What Army chief Bajwa's extension means for Pakistan

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pakistan, imran khan, bajwa extension

Islamabad - PM Imran Khan and Army Chief Bajwa have worked closely avoiding major frictions

By IANS

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Published: Thu 28 Nov 2019, 2:01 PM

Last updated: Thu 28 Nov 2019, 5:03 PM

The term extension to the 10th Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan General Qamar Javed Bajwa carried a lot of meaning for Pakistan.
Though Pakistan government said the extension to the Army Chief has been given in the view of the regional environment but there is an domestic aspect to his extension too.
Also read: Pakistan Supreme Court extends Bajwa's tenure
Apart from tensions running high on Eastern borders, cross-border attacks on the Western borders even though Pakistan made considerable strides to fence the Durand Line coupled up with expansion Daesh in Afghanistan and the potential alliance among other anti-Pakistan extremist groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch insurgent groups have complicated Pakistan's security woes.
Also read: SC order must disappoint mafias, enemies, says PM Imran Khan
Domestically, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief Bajwa have worked closely avoiding major frictions that may have been the case during previous tenures. Moreover, the duo has brought much needed political stability domestically and introduced changes to the country's regional security policy.

Media reports suggest that the current military leadership has offered Khan full support when it comes to implementing the government's economic and political agenda. So far, the support base remains intact as both parties have shown willingness to accommodate each other's concerns and wishes in a mutual effort of achieving agreement.

However, going forward, the bond may be tested as issues related to governance and managing the economy effectively remain a strategic concern.

If General Bajwa had secured another three years as the Chief of Army Staff, the current government would have likely gained more political strength in the coming months.


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