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ISLAMABAD: Lieutenant General (retd) Nasir Khan Janjua has been appointed National Security Adviser (NSA) but Sartaj Aziz will likely retain his foreign affairs portfolio, well placed sources told Dawn.com.
The decision was made in principle during high-level consultations between Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last week, and a summary in this regard was signed by the PM prior to his departure for a four-day official visit to the United States.
A notification is expected to be issued within the next 24 hours.
Janjua will be the second military official to hold the post after Major General (retd) Mehmood Durrani who was NSA during the last PPP government.
It is unclear as to why the sudden change in post is being made, though some military sources are speculating the decision was made so that Aziz could focus his attention entirely on foreign affairs.
Janjua will be elevated to the position of minister of state, and his office will be relocated to Prime Minister's Office.
His appointment follows cooling relations between Pakistan and India, who were due to hold talks in August but these were cancelled after India said it wanted to limit the scope of the talks to Pakistan's alleged support for militancy on Indian territory and Pakistan insisted on more wide-ranging discussions.
Lt Gen (retd) Janjua held the post of Southern Command Quetta before he retired earlier this month.
Before that, Janjua was president of the National Defence University, the military's higher education institute and premier think-tank on national security matters.
He also worked on 'Azm-i-Nau,' a military preparedness exercise that had a particular focus on India.
─ Correction: An earlier version of this story had incorrectly stated that a notification would be issued after the Prime Minister's return from US, and that the NSA would be sitting at the MOFA. The error is regretted.
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Comments (70) Closed
Oct 19, 2015 10:44am
Junjua sb is good person . He deserve the post.
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Oct 19, 2015 10:51am
Great decision
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Oct 19, 2015 11:06am
I love this guy, he has a great wisdom, I heard his speech on 14 August, 2015, he put things in a great order to address the nation. He deserves bigger respect.
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Oct 19, 2015 11:09am
This man looks a good choice, keeping in view his track record. He done a good job in recent appointment as head of southCom.
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Oct 19, 2015 11:28am
Seems a very wise decision.
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Oct 19, 2015 11:31am
I would miss sartaz sahab & his same, repeated comments.
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Oct 19, 2015 11:35am
his experience shows that he will bring good change on the security landscape of the country, good luck general
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Oct 19, 2015 11:40am
In principle, The NSA "National Security Adviser" position should not be assigned to an Army or an ex-Army person and rather should be assigned to a person of high caliber with subject matter expertise and considerable world exposure in academia. The reason is that national security has many aspects including economic, political and diplomatic elements. Additionally, world exposure is much needed. An Army man's experience, knowledge and exposure is limited to defense and war only.
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Oct 19, 2015 11:42am
Sartaj should retire soon and enjoy his pension, get someone younger.
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Oct 19, 2015 11:44am
Very good decision.Janjua has a track record.
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Oct 19, 2015 12:22pm
Good decision by the prime minister. We have seen the the good performance of Janjua in Balochistan. He is not only a good general but also knows how to deal with civilian administration. Thank God things are improving in Pakistan.
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Oct 19, 2015 12:41pm
So Janjua and Ajit Doval will face each other in 1-1.. if NSA level talks gonna happened. Specially if keeping in mind the PM visit to USA its a good move. Good decision by PM and COAS.
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Oct 19, 2015 12:50pm
@Tariq Amir Correction please. This is not PM's decision. COAS has assigned Gen. Janjua to play their part in international affairs as Sartaj Aziz have proved to be inefficient while addressing several issues like peace talks with India and Afghanistan
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Oct 19, 2015 12:52pm
What will happen to Mr Tariq Fatmi who is presently holding the post of NSA ?
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Oct 19, 2015 12:58pm
Match for Ajit doval:
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Oct 19, 2015 01:31pm
@Obaid Khan It was done with the consultations between PM and COAS. So credit goes to both. I feel that you are one of those who think that all civilians are incompetent and the only competent persons in Pakistan are in army.
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Oct 19, 2015 01:56pm
Lt Gen Nasir Khan Janjua is a competent and honest man, The man proved his worth at numerous occasions, a great human being who is loved by his under command. After appointment of Gen Raheel Sharif another good decision by Nawaz Sharif..
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Oct 19, 2015 01:58pm
Good decision. Army has more than 90% say in matters relating to NSA and therefore let us hope there will be better unified approach in matters relating to India and Afghanistan.
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Oct 19, 2015 01:58pm
A very competent general who successfully managed to defeat the insurgency in Baluchistan. Knows very well the tactics used by Raw vis a vis Baluchistan.
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Oct 19, 2015 02:08pm
It is just brilliant decision to select right man for right job. Gen. Janjua is one of the finest Army Gen in current army lot.
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Oct 19, 2015 02:27pm
A wise decision to look after national security by the expert thanks to COAS.
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Oct 19, 2015 02:38pm
India has always had civilian NSA which shows the control of the polity over its security policy and link to its diplomacy. In pakistan security is the army's preserve. The people of pakistan are not only not allowed to meddle in it but, going by comments seen here and in express tribune, they actually are very willing to welcome this to the army. This is partially rationalized as a mistrust of everything associated with the civilian leadership and partially rationalized as this is the way things happen in Pakistan
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Oct 19, 2015 03:02pm
If Junjua ex military is retired from the military, why does not he go and rest a little to relax.
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Oct 19, 2015 03:05pm
I sense Military rule in near future in pakistan
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Oct 19, 2015 03:28pm
It is a good decision because India will talk to Pakistani army directly,
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Oct 19, 2015 03:31pm
Days are not far away when a new Dictator will take over rein from Democratically elected Govt.
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Oct 19, 2015 04:17pm
The sudden replacement of NSA proves that there is no democracy.
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Oct 19, 2015 04:25pm
@GKA So Ajit doval is a civilian?If he is civilian what he was doing in raw?
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Oct 19, 2015 04:27pm
Well deserved General
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Oct 19, 2015 04:47pm
He has a good reputation, he brought peace in Balochistan. He can play a good role between India and Pakistan on Kashmir as without involvement of Army nothing can be happened. A bridge between Civil Government and Army, right job to a right person.
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Oct 19, 2015 05:02pm
Good. At least India would be able to speak to Pakistani army directly
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Oct 19, 2015 05:15pm
Good move!
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Oct 19, 2015 05:25pm
NSA is a points person who looks at things in detail in regards to actions needed to correct or to execute specific high profile acts of national security concern directly over and above the normal system .
Army or intelligence background persons are better suited for this job as international matters is too big a bite for NSA but specific high profile security matters will be his domain .
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Oct 19, 2015 05:27pm
Good Decision. And the best thing about this is that his appointment means that recent policy on balochistan will continue. He and dr malik did a great job there.
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Oct 19, 2015 05:29pm
Mr. Janjua has done assiduous work for the restoration of peace in Balochistan and done what politicians failed to do in regard of peace.
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Oct 19, 2015 05:31pm
@ali,
Doval was never in RAW. He has a degree in economics and worked in Indian police service before becoming the director of Intelligence Bureau.
Last I checked Indian police and IB was not part of military.
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Oct 19, 2015 05:32pm
something big just round the corner... may be people of Pakistan, masses will love that. one by one, bit by bit govt devolving... and for greater cause. good move COAS.
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Oct 19, 2015 05:34pm
Good for Pakistan. Good decision by General Raheel.
PML Nawaz & Shahbaz group must be kept away from decision making process for the country. It is enough to tell them like this time.
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Oct 19, 2015 05:45pm
'He also worked on 'Azm-i-Nau,' a military preparedness exercise that had a particular focus on India.'
That explains it all.
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Oct 19, 2015 05:53pm
@ali If you would have researched well you were not asking this question. RAW is a non-military department comes under Home Ministry of India, not defence ministry. And Mr Doval is no army person he was an IPS (Indian Police Service) fo 1968 batch who was selected for RAW/IB (since RAW/IB agents comes from police, forest service, para military and military).
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Oct 19, 2015 06:06pm
@ali RAW is not controlled by Indian Army !! RAW is under command of Joint Secretary in Prime Minister Office.
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Oct 19, 2015 06:11pm
Excellent move. It will allow Mr. Sartaj Aziz more time to concentrate on foreign affairs. While Gen. Janjua can devote his capabilities to his new position of NSA. Lets wish both gentlemen best luck in their important job portfolios, to do an excellent job for people of Pakistan.
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Oct 19, 2015 06:12pm
not a wise decision. Generals are good for nothing
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Oct 19, 2015 06:22pm
@AW Given the political situation, you will have difficulty finding knowledgeable ministers these days. Political parties, being political, there is much to be said on quality of people who get party tickets in elections. Furthermore, after about three years, there is still no one appointed as foreign minister? For NSA Pakistan needs an able, competent and patriotic person like Gen. Janjua. Lets wish him good succes.
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Oct 19, 2015 06:23pm
"--- and his office will be relocated to Prime Minister's Office". Means Army is now stationed inside PM house on a permanent basis. Soft coup is proceeding quite forcefully.
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Oct 19, 2015 06:43pm
Once in a while some good decisions do emerge out of frustration.
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Oct 19, 2015 06:46pm
trimming the govt bit by bit, limb to limb.... one by one.
sooner def ministry will also fall to them,, good job PMLN, NS you stay glued to PM seat alone... Army is doing all jobs which your so called party was elected for. you will accept everything and everybody and anyone as long as you stay as PM.... Farooq Abdulah of Kashmir is reincarnated in Pak as PM NS. well done, COAS. keep grooving jobs in delicate fashion.... we love you COAS.
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Oct 19, 2015 07:24pm
It is a good news. Lt Gen (retd) Janjua retired earlier this month. Isn't it violation of constitution?
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Oct 19, 2015 07:31pm
@AW can you suggest somebody with absolute loyoltay to this country. For the moment this what we have and we should use him.
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Oct 19, 2015 07:37pm
@Tariq Amir
It is very sad and tragic that educated Pakistanis on this forum support appointment of an ex-Army Officer to the civilian post of NSA. It is deeply regrettable that our nation has no respect for civilian institutions and feel proud Army's meddling the political affairs. Pakistan will never prosper if we continue to praise the role of Army in civilian affairs.
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Oct 19, 2015 07:40pm
Mr.Junjua was a good military man.The nature of new job is different,so how he will do is yet to be seen.This has become mindset of some of our people that we always try to find solutions of our problems in those people are in uniforms.Our present state of affairs of our country tell a different story. People in uniform remain in power for ten yeares,no body dare to ask them what did they do to solve our electricity and water problems but we expect miracles from politicians within two years. We need political stability and foolproof accountability system of all without any exception perhaps then we can move in a right direction.
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Oct 19, 2015 07:41pm
I guess the military wishes to retain control of foreign and security policy
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Oct 19, 2015 07:42pm
That is good news for Pakistan. This is what happens when civilian authorities lose their grip on affairs of the state
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Oct 19, 2015 07:51pm
This decision is just making formal what is a reality in Pakistan,that the army decides Pakistan's relations with its neighbours.
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Oct 19, 2015 08:03pm
Well done, Gen R. Sharief. Pak military Continue to focus security of the nation. Lieutenant General (retd) Nasir Khan Janjua is well known patriotic general and I am confident, he will look with eagle eye to keep the nation safe from all perils. Lon live and God save Pakistan.
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Oct 19, 2015 08:45pm
Great to have smart, intelligent & loyal people on board!! Smart move by COAS.
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Oct 19, 2015 08:48pm
Very good decision. I am pretty confident that the nomination must have been from Balochistan administration and coas. He has done a lot of activities in Balochistan for common citizens.
I see some negative comments from across the border as this could be a challenge to democracy. They should mind their own business and try to hold back their Shiv Sena and other terrorists who are involved in killings and not even sparinging sporting activities. Put your own democracy in order before poking into ours.
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Oct 19, 2015 08:52pm
Excellent ! Bring all such sincere and experienced person onboard.
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Oct 19, 2015 09:15pm
@Obaid Khan and who appointed COAS at his present position. Please don't make these matters an issue because the existing relations between civil and military rulers are exemplary and country is gaining from it. However what ever bad in the country happens, it is the PM who is responsible and whatever good happens, credit goes to him.
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Oct 19, 2015 09:50pm
Mr Janjua is good and brave person and deserve for this post .
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Oct 19, 2015 10:00pm
Wow, simply wow!!! I'm a big fan of this person.......now ajit doval will know who he is dealing with!
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Oct 19, 2015 11:46pm
I am sure Ajit Doval is not happy with this selection! His job became much more difficult now. Kudos to the COAS for placing a competent person at this slot.
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Oct 20, 2015 12:10am
Honesty, integrity and capability coupled with political neutrality should be the only criteria required for thus job. Janjua clearly meets these requirements.
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Oct 20, 2015 12:49am
Great appointment
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Oct 20, 2015 01:38am
Good decision.
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Oct 20, 2015 03:03am
We saw Gen-Janjua time and again serving the country in the same spirit as Gen-Raheel. Let entire nation back Gen-Janjua as he proved to be an honest action man. Also on our beloved Gen-Raheel, we all as a nation should have either of two options, first one is that he deserves another 3-yrs term but I was told that entire nation supports his extension woth the except two brother namely NS and SS. The second option is that even if he's not given extension and he retires, his waiting period should be waived off and approved by the joint session of Parliament and Senate, so he could join politics and become the future PM, Ameen. Never before and despite in such desperation, I've always hope that Pakistani nation will prove it's worth in International arena within a few years under Gen-Raheel, Imran Khan, and Gen-Janjua's leadership.
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Oct 20, 2015 04:51am
A recently retired General is chosen as a NSA. What is this hype all about? He has not assumed his office as yet and we are comending as if we have achieved everything related to National Security. I fail to understand what imense importance does it carry .
Like always,government is perceived to be haunted by this decision and the pleas is that a civilian is being replaced by General , we seriously need maturity.
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Oct 20, 2015 05:53am
After retirement, Army Chief will become PM.
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Oct 20, 2015 12:52pm
Good decision indeed.
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Oct 21, 2015 05:09am
All these position including ministers, Chief ministers, City mayors are very responsible position and carries lots of responsibility and needs lots of training and experience to run country, province or cities.
In China, there are university of all these positions under communist party. In private companies, for each position you need qualifications and experience.
And in our democratic systems, these so responsible positions are given like candies to inexperienced untested persons, because they supported the party. In USA when President wins, he/she appoints technocrats.
Really if we want to built great Pakistan, we will have to train and put right persons in right positions. Running of countries and making decisions on billions of Dollars and welfare of 190 million people, we need trained tested leaders, NOT THOSE WHO SUPPORT A POLITICAL LEADER AND GET HIM/HER THE VOTES.
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