Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday announced an extension of three years in the service of Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, to ensure continuity in the military operations against extremists and terrorists.
Ending months of speculation, the prime minister in an address to the nation announced the extension. The army chief who, owing to his policy of strict impartiality has won respect for the country’s armed forces is at the forefront in the ongoing war against extremism.
Under his command the Pakistan army has led successful operations in Swat, Malakand and different tribal agencies.
General Kayani who succeeded Gen Musharraf as Pakistan’s 14th army chief on November 29, 2007, is a recepient of Hilal-i-Imtiaz and Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) for his meritorious services.
He served at various levels of command including his stint as Director General Inter Services Intelligence.
Besides being Chief of Staff Corps, General Kayani has also held the coveted post of Director General Military Operations.
General Kayani is a graduate of Fort Benning (USA), Command and Staff College Quetta, Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth (USA), Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, Hawaii (USA), and National Defence College Islamabad.
He possesses wide ranging experience in Command, Instructional and staff appointments and has commanded an infantry Battalion, Infantry Brigade, Infantry Division and a Corps.