Pakistan News And Discussion-12

[Guest]

<b>Changes in army on cards: Presidential election on October 8</b>?<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->ISLAMABAD: President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s legal advisers have proposed that his re-election be held in October instead of the third week of September.

“The re-election will most probably be held on October 8 following some important changes at top level in the army,” the sources said.

<b>JCSC Chairman Gen Ehsaul Haq and VCOAS General Ahsen Saleem Hayat will retire on October 7. </b>Before the retirement of Gen Haq and Gen Hayat, the president will promote two lieutenant generals to the rank of general.

It is expected that ISI DG Lt Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani will be promoted to a four-star general for his appointment as JCSC chairman in place of Gen Haq. Rawalpindi Corps Commander Lt Gen Tariq Majeed, Gujranwala Corps Commander Lt Gen Waseem Ahmed and <b>Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Salahuddin Satti may also be considered for the position of VCOAS</b>.

In case the president removes his uniform, one of these three generals may be appointed chief of army staff. It is expected that<b> Lt Gen Satti will be promoted for the top position in the Pakistan Army</b>.

Sources in the Foreign Office told Daily Times that the president would not go to the US this time to attend the United Nations General Assembly session starting from September 18. Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri would represent Pakistan at the UN. “The ongoing dialogue with all political parties, particularly the PPP, is expected to continue to resolve the contentious issues before the announcement of the schedule for the presidential election,” sources told Daily Times.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->