Extending Kayani's tenure my prerogative: Gilani

Islamabad, July 18 (ANI): Resting all speculations regarding Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani's extension in service, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that granting extension to the Army Chief was his prerogative.

Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a function in Kasur District, Gilani said he would decide whether to extend General Kayani's tenure or not at an appropriate time.

"Let me decide it; it is my prerogative; you need not to worry about this matter," The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

Pakistan media is abuzz with reports that General Kayani, who is due to retire in November this year, is likely to get a two year extension and a formal announcement is this regard would be made in coming few days.

Responding to questions about the just concluded foreign ministerial level talks between India and Pakistan, Gilani said he believes that India is committed to resolve all issues through dialogue.

"We want a dialogue, they (India) too want a dialogue, so when there will be talks then we will discuss all issues. At this point, I cannot say something in the air," Gilani said.

He said India has its own problems, adding that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had assured him during the Thimpu meeting that India was ready for talks on all issues.

Gilani added Dr. Singh was a responsible personality, and also expressed hope that he would fulfil his promise because both countries want peaceful resolution to all contentious issues pending between them. (ANI)