Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday revealed that no decision has been taken yet and currently no consultations have been initiated regarding the matter of appointment of next army chief.

“No decision or consultation for the appointment of new army chief has been done yet,” Asif said while giving an interview to DawnNews.

The defence minister lauded efforts of the army for facilitating the continuation of democratic setup in the country.

“I give credit to Pakistan Army over completion of eight years of democratic system. Army supported the democratic system for eight years,” he said.

When asked about the resignation of former information minister Pervez Rasheed, Asif declined to comment on the issue.

“I will not comment on issue of former information minister’s resignation as investigation committee is conducting the inquiry.”

Responding to a question about the allegation levelled by political parties about the relationship between Sharif family and Justice (retd) Amir Raza — the head of committee formed to probe the 'national security leak' — Asif maintained: “I don’t have knowledge of any relations between Sharif family and Amir Raza.”

"Shahbaz Sharif, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Ishaq Dar are looking after matters of national security news leak,” he maintained.

While commenting on the issue of Panama Papers and role of opposition, Asif said: “Opposition does not have concrete evidence and they [opposition] are trying to prolong the Panama Papers scandal.”

“I respect the courts of Pakistan, hence, I will not comment on remarks made by judges regarding the Panama issue,” he asserted.

The senior PML-N leader said that, “Government was not hesitating from accountability of the prime minister, we will accept Panama bill if it get acceptance from the majority.”

Asif, however, declined to comment when asked about the possibility of a judicial coup.