Kayani puts extension rumours to rest, says will retire next month

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Ashfarq Pervez Kayani has decided to retire from his post at the end of his extended term on November 29, putting all the rumours about the general getting a another term or responsibility in the army to rest.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday , Kayani has said that he will retire on November 29.

"For quite sometime, my current responsibilities and likely future plans have been debated in the media with all sorts of rumours and speculations doing the rounds. The subject of being entrusted with new duties has also come up in several reports”, Kayani said.

The army chief said that he was grateful to the political leadership and the nation for reposing their trust in him and the Pakistan Army at this important juncture of national history.

“However, I share the general opinion that institutions and traditions are stronger than individuals and must take precedence, as I complete my tenure the will of the people has taken root and a constitutional order is in place”

He said: “the armed forces of Pakistan fully support and want to strengthen this democratic order".

He said that the Pakistan Army had made its contribution towards this desired end with complete clarity of mind and a comprehensive understanding of the trajectory Pakistan needed to take.

“They have also proven, on countless occasions, through their priceless sacrifices that the defence and prosperity of Pakistan is their highest priority,” the army chief added.

“I have served this great nation and had the privilege of commanding the finest Army of the world for six years to the best of my abilities and with the sincerest of my intentions. It is time for others to carry forward the mission of making Pakistan a truly democratic, prosperous and peaceful country that embodies the finest dreams our founding fathers had envisaged for us. My tenure ends on 29th November 2013. On that day I will retire. May the Almighty Allah help and guide us all", the ISPR press release quoted the army chief as saying.