PTI’s Asad Qaiser says extending ex-COAS Bajwa’s tenure was a ‘mistake’
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This December 7, 2021 file photo shows former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser presiding over a meeting. — Photo courtesy NA Twitter
Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser has said the then-PTI government’s decision to extend the tenure of ex-chief of army staff retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa in 2019 was the “wrong decision”, while making a candid admission that they “regret the mistake”.
Qaiser — who also served as the custodian of the lower house of parliament during the PTI’s tenure — was the centre of the weeks-long tussle that ended with the ouster of former premier Imran Khan as the prime minister through a no-confidence vote in April.
The former speaker had resigned from office on April 9 after nominating former speaker Ayaz Sadiq to oversee the proceedings of the National Assembly and conduct the no-trust motion moved by the then-joint opposition which eventually led to the fall of the PTI government.
Qaiser’s admission today came in an interview on Dawn News programme ‘Doosra Rukh’ a week after Gen Bajwa retired after he completed six years at the helm of the army.
He was appointed as the army chief by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in November 2016. In 2019, then-premier Imran Khan approved an extension in his tenure as COAS for another term — just three months before he was due to retire.
“Everyone [in the party ranks] are realising that it was a mistake to grant him (Bajwa) an extension,” he said.
When asked about background discussions leading to the decision, Qaiser responded: “It was the wrong decision, no matter why or how it was taken.”
He, however, added that it was a “collective decision” of all political parties to extend the tenure of the then-army chief. “The political parties have become basically dynastic parties with no roots among the masses,” he said.
Commenting about Imran’s conditional offer for talks with the government, Qaiser said his party was ready for negotiations “provided that elections are a prominent part of the agenda”.
He also expressed displeasure at Faisal Vawda, saying he was provided with everything with exception to him being elevated to Imran’s position.
“But he did not do the right thing,” the ex-NA speaker said.
The complete interview will be aired at 7pm today.
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Comments (84) Closed
Dec 03, 2022 02:24pm
Why were you not issuing Ali wazir production
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Dec 03, 2022 02:27pm
Why were you not issuing Ali wazir production order that time, was Bajwa not allowing you or someone else was interfering
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Dec 03, 2022 02:28pm
Why were you not issuing Ali wazir production order that time, was Bajwa not allowing you or someone else was interfering?
Plz tell truth to the nation
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Dec 03, 2022 02:28pm
I think we all know that now... No extension ever for anyone.. Bajwa played everybody
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Dec 03, 2022 02:31pm
What a statement from the lame former speaker! Can he even have a voice?
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Dec 03, 2022 02:31pm
The great noble kindhearted leader is a class act. Its one lie after another from the sadiq and ameen. He is a smooth operator, he never does anything himself so later he can blame others like he keeps doing for everything. Plausible deniability!
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Dec 03, 2022 02:37pm
The biggest Mistake was bringing PTI into power on 25 July 2018.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:37pm
installing Asad Qaiser as Speaker of NA was even a bigger mistake because he was loyal to IK and not the country
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Dec 03, 2022 02:40pm
PTI is a mistaken creation of the miltablishment and will be known in history as such. The sad part is that it will sink the love, hope, and aspirations of an entire generation of youths who believe in PTI and it’s current incompetent leadership.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:42pm
Pti has become a party of liars and hypocrites.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:44pm
So many mistakes committed , must a deep peer review of your tenure.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:45pm
Nooo. Liar. you never regret but enjoyed all the benefits...Now, after him, making villain is so shameful for PTI and Niazi.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:45pm
Yes, everyone knows that now.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:48pm
This is what happens when you consistently move away from your principles. Imran had support from people based on what he was preaching, but if doesn't practice that then people will move on and that's what we have seen. His stance was always merit, that should mean no extension no matter what and next in line comes and take charge, not just in army but every government position. Now learn from this blunder and ensure you as our leader walk the talk.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:50pm
PTI is regretting why Imran Khan was ousted after vote of no confidence and accusing Gen (R) Bajwa be it Imran Khan, Asad Qaiser or other PTI leaders.
Instead of accusing, PTI leaders should open their necks and see as what they have done for the country and common man, except accusing that they are dacoits and thieves during entire tenure of 3 years and 7 months
Had PTI done any good for the country opposition would never been able to pass vote of no confidence against Imran Khan at any cost.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:52pm
It was not the only mistake. Retired army officers were posted in civilian institutes, which demoralized civilians in these institutes. Civilians are not working in such institutes as they consider it against merit, while army officer is bashing them that they are not working.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:57pm
Pti prev gov was a mistake.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:58pm
Extension to Bajwa is a very small mistake of all of the politicians - the real blunder of the politicians is the fact that no senior Government Servant has ever faced accountability for breaking the constitution and for financial corruption. Pakistan will always struggle till this happens......
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Dec 03, 2022 02:59pm
PTI never speaks truth. Gen Bajwa was their mentor and leader in running PTI government. Without him they couldn't have survived even for 3 months.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:59pm
PTI clique is a fraud, selfish and dual character.
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Dec 03, 2022 02:59pm
…………it was a mega blunder, not just a mistake, and political suicide which PTI paid through regime change…………
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Dec 03, 2022 03:06pm
Hope that gives a lesson to the future governments to build capacity and stop all these extensions and appointments to military servicemen in civilian and other governmental departments . This really has become a joke . We really need to build our capacity and leadership to look after civilian administration and industrial organisations . Let military work in its limited sphere . Role of military commercial enterprise also need to be regularised and all the profits should be taken over by Govt.
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Dec 03, 2022 03:06pm
Another blunder by Imran khan
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Dec 03, 2022 03:07pm
He should have retired with dignity, he is so old he could hardly walk.
Not befitting a soldier.
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Dec 03, 2022 03:08pm
Brainless and thoughtless party, for every statement they take uturn after two days
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Dec 03, 2022 03:08pm
We all badly regret his appointment let along the extension .
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Dec 03, 2022 03:09pm
Unlike NS or PPP, IK does accept any role as the opposition in the parliament.
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Dec 03, 2022 03:10pm
Discussing IK's politics is a waste of time.
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Dec 03, 2022 03:11pm
On one hand you were saying we were on one page and all is good and now you are regretting? Don’t you have any shame in saying such contrasting things? People need to wake up with what kind of hypocrites they are supporting going from one extreme to another.
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Dec 03, 2022 03:15pm
All talk after the emperor is gone. Pathetic, at best
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Dec 03, 2022 03:16pm
Not a mistake, rather a mega blunder!
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Dec 03, 2022 03:19pm
Pti basically can do one thing.come and tell what wrong decisions they took.They are losers.
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Dec 03, 2022 03:24pm
The past can't be changed. However, future is yet in your hands.
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Dec 03, 2022 03:25pm
It was wrong decision because he didn't side with PTI ? Only proves that most of the people in PTI are not fit to lead the country. No wonder their 4 years of rule saw everything going down the drain.
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Dec 03, 2022 03:35pm
He, however, added that it was a “collective decision” of all political parties to extend the tenure of the then-army chief. “The political parties have become basically dynastic parties with no roots among the masses,” he said.
Spot on. Specially last line.
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Dec 03, 2022 03:55pm
One of many mistakes that PTI made during its rule. PTI needs to come up with clear and coherent policies and then stick with them so everyone knows what the party stand for. IK has good ideas but he is struggling to convert them into reality and time may run out.
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Dec 03, 2022 04:02pm
One of many many mistakes committed by incompetent PTI
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Dec 03, 2022 04:02pm
The 2nd level leaders of PTI are seeing the benefits of U Turns and blaming others for own mistakes. Mr. Qaiser has learnt from the Master of U Turns.
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Dec 03, 2022 04:26pm
Whatever and whoever didn't serve your purpose was a mistake.
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Dec 03, 2022 04:36pm
Who cares.
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Dec 03, 2022 04:45pm
PTI has only regrets, blame for others and scandals. That is sum total of its existence. End this failed experiment
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Dec 03, 2022 04:49pm
Ok now you have to live with this stigma for ever or look for new umpire.....
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Dec 03, 2022 04:55pm
everyone know that
so better tell us what should be the punishment for this grave blunder by ik?
and also tell us that what's the guarantee that pti and ik will not commit such dastardly blunders again
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Dec 03, 2022 05:19pm
And bringing PTI into power was the biggest mistake.
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Dec 03, 2022 05:20pm
Lots of people informed you about it but you turned a blind eye to it. PTI is the sole responsible of the current situation of Pakistan.
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Dec 03, 2022 05:41pm
“The political parties have become basically dynastic parties with no roots among the masses,” he said.
A truthful statement. Dynastic parties loot the country through corrupt means, then stuff institutions with their corrupt cronies, then rule through them, keeping themselves above law. While having no interest of people or roots with them only money buys.
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Dec 03, 2022 05:42pm
“The political parties have become basically dynastic parties with no roots among the masses,” he said.
These corrupt dynastic parties have no root among massess but come to loot the massess.
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Dec 03, 2022 05:52pm
Problem is you people who keep boot licking. Enough... Lock the GHQ and their ISI operative for their crimes.
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Dec 03, 2022 05:55pm
To remain in power, PTI offered Gen. Bajwa an indefinite extension. PTI is full of crooks like you.
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Dec 03, 2022 05:56pm
IK made decision for his own benefits but later turned out to be against him, that he called mistake.
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Dec 03, 2022 06:21pm
But does IK recognize this, yet he still beleive that establishment should continue to provide his party feeders.
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Dec 03, 2022 06:23pm
one of many mistakes made by Imran Khan . And still making mistakes
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Dec 03, 2022 06:31pm
Why speak now. Why not before.
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Dec 03, 2022 06:31pm
PTI: Army chief is father.
PTI: Giving an extension to the "father" was wrong.
The only thing that is consistent about PTI's positions are that they are funny. PMLN or PPP or any other party can never compete with PTI in being funny.
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Dec 03, 2022 06:38pm
Mr Asad Qaiser not your fault opposition tricked you into this and you made mess of mistake. You should tell the truth to public
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Dec 03, 2022 07:04pm
Extending the COAS term causes a lot of serious issues.
Couple of examples are as follows:
1: It is a blatant expression of politicizing the army. The nation has suffered enough since independence. It is hard to find net positive impact of the three times the army generals ruled the nation directly.
2: Extending the COAS term slows down the natural development of senior army staff. The buildup to the state of the art army knowledge, skills and competitiveness is affected negatively.
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Dec 03, 2022 07:16pm
It was not a collective decision but that of IK. It was due to PTI’s mishandling that others parties were roped in.
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Dec 03, 2022 07:26pm
Yes, but don’t cozy up again with establishment. Establishment need to be bring under democratic control.
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Dec 03, 2022 07:35pm
Politicians rubber stamped a decision that was already made by Mr. Bajwa.
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Dec 03, 2022 07:36pm
I don't think the Army chief needs any politicians approval to get what he wants.
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Dec 03, 2022 07:36pm
We all know Bajwa's political interference since Imran's oath and even in oath ceremony before oath Bajwa announced Kartarpur corridor opening! He continued unnecessary interference in in govt's functions throughout and PTI put up with it and were kicked out when they did not. Country will continue to be in a political mess due to military establishments interfering control to be relevant. Just Sad.
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Dec 03, 2022 07:39pm
Launching PTI and installing it’s government was establishment’s blunder instead.
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Dec 03, 2022 07:45pm
Let alone the former COAS Gen(R) Qamar, all across the law & System no extension what so ever be given to any COAS. Extensions breeds discomfort disharmony uneasiness amongst the rank and files of the force.
Besides the rights of sequencing of colleagues are deprived. No extension under any pretext. That’s a real genuine discipline.
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Dec 03, 2022 07:52pm
Surely, Gen Bajwa would be regretting his stand he took with you folks!!!
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Dec 03, 2022 07:55pm
You had to give it because you were collectively selected by him to start with?
May be you have selective memory also!
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Dec 03, 2022 08:04pm
PTI nothing but mistake making machine.
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Dec 03, 2022 08:09pm
The mistake that the nation regrets is the selection of incompetent Niazi by the establishment,
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Dec 03, 2022 08:09pm
Yes, unfortunately the general needed a good doctor not a doctrine !
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Dec 03, 2022 08:22pm
I am not surprised to hear all the mistakes that IKN made .
Only recourse for IKN is the streets of London .
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Dec 03, 2022 08:22pm
And also the blunder was to pass the bill that no one can criticize the institution specially the army
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Dec 03, 2022 08:43pm
The list of mistakes is very very long and you have nothing left to expose your dirty narratives / plans trying to ventilate your frustration as they didn’t hold you anymore by the hand after realizing they made the biggest mistake.
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Dec 03, 2022 08:54pm
Correct!
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Dec 03, 2022 09:05pm
Why didn't you say this when Bajwa was still active? Cowards.
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Dec 03, 2022 09:58pm
Till the time you are weak THEY would be strong
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Dec 03, 2022 10:13pm
Many mistakes not one mistake
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Dec 03, 2022 10:14pm
Bajwa is a crook and only made himself rich and Pakistan poor. He will have to answer how he and his family made the money.
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Dec 03, 2022 11:07pm
You are party to the looted wealth?
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Dec 03, 2022 11:56pm
Making this guy the army chief was the main mistake. Although verry few times a second chance comes by, but the politicians either due to their ignorance or threat from the army, wasted that and awarded the r----l what he wanted. Although he did NOT deserve it, but wanted it badly to fil his bank account.
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Dec 04, 2022 12:29am
So pay for it, all pay for their mistakes, Bhutto paid for selecting Zia ul Haq, Nawaz for Musharaf,so on and so forth. Stop cribbing.
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Dec 04, 2022 03:13am
It looks PTI regret anything and everything they did in the past. Health care is a truly a goo dwork and who is paying for it?
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Dec 04, 2022 06:44am
@M.Jan, Dont think I am his supporter, but the speaker has the prerogative or discretion to produce or not produce someone like Ali Wazir and no one can dictate him. However, if there was discrimination or bias or double standard then you can complaint.
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Dec 04, 2022 06:50am
@Syed A. Mateen, PTI 's performance was not so great but much more better than PDM's now?? Any way Vote of no confidence was not because of the performance but instead it was in the result of disagreements between IK and the General and stupid decision to travel to Russia put some gasoline on the flames.
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Dec 04, 2022 07:09am
Yes, extension was based on purely favoritism. Bajwa never served in any elite unit. Gen Musharraf was a real soldier.
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Dec 04, 2022 09:56am
this man was not the right person to be a NA speaker since he proved to be loyal only to his party leader and not to the country at all
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