THIS refers to the news report ‘Govt seeks review of SC verdict on COAS extension’ (Dec 27).

I am no constitutional expert but at age 81, and having observed the functioning of the government and judiciary in Asia, Europe and Africa, I have absolutely no doubt that, considering the system and tradition in Pakistan, the appointment, extension and retirement of the army chief is purely the prerogative of the government.

As such, the judiciary can intervene in the matter only if there was some illegality or violation of the Constitution in the decision.

The matter was more like that of chief justice Saqib Nisar ordering the stoppage of deduction of tax on mobile phones balance — a decision which was rightly reversed by the succeeding chief justice. The circumstances being similar, I hope the present chief justice or the bench formed to hear the case will act likewise.

Riazul Hakeem
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2020