Pakistan gets new Chief of Army Staff

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has appointed Lt Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa as Pakistan’s new army chief and has elevated him to the position of four-star general. He will succeed the popular military leader Gen Raheel Sharif. General Sharif who has been credited with improving security and driving back Islamist militant groups, has become the first Army Chief of Pakistan in more than 20 years to step down on time without seeking an extension. The post of Army Chief is the most powerful and influential post in Pakistan. Since independence, the military has ruled the country for about half of the time period. Even under civilian administrations, the military has been enjoying extensive powers.

Bajwa has wide experience in the LoC affairs and has commanded the famous 10 Corps, which is responsible for guarding the area along the Line of Control.

Pakistan’s Army is sixth largest in the world in terms of troop numbers.