President Arif Alvi approves Lt Gen Asim Munir's appointment as COAS

Putting to rest intense speculation over the key military appointments, President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday approved the nominations of Lt General Asim Munir as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Lt General Sahir Shamshad Mirza's name for Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).

The development comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to appoint Lt Gen Munir as COAS and Lt Gen Mirza as CJCSC.

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had announced PM Shehbaz's nominations earlier in the day. She said that the decision was made by the PM by using constitutional authority.

"A summary of this has been sent to the President of Pakistan," she tweeted before the president's approval.

The new COAS will take over from outgoing General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who retires on November 29 after a six-year term.

The high-profile appointments coincide with accusations by former prime minister Imran Khan, who blames the army for playing a part in his ouster. The claims have been denied by the army that has reiterated its "apolitical" stance.

Test for President Alvi: Khawaja Asif

Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the summary was sent to President Alvi, adding that it is also a test for him if he will follow political advice or the constitutional and legal procedures.

“As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, it is his duty to protect the country from political conflicts,” he said.

In a tweet, he said that it would now be a test for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran as well.

His statement comes after Imran, a former prime minister, claimed that President Alvi would discuss the matter of the COAS appointment with him.

Lieutenant General Syed Asim Munir's profile

Lt Gen Asim Munir is the senior-most officer after outgoing Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, and is currently serving as Quartermaster General in the Pakistan Army.

He joined the service via the Officers Training School (OTS) programme in Mangla and was commissioned into the 23rd Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment.

He commanded troops in the Force Command Northern Areas as a brigadier under COAS Bajwa, who was then Commander X Corps. He was appointed DG of the Military Intelligence in early 2017 and then ISI Director General in October 2018.

Lt Gen Asim Munir is the recipient of the Sword of Honour from the 17th course of the Officers Training School in Mangla. Also, he is the recipient of the Hilal-i-Imtiaz.

However, his retirement is due on November 27.

Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad Mirza's profile

Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza is a three-star general in the Pakistan Army who is currently serving as a commander for Rawalpindi Corps.

He is a recipient of Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) and has served at senior leadership positions in his career, including director-general military operations (DGMO), Chief of General Staff, and Adjutant General at the General Headquarters. During his assignment at Military Operations, he also commanded 40th Infantry Division in Okara.

He has also served in United Nations-led operations in foreign countries and was conferred with UN Medal for Service in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL Medal).

Mirza was commissioned in the 8th Battalion of the Sindh Regiment as second lieutenant in 1985. In 1988, he was promoted as lieutenant and became Captain in 1991.

Outgoing CJCSC calls on president, PM

Meanwhile, outgoing CJCSC General Nadeem Raza held farewell meetings with President Alvi and PM Shehbaz on Thursday.

A statement on the official Twitter handle of the president said that Alvi appreciated the services of General Raza for national defence.

In a tweet, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz said that the PM paid tribute to Gen Raza for strengthening the defence of the country and for his services to the army.

PM's Office confirms it has received summary

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had earlier confirmed it received the summary from the Ministry of Defence with a panel of names for the new chief of army staff (COAS) and the chairman joint chief of staff committee (CJCSC).

PM's Office confirms it has received summary for top military appointments

In a tweet, it said the prime minister will take a decision on appointments as per procedure.

Imran says President Alvi will discuss matter with him

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman and former premier Imran earlier said that he was in contact with President Dr Alvi over the matter of the new army chief’s appointment, adding that he will absolutely discuss the matter with him.

IK claims President will discuss ‘summary’ with him

Speaking to a private channel, Imran said: “I am in touch with the president. He will discuss everything with me."

Top military appointments: Coalition partners put their weight behind PM

As per a statement issued by Aurangzeb on Wednesday, a meeting of the coalition partners chaired by the PM was held at the PM House on a one-point agenda with regard to constitutional appointments.

The ruling coalition partners threw their weight behind Shehbaz in his prerogative to make the decision with regard to the appointments of COAS and the CJCSC as mandated by the Constitution.

Marriyum further stated that the meeting of the leaders of the ruling coalition parties expressed full confidence in Shehbaz.

Top military appointments: Coalition partners put their weight behind PM

“All the coalition parties entrusted the authority of decision regarding constitutional appointments to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” she said, adding that the leaders of the ruling coalition assured the prime minister that they will stand behind whatever decision he takes.