Pak General Not Promoted To Army Chief Seeks ‘Early Retirement’

Pakistan Army’s Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Azhar Abbas has decided to bid farewell to the army, seeking early retirement, his brother said. As reported by The News, London-based Barrister Dr Mazhar Ilahi, younger brother of General Azhar Abbas, gave the piece of information to Geo News. “I confirm that Lt Gen. Azhar Abbas has sought early retirement to maintain his grace, honour and dignity as a decorated officer of Pakistan Army,” he said. “Known for his professionalism, farsightedness and leadership, Lt-Gen Azhar Abbas has decided to bid farewell, seeking early retirement — true to his personality,” a family source said. The development comes after the government appointed Lt Gen. Asim Munir (who would have otherwise retired on November 27) as the next Chief of the Army Staff and Lt Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Azhar Abbas was commissioned into the army in 1987 and will become number two (after incumbent army chief Gen Bajwa who retires on November 29) on the seniority list. His retirement is due in April next year.