COAS appointment Khawaja Asif says process likely to be completed in a day.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Wednesday that the appointment process for the new chief of army staff (COAS) is likely to be completed on Thursday.

In a statement, Khawaja Asif said that the summary is likely to be forwarded to the president on Thursday. He added that he does not think that the president will raise any issue regarding the summary.

Asif said that all phases of the new COAS appointment are expected to be completed by Thursday.

He said that the receiving of the summary late Tuesday night removed the reservations of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Rana Sanaullah.

The defence minister said that they remained in contact with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan for two to three months. He added that the discussions could proceed if seriousness is exhibited from the other side.

Earlier in the day, former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said that President Dr Arif Alvi will consult him regarding the summary for the appointment of the new chief of army staff (COAS).

He censured Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for holding consultations with a proclaimed offender regarding the key appointment. 'I...