BEIJING – China has welcomed the extension in tenure of Pakistan’s military chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa for another three years.
A spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Pakistan Army, under the leadership of General Qamar Javed Bajwa will continue to make contributions to upholding Pakistan’s sovereignty and security interests as well as the peace and stability in the region.
“We believe under the leadership of General Bajwa, Pakistan Army will continue to make contributions to upholding Pakistan’s sovereignty and security interests and regional peace and stability,” Geng Shuang said during his regular briefing.
“We have noticed this decision by the Pakistani government. General Bajwa is an extraordinary leader of Pakistan Army,” he added.
On August 19, General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure was extended for three years by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“General Qamar Javed Bajwa is appointed Chief of Army Staff for another term of three years from the date of completion of current tenure. The decision has been taken in view of the regional security environment,” said a notification from the office of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
His extension will start from the day of his retirement.
This is the second time a serving Army chief has been granted an extension in his service by the civil government.
Earlier, General (r) Ashfaq Pervez Kayani served two terms as COAS after the Zardari-led PPP government approved his extension in 2010, citing continuity as the reason for doing so.
