Kayani's tenure extended for three years: Pak

Islamabad, Jul 23: The tenure of General Ashraf Pervez Kayani, the Chief of Pakistan Army Staff was extended by three years beginning Nov 29, 2010, declared Pak Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday, Jul 22. He said that the decision was in the best interest of the country.

Gilani said that the decision was taken in discussion with President Asif Ali Zardari. He added that the nation is going through difficult phases during the anti-terror war and Kayani has successfully led Pakistan in that war.

The plan to extend Kayani's tenure was speculate about for a while now as it was seen to be the best possible way to retain continuity in the military operations against terrorists. Kayani was appointed in 2007 by the then President Pervez Musharraf.

It is understood that US also preferred Kayani's continuation but Hillary clinton, US Secretary of the State refused to comment regarding the matter during her recent Pak-visit. She maintained that this was an internal affair of the nation.

Kayani who succeeded General Musharraf as Pakistan's 14th Army Chief, had also held the positions of Director General, Inter-Services Intelligence and Director General of Military Operations.

OneIndia News