Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has named a former head of the national intelligence service to be the next army chief.
Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced Mr Sharif’s decision to appoint Lt Gen Syed Asim Munir to the post shortly after a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Lt Gen Munir, currently serving as the army's quartermaster general, will replace Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, who will retire next week after six years as head of the army.
Mr Sharif also decided to appoint Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the information minister said.
The appointments must be approved by the president, Arif Alvi.
The top military posts carry great significance in Pakistan, where the armed forces wield enormous political influence and have ruled the country for half of its 75-year history.
Former prime minister Imran Khan has accused the military of being part of what he alleges was a US-backed conspiracy to remove him from office in a no-confidence vote earlier this year.
On Wednesday, Gen Bajwa rejected Mr Khan’s claims as "fake and false" while saying the military would have no role in national politics in the future.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the appointment of Gen Bajwa's successor was “based on merit, law and as per the constitution".
Lt Gen Munir is the most senior ranking general after Gen Bajwa and served as chief of Pakistan's two most influential intelligence agencies, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Military Intelligence.
He was removed as head of the ISI in 2019 at the request of Mr Khan, who took office the previous year. No reason was given for the decision.
Pakistani forces at 11th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar — in pictures
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Pakistan Navy servicemen during the 2022 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Karachi. EPA -
Pakistani marines take part in a drill off the beach in Karachi during the event. AFP -
Pakistan Navy members during a demonstration at the exhibition. EPA -
Members of Pakistan's navy at the exhibition. EPA -
A Pakistan Navy soldier during an exercise at the exhibition. EPA -
Pakistan military paratroopers show off their skills at the 11th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Karachi. EPA -
Pakistan Navy special forces during a counter-terrorism demonstration at the exhibition. Reuters -
Pakistan Navy skydivers. EPA -
Members of the Pakistan armed forces during a parachute demonstration. Reuters -
Pakistan special forces during a counter-terrorism demonstration in Karachi, November 17, 2022. Reuters -
Pakistani soldiers take part in a drill during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar. AFP
