Advisor to Prime Minister (PM) on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Thursday confirmed that Field Marshal General Asim Munir will remain the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) until November 2027.

 

“His [COAS Asim Munir] tenure will end in November 2027,” Sanaullah said, appearing on a private media outlet, adding that if the field marshal is not given an extension, he will retire.

 

When asked whether the option of extension exists as yet, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) top brass Sanaullah said it is in the “law”, reminding the host of Munir’s predecessor, who had gotten an extension in the past. “Some individuals even took extensions for themselves,” he added.

 

Lauding General Munir’s leadership during the conflict with India in May this year, Sanaullah said that the former earned the field marshal rank, noting that the army chief's achievements make him most deserving of an extension.

 

The former Punjab law minister asserted that the current National Assembly (NA) will complete its term by 2029, ruling out incarcerated former premier Imran Khan's political moves as unrealistic. He added that the government is open to talks if Imran Khan wishes to pursue politics, whether from jail or outside.

 

Sanaullah asserted that PM Shehbaz Sharif is pursuing stability for Pakistan, while PTI founder Imran Khan seeks civil unrest, emphasising that the events of May 9 were not a political protest but an attempt at civil war.

 

Addressing claims suggesting that the formation of new provinces is under deliberation, the PML-N leader clarified that there is no discussion on creating new provinces, but tweaks to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award are under consideration to address financial imbalances. 

 

He said the federation is under severe fiscal pressure, while provinces have greater capacity, and consensus will be sought to resolve the issue.

 

His remarks appeared to be in line with the experts' view that, in the upcoming 27th Amendment, ostensibly to be tabled in November this year, provinces will be asked to shoulder the finances of natural disasters.