Kayani's extension beneficial for Pakistan: Musharraf

Lahore, July 25(ANI): Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has congratulated Army Chief General Kayani on his three-year extension of service.

Musharraf said Kayani's contribution as army chief would be beneficial for national integrity and country's stability.

Musharraf's spokesman Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed the telephonic conversation, and said Musharraf had called Kayani's extension the right decision for ensuring success against the war on terrorism, The Daily Times reports.

Under Kayani's command, the Pakistan Army has launched successful operations against terrorist organizations in Swat, Malakand and South Waziristan.

The three-year extension of Kayani's tenure is only the second such incident in Pakistan's history when a civilian regime has increased the services of the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).

The first such extension was given by former president Iskandar Mirza to General Ayub Khan.

The three army chiefs-Field Marshal Ayub Khan, General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf had extended their own terms while holding the office of the President. (ANI)