Process for COAS selection begins today.

ISLAMABAD -- As process for the appointment of new army chief is likely to start on Monday (today), the government expressed the hope that President Dr Arif Alvi will not create any 'hurdle' in the smooth process.

The term of the incumbent Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa is ending on Nov 29, but the appointment of new chief is likely to take place before Nov 27, the day when one of the candidates is going to retire.

This endorses Defence Minister KhAawaja Asif's statement a couple of days ago that the key appointment will be made on Tuesday or Wednesday.

A source in the Prime Minister's Office told Dawn that the ministry of defence will initiate the summary for the appointment of new army chief before Nov 27.

Consultations between government, allies, establishment completed

Khawaja Asif in his statement had said that the appointment process will start on Monday while the new chief will be appointed on Tuesday or Wednesday.

'The government cannot ignore [the] importance of army in the system,' he had said.

A source in the ministry said it had been decided that the appointment will be made before Nov 27.

The source said that the government, its allies and the military establishment were on the same page on the issue as the consultation process among the three had been completed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently paid a private visit to London where he consulted PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on the issue and after his return he took all coalition partners on board.

The role of President Dr Arif Alvi has come to the limelight in the appointment process as some media reports claimed that he could hold the notification for 25 days.

However, PM's spokesman Fahd Hussain while talking to Dawn ruled out the possibility of any such action by the president.

He said that under the Constitution the powers to appoint the new army chief rest with the prime minister and he will use his powers to select the best suited person for the slot.

'The procedure for appointing the new army chief is following its constitutional path. Once the summary is moved, the prime minister will use his mandated powers to select the person best suited to the interests of the country and the institution,' he added.

Regarding the role of the president, he said: 'He [Mr Alvi] will also play his constitutional role as spelt out in...