THE appointment of the new army chief is a matter which is a prerogative of the prime minister. But it is not as simple and unconstrained as appointing a trusted and loyal person as head of the State Bank, PIA, FIA, NAB or any other government institution.

The army is a well-organised, coherent and an independent institution and would not accept its chief appointed without merit and seniority. It is normally done by any prime minister with the understanding and advice of the outgoing army chief.

In the present environment, it has become more important and necessary to announce the name of the next army chief purely on merit, with the understanding of the outgoing chief and the institution.

Delaying the announcement will not mend the matters. In fact, it may lead to all sorts of rumours and speculations.

Maj (r) Mumtaz Bashir

Lahore

Published in Dawn November 22nd, 2016