political role," one retired senior military official told Reuters. "The army also wants someone who will be able to work with Nawaz."
The job has been at the centre of a drawn-out guessing game and officials would not speculate publicly on it. But in private interviews with army officers, politicians and diplomats, several names have emerged as possible contenders.
Those include Lieutenant General Rashad Mahmood, the current chief of general staff, Lieutenant General Tariq Khan, who is considered pragmatic on US relations, and Lieutenant General Haroon Aslam, the most senior official after Kayani.
Some have even floated the idea that Kayani—whose term was extended for three years in 2010 to the discontent of some of the top brass climbing the ranks below him—might end up staying in the job for another three years.
"No guarantees'
Kayani, a chain-smoking, unsmiling man known for his low-key manner, is dubbed the Quiet General of Pakistani politics. His public statements in support of Pakistan's transition to democracy have earned him respect in the West.
In a speech just before the May election, Kayani said a bad democracy was better than the worst kind of dictatorship. And yet his words hardly concealed a warning that the army's support for democracy would not be available forever.
"Everyone says that under Kayani the army is now transformed and we can trust in its democratic credentials. But let's not jump the gun," said a source in Sharif's administration.
"One era of soft military leadership does not make for a lasting legacy. The civilians will have to work hard to make sure everyone knows their limits."
But even under Kayani some generals have grumbled quietly over the softer approach, and a new army chief might feel pressure to exert his authority over the civilians.
This could set the military on a collision course with Sharif again, like in 1999 when he was overthrown by General Pervez Musharraf and jailed. Just a year earlier, Sharif had picked Musharraf as his new army chief.
"There are no guarantees the current status quo will last beyond Kayani," said one diplomat in Islamabad.
Criticising the top brass has long been taboo. But that too has changed after the Supreme Court ruled last year that the military must stop interfering in politics, eroding the generals' untouchable status in the eyes of the public.
The army's standing also took a hit over a secret 2011 operation by US forces to kill Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil. Ordinary Pakistanis saw it as a violation of sovereignty that the army had failed to prevent.
Technically, Kayani has to come up with a shortlist of three candidates and send it to Sharif for approval. In reality, Sharif may not have much choice but he will at least try to strike a semblance of balance, officials say.
"A super assertive new chief whose first priority is to win back the former glory of his institution and a prime minister who likes being the boss and won't share the spotlight with anyone. That's an interesting combination," said one official close to outgoing President Asif Ali Zardari.
"The new crop of generals are not even remotely as patient as [Kayani] when it comes to the screw-ups of civilian leaders." - Reuters
Guessing game as Pakistan's army chief prepares to retire | News | World | Mail & Guardian
Al Bhatti
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Aug 19, 2013
General Ashfaq Kayani is arguably the most powerful man in the nuclear-armed country.
Pakistan ponders army chief choice
In a nation long plagued by military coups, the question of who will replace Pakistan's all-powerful army chief has taken on new urgency this year as the country tries to shake off the legacy of decades of military dictatorship.
General Ashfaq Kayani, arguably the most powerful man in the nuclear-armed country, is expected to step down after six years in November - presenting Pakistan's new premier with the toughest of choices yet since coming to power in May.
The army has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its history since independence in 1947. But even during periods of civilian rule, the army has set security and foreign policy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says he wants to disentangle the military from politics and he has taken over the foreign affairs and defense portfolios in an apparent show of determination to wrest those responsibilities from the army.
But the military is unlikely to relinquish its hold at such a sensitive time. As Western forces prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of next year, Pakistan is striving to prevent old rival India from increasing its influence there.
Illustrating the difficulties Mr Sharif might face in setting foreign policy, his bid to improve ties with India has been undermined by violence between Indian and Pakistani forces in the disputed Kashmir region. While the two armies trade fire and blame, Pakistan's civilian government can only look on.
Nevertheless, the Pakistani military has meddled less in politics under Gen Kayani, earning him a reputation as a pragmatic leader willing to ease the military's grip on political affairs and publicly endorse democracy.
Mr Sharif, himself ousted in a military coup in 1999, has a difficult relationship with the army, and picking Kayani's successor could be the defining moment of his second term.
"It's not just that Nawaz wants someone he can trust and who he can use to neutralize the army's political role," one retired senior military official said. "The army also wants someone who will be able to work with Nawaz."
The job has been at the centre of a drawn-out guessing game and officials would not speculate publicly on it. But in private interviews with army officers, politicians and diplomats, several names have emerged as possible contenders.
Those include Lieutenant General Rashad Mahmood, the current chief of general staff, Lieutenant General Tariq Khan, who is considered pragmatic on US relations, and Lieutenant General Haroon Aslam, the most senior official after Gen Kayani.
Some have even floated the idea that Gen Kayani - whose term was extended for three years in 2010 to the discontent of some of the top brass climbing the ranks below him - might end up staying in the job for another three years.
Gen Kayani, a chain-smoking, unsmiling man known for his low-key manner, is dubbed the Quiet General of Pakistani politics. His public statements in support of Pakistan's transition to democracy have earned him respect in the West.
In a speech just before the May election, Gen Kayani said a bad democracy was better than the worst kind of dictatorship. And yet his words hardly concealed a warning that the army's support for democracy would not be available forever.
"Everyone says that under Kayani the army is now transformed and we can trust in its democratic credentials. But let's not jump the gun," said a source in Mr Sharif's administration.
"One era of soft military leadership does not make for a lasting legacy."
But even under Gen Kayani some generals have grumbled quietly over the softer approach, and a new army chief might feel pressure to exert his authority over the civilians.
This could set the military on a collision course with Mr Sharif again, like in 1999 when he was overthrown by General Pervez Musharraf and jailed. Just a year earlier, Mr Sharif had picked Gen Musharraf as his new army chief.
"There are no guarantees the current status quo will last beyond Kayani," said one diplomat in Islamabad.
Pakistan ponders army chief choice - The National
General Ashfaq Kayani is arguably the most powerful man in the nuclear-armed country.
Pakistan ponders army chief choice
In a nation long plagued by military coups, the question of who will replace Pakistan's all-powerful army chief has taken on new urgency this year as the country tries to shake off the legacy of decades of military dictatorship.
General Ashfaq Kayani, arguably the most powerful man in the nuclear-armed country, is expected to step down after six years in November - presenting Pakistan's new premier with the toughest of choices yet since coming to power in May.
The army has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its history since independence in 1947. But even during periods of civilian rule, the army has set security and foreign policy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says he wants to disentangle the military from politics and he has taken over the foreign affairs and defense portfolios in an apparent show of determination to wrest those responsibilities from the army.
But the military is unlikely to relinquish its hold at such a sensitive time. As Western forces prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of next year, Pakistan is striving to prevent old rival India from increasing its influence there.
Illustrating the difficulties Mr Sharif might face in setting foreign policy, his bid to improve ties with India has been undermined by violence between Indian and Pakistani forces in the disputed Kashmir region. While the two armies trade fire and blame, Pakistan's civilian government can only look on.
Nevertheless, the Pakistani military has meddled less in politics under Gen Kayani, earning him a reputation as a pragmatic leader willing to ease the military's grip on political affairs and publicly endorse democracy.
Mr Sharif, himself ousted in a military coup in 1999, has a difficult relationship with the army, and picking Kayani's successor could be the defining moment of his second term.
"It's not just that Nawaz wants someone he can trust and who he can use to neutralize the army's political role," one retired senior military official said. "The army also wants someone who will be able to work with Nawaz."
The job has been at the centre of a drawn-out guessing game and officials would not speculate publicly on it. But in private interviews with army officers, politicians and diplomats, several names have emerged as possible contenders.
Those include Lieutenant General Rashad Mahmood, the current chief of general staff, Lieutenant General Tariq Khan, who is considered pragmatic on US relations, and Lieutenant General Haroon Aslam, the most senior official after Gen Kayani.
Some have even floated the idea that Gen Kayani - whose term was extended for three years in 2010 to the discontent of some of the top brass climbing the ranks below him - might end up staying in the job for another three years.
Gen Kayani, a chain-smoking, unsmiling man known for his low-key manner, is dubbed the Quiet General of Pakistani politics. His public statements in support of Pakistan's transition to democracy have earned him respect in the West.
In a speech just before the May election, Gen Kayani said a bad democracy was better than the worst kind of dictatorship. And yet his words hardly concealed a warning that the army's support for democracy would not be available forever.
"Everyone says that under Kayani the army is now transformed and we can trust in its democratic credentials. But let's not jump the gun," said a source in Mr Sharif's administration.
"One era of soft military leadership does not make for a lasting legacy."
But even under Gen Kayani some generals have grumbled quietly over the softer approach, and a new army chief might feel pressure to exert his authority over the civilians.
This could set the military on a collision course with Mr Sharif again, like in 1999 when he was overthrown by General Pervez Musharraf and jailed. Just a year earlier, Mr Sharif had picked Gen Musharraf as his new army chief.
"There are no guarantees the current status quo will last beyond Kayani," said one diplomat in Islamabad.
Pakistan ponders army chief choice - The National
Zarvan
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General Ashfaq Kayani is arguably the most powerful man in the nuclear-armed country.
Pakistan ponders army chief choice
In a nation long plagued by military coups, the question of who will replace Pakistan's all-powerful army chief has taken on new urgency this year as the country tries to shake off the legacy of decades of military dictatorship.
General Ashfaq Kayani, arguably the most powerful man in the nuclear-armed country, is expected to step down after six years in November - presenting Pakistan's new premier with the toughest of choices yet since coming to power in May.
The army has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its history since independence in 1947. But even during periods of civilian rule, the army has set security and foreign policy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says he wants to disentangle the military from politics and he has taken over the foreign affairs and defense portfolios in an apparent show of determination to wrest those responsibilities from the army.
But the military is unlikely to relinquish its hold at such a sensitive time. As Western forces prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of next year, Pakistan is striving to prevent old rival India from increasing its influence there.
Illustrating the difficulties Mr Sharif might face in setting foreign policy, his bid to improve ties with India has been undermined by violence between Indian and Pakistani forces in the disputed Kashmir region. While the two armies trade fire and blame, Pakistan's civilian government can only look on.
Nevertheless, the Pakistani military has meddled less in politics under Gen Kayani, earning him a reputation as a pragmatic leader willing to ease the military's grip on political affairs and publicly endorse democracy.
Mr Sharif, himself ousted in a military coup in 1999, has a difficult relationship with the army, and picking Kayani's successor could be the defining moment of his second term.
"It's not just that Nawaz wants someone he can trust and who he can use to neutralize the army's political role," one retired senior military official said. "The army also wants someone who will be able to work with Nawaz."
The job has been at the centre of a drawn-out guessing game and officials would not speculate publicly on it. But in private interviews with army officers, politicians and diplomats, several names have emerged as possible contenders.
Those include Lieutenant General Rashad Mahmood, the current chief of general staff, Lieutenant General Tariq Khan, who is considered pragmatic on US relations, and Lieutenant General Haroon Aslam, the most senior official after Gen Kayani.
Some have even floated the idea that Gen Kayani - whose term was extended for three years in 2010 to the discontent of some of the top brass climbing the ranks below him - might end up staying in the job for another three years.
Gen Kayani, a chain-smoking, unsmiling man known for his low-key manner, is dubbed the Quiet General of Pakistani politics. His public statements in support of Pakistan's transition to democracy have earned him respect in the West.
In a speech just before the May election, Gen Kayani said a bad democracy was better than the worst kind of dictatorship. And yet his words hardly concealed a warning that the army's support for democracy would not be available forever.
"Everyone says that under Kayani the army is now transformed and we can trust in its democratic credentials. But let's not jump the gun," said a source in Mr Sharif's administration.
"One era of soft military leadership does not make for a lasting legacy."
But even under Gen Kayani some generals have grumbled quietly over the softer approach, and a new army chief might feel pressure to exert his authority over the civilians.
This could set the military on a collision course with Mr Sharif again, like in 1999 when he was overthrown by General Pervez Musharraf and jailed. Just a year earlier, Mr Sharif had picked Gen Musharraf as his new army chief.
"There are no guarantees the current status quo will last beyond Kayani," said one diplomat in Islamabad.
Pakistan ponders army chief choice - The National
Nawaz should deploy the senior most one and stop thinking off any stupidity and haroon aslam is the senior most and a capable man who also went into swat
Kompromat
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Haroon Aslam - Is someone who leads from the front, and has been engaged in battle himself.
Gen Tariq - Lost his son in the battle, this fight is personal for him, he's from a remote area in the tribal region and knows the cultural and geographic side of the battle.
It will be a win win either way, i personally would like to see Gen Tariq, but thats just me.
Zarvan
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Army should maintain the senior most thing other wise that would not send good message because those who become Lt Generals are the best by the way is Haroon Aslam SSG guy ?
Kompromat
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Kompromat
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3- Lt General Raheel Sharif: Third in the seniority list post October retirements, Lt General Raheel Sharif is younger brother of Nishan-i-Haider Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed.
Promoted as a Lt General in October 2010, he was first entrusted to command the Gujranwala Corps and later appointed as Inspector General Weapons, Training and Evaluation. As a two star general, he commanded the 11th division in Lahore and was later posted as Commandant Pakistan Military Academy Kakul.
It was a surprise for some when Major General Raheel Sharif was promoted as a three star general as it was thought he had already reached the peak of his career.
However, some sources say, Lt General Raheel Sharif is known to Lt General (retired) Abdul Qadir Baloch, a close confidante of PM Nawaz Sharif. If the PM consults his cabinet for the suggestions, Lt General (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch is said to be favourable to an officer who served under him and is known as a simple career officer.
However, this relationship would not be given much weight when the PM takes the final decision based on considerations of merit, professional competence and dynamism to tackle the challenges of militancy and withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan. He is expected to retire in October 2014.
Zarvan
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Some times he looks like a professor who is also a volunteer soldierOh yes, Lt-Gen Haroon is from the SSG. He is known as a 'soldier's man'.
Kompromat
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A good warrior is a worrier who's multi talented. I have a great admiration for, Gen Tariq's orating ability.
Zarvan
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Was his son a soldier ?
Xeric
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The ones that make you hear big booms from way inside enemy lines
Guys, i m from Pakistan Coast Guards, so chilax!
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Farah Sohail
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Sir...what do u mean by a modern general here? Modern ...as in his personal religious beliefs..i-e secular...or modern in his professional approach?
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