Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that there is no reason for others to worry about the issue of Pakistan Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani being granted an extension because he will make the final decision in this regard.
"Let me decide (the issue of granting an extension to the army chief). It is my prerogative. You need not worry about this matter," Gilani said when he was asked by reporters whether Kayani's term of service would be extended.
The premier made the remarks while interacting with journalists on the sidelines of an official function at Baloki near Lahore on Saturday.
The Pakistani capital has been abuzz with speculation that Kayani has been given a two-year extension.
Kayani is set to retire in November but there have been reports in the past few months that he could be given an extension or made the Chief of Defence Staff so that he can continue to guide Pakistan’s armed forces in the war against terrorism.
Farhatullah Babar, the spokesman for President Asif Ali Zardari, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces, on Saturday said the Prime Minister will decide the issue of extending Kayani's term.
{{/usCountry}}Farhatullah Babar, the spokesman for President Asif Ali Zardari, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces, on Saturday said the Prime Minister will decide the issue of extending Kayani's term.
{{/usCountry}}Under the 18th constitutional amendment, it is the Prime Minister's prerogative to decide on Kayani's term, Babar said.