Chief of Army Staff | General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

[TaimiKhan]

what is his background - infantry, armour, artillery etc? - has he commanded at corps level? - what is his seniority level compared to the names mentioned above?

could be the 'sleeper' candidate!
what abt the DG-FC?

DG-FC is a Maj Gen, so for the time being out of the race eligibility criteria.

Lt Gen Mustafa Khan is from Armored Corps, got promoted in Sept-Oct 2008. Seems to be a Punjabi from the Rajput clan

But Lt Gen Mustafa hasn't yet commanded a Corps, he got promoted and straight came to the CGS post, so am not sure if without a Corps Command experience he would be eligible.

His retirement is in Sept 2012 or so.

My bet is on the ex-SSG commander, current Rwp Corps Commander.

Suits the job profile. Experience of operations and Corps commader too.

 

[waraich66]

COAS visit of UK,France and Saudia is a indication of shift in ISAF war strategy.

Now focal point will be Pakistan not Afghanistan.Next few months are important?

 

[waraich66]

[QUOTE]The current Corps Commander Rwp, the ex-SSG commander is also a good candidate.[/QUOTE]

Musharaf was also served SSG , ex SSG COAS is not good experience for Pakistan.

 

[TaimiKhan]

[QUOTE]The current Corps Commander Rwp, the ex-SSG commander is also a good candidate.

Musharaf was also served SSG , ex SSG COAS is not good experience for Pakistan.[/QUOTE]

That is for you to say based on Musharaf experience.

Qualification wise and experience wise, they are no less Good then any other candidate.

In western armies, many of their chiefs are ex-SF guys, who work well in their designated roles.

Everyone is not and cannot be Musharaf.

 

[fatman17]

Kayani spells out terms for regional stability

By Zahid Hussain

Tuesday, 02 Feb, 2010

During an address to the foreign media, General Ashfaq Kayani said that peace and stability in Afghanistan were crucial to Pakistan's long-term interests.

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said on Monday the success of military operations in the tribal regions have caused substantial decline in cross-border attacks on Nato forces in Afghanistan and warned that it was essential to address Pakistan’s long-term strategic concerns for stability in the region.

In a rare press briefing, General Kayani said it would be a cause of worry for Pakistan if Afghanistan’s projected army developed the potential to take on Pakistan.
“We want a strategic depth in Afghanistan but do not want to control it,” the general said while talking to a group of journalists at the Army General Headquarters.

“A peaceful and friendly Afghanistan can provide Pakistan a strategic depth.” He asked the US and Nato to come out with a clear strategy on Afghanistan.

General Kayani who last week participated in Nato commanders’ conference in Brussels said Pakistan was prepared to train the Afghan National Army which would help improve relations between the two nations. He said he hoped the offer would get a positive response.

“If we get more involved with the ANA (Afghan National Army) there’s more interaction and better understanding,” General Kayani said.

“We have opened all doors ... It’s a win-win for Afghanistan, the United States, Isaf and Pakistan,” he said, referring to Nato’s International Security Assistance Force.

He said he believed it would take at least four years to achieve a target of a 140,000-strong Afghan force able to take over security responsibilities.

Pakistan has raised concern over a similar offer by India to train Afghan army, and the issue could become another point of conflict between the two South Asian neighbours.

Pakistan’s offer reflects Islamabad’s rising concern over Indian influence in Afghanistan. “Our strategic paradigm needs to be fully realised,” General Kayani said.

He warned that an environment hostile to Pakistan could strain its battle against militancy and extremism. He said he had conveyed the concerns and constraints of Pakistan to the Nato allies.

“There are some key issues of the conflict that needed to be fully understood and addressed.”

He said there was a need for realisation of Pakistan’s key regional position and its contribution in the war.

General Kayani said more than 140,000 Pakistani troops were now involved in fighting militants in the northwest and deployment along the Afghan border.

He said over the last seven months Pakistani military had launched 209 major and 510 minor operations in 10 regions. He said 2,273 Pakistani army officers and soldiers had been killed in the fighting so far.

General Kayani said that the military operations in South Waziristan and Swat were at present in a transitory phase -- from hold to build. “We must consolidate our gains and fully stabilise the area secured lest it fall back to the terrorists,” he said.

He warned against losing sight for future operations. “Public opinion, media support, army’s capability and resolve are fundamental to our war,” he said.

General Kayani rejected the perception that Pakistan did not want to take on the militants in North Waziristan. “There is already one army division deployed there and we have taken action whenever required,” he declared

He said it was important that the military consolidated its hold in South Waziristan and other tribal regions before starting another army offensive.

Last October the army launched a major offensive in South Waziristan which had become the main bastion of Pakistani Taliban movement and Al Qaeda.

More than 30,000 troops have been involved in the operation which is said to be the biggest since Pakistan joined the US war on terror after September 11, 2001.

The troops have cleared most of the region, but there are still pockets of resistance. Many Taliban commanders have taken refuge in neighbouring Waziristan. “We have broken the myth that Waziristan cannot be controlled,” he said.

Pakistan has been facing mounting pressure from the United States to start army operation in North Waziristan which is the base for another Taliban faction.

The US and western intelligence agencies believe the area is also a base of Afghan insurgents led by Sirajuddin Haqqani. Pakistan had signed a peace deal with the Taliban faction in 2006.

General Kayani said Pakistani military’s success in South Waziristan had sent a strong message to the militants operating in North Waziristan and other areas.

“There is, however, no need at this point to start a stream roller operation in North Waziristan.”

The army chief said the large number of casualties suffered by the Pakistani security forces and economic losses had not dented the armed forces’ resolve to fight terrorism and violent extremism. “We will fight and finish the terrorism in our own interest,” General Kayani said.

He said the intelligence sharing and greater cooperation between Pakistani military and US forces had helped improve the situation. “The regular contacts between Pakistani and US military commanders have greatly helped in understanding each others’ position.”

 

[air marshal]

Human,economic losses haven’t dented resolve of nation, Armed Forces to fight terrorism: COAS

ISLAMABAD, Feb 1 (APP):”Pakistan has suffered the maximum in terms of human and economic losses due to terrorism and violent extremism, but it has not dented the resolve of the nation and its armed forces to fight and finish terrorism in accordance with own national interests.” This was stated by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Monday, while talking to a group of foreign correspondents on his return from Brussels, where he had participated in the conference of NATO commanders on special invitation.

The COAS said he has conveyed the concerns, challenges, contributions and constraints of Pakistan in its fight against the terrorists. He said he had highlighted the key issues of the conflict that needed to be fully understood and addressed. He drew the attention of the forum towards the huge sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan and its armed forces, due to the effect of ‘Blow Back’.

While referring to Afghanistan, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said that our objective is to have peaceful, stable and friendly Afghanistan. “We cannot wish for Afghanistan anything that we don’t wish for Pakistan”. He reaffirmed that geography, culture and history can neither be separated nor wished away. He emphasized that our operations in 2009 have helped improving the situation in Afghanistan in terms of squeezing of spaces, better control of areas and continuous logistic flow.

The COAS identified five fundamentals that helped in turning the tide and must not be lost sight for future operations. In his words these fundamentals include public opinion, media support, army’s capability and resolve, ‘our war’ was not ‘US war’ and a comprehensive strategy based on four different phases namely clear, hold, build and transfer.

For the way forward, he said that fundamentals should remain strong and intact, short and long term interests be reconciled, strategic direction should be maintained and coordination be effect based.
The COAS said that he informed the NATO commanders that our strategic paradigm needs to be fully realized. He said we are the second largest Muslim nation in the World located in a strategic region defined by competing interests and civilizational cross roads, with a prolonged history of conflict.

We have 3 million Afghan refugees. At present, our operations are in a transitory phase (from hold to build), we must consolidate our gains and fully stabilize the areas secured, lest it falls back to terrorists. Constraints of capability to absorb and operate, limited cutting edge counter intelligence / counter terrorism capability and limited budgetary space should be factored in, he added.
General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said that Pakistan has contributed to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. “We have the will and resolve to overcome the menace of terrorism in our country and we have the public support”.

 

[air marshal]

 

[SSGPA1]

The current Corps Commander Rwp, the ex-SSG commander is also a good candidate.

Only if he is not related to Brig TM Shaheed.

 

[RPK]

http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=158187

Pakistan cannot close its eyes to Cold Start Strategy of India: Kayani

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said Indian "Cold Start Strategy" is an aggressive strategy adding Pakistan can not close its eyes towards this strategy.

Army chief said this while giving briefing to the media men and anchor persons here Wednesday.

It was a wrong allegation against Pakistan that it was indulging in double game, he said adding had it been correct, we would have not offered unprecedented sacrifices in terms of life and property.

The casualties of NATO and allied forces in war on terror stand at 1582 during the eight years and on the other hand 2273 officers and Jawans of Pakistan army were martyred and 6512 injured during the one year, he underlined. 73 Pakistani intelligence officers were martyred while 11 intelligence officers of allied forces were killed in Afghanistan.

"Our martyrs include one three star general, one two stars general and five brigadiers", he told. Deployment of Pakistani troops on western borders outnumbered NATO forces, he added.

"We have conducted operations in Swat, Malakand and South Waziristan under a successful strategy and have recovered arms in huge quantity from Swat with the cooperation of the people", he held.

To a question he said US and its allies have started understanding our reservations and apprehensions and situation of the region. "We have made it clear on US that it will have to keep in view interests of Pakistan before taking any decision with reference to Afghanistan, he added.

Pakistan role is a key role with regard to Afghanistan, he said adding he had stated this in the meeting of NATO military committee.

As per media reports army chief while citing to Indo-Pak ties said the whole nation, army and government was fully aware of the history of relations between the two countries. All the military and war preparations of India seemed to be Pakistan-specific and Pakistan could not close its eyes to it, he added.

Army chief said Pakistan wanted lasting peace and stability in South Asia but the peace could not be held hostage due to any one incident of terrorism or non-state actors.

Sources told army chief gave answers to different questions in the perspective of national, political and internal situation of the country

 

[Xeric]

Kayani rebuffs ‘double game’ allegation on Pak intelligence - GEO.tv

Kayani rebuffs ‘double game’ allegation on Pak intelligence

Updated at: 2158 PST, Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Kayani rebuffs ‘double game’ allegation on Pak intelligence ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said Wednesday that 2273 officers and soldiers had embraced martyrdom during the ongoing war against terrorism.

In a chat with senior journalists in Islamabad, Army chief Gen Kayani rejected the allegations of double game leveled against Pakistan intelligence agencies, saying that 73 intelligence officers had embraced martyrdom in Pakistan, while 11 others were martyred in Afghanistan.

The COAS said that one 3-star General, two 2-star generals and five brigadiers were also among the martyrs.

While in Afghanistan, 1682 soldiers of allied forces had been killed during the last eight years, he commented.

A large quantity of weapon was seized in Swat with the help of Swat people, he said, adding the arms were recovered during the past two and half months.

 

[Gin ka Pakistan]

I wish General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani will get an extension

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Kiyani is leading well - good perfromance staying out of polics is ideal for country's growth and stability

 

[PAFAce]

In a rare press briefing, General Kayani said it would be a cause of worry for Pakistan if Afghanistan’s projected army developed the potential to take on Pakistan.
“We want a strategic depth in Afghanistan but do not want to control it,” the general said while talking to a group of journalists at the Army General Headquarters.

“A peaceful and friendly Afghanistan can provide Pakistan a strategic depth.” He asked the US and Nato to come out with a clear strategy on Afghanistan.

General Kayani who last week participated in Nato commanders’ conference in Brussels said Pakistan was prepared to train the Afghan National Army which would help improve relations between the two nations. He said he hoped the offer would get a positive response.

“If we get more involved with the ANA (Afghan National Army) there’s more interaction and better understanding,” General Kayani said.

“We have opened all doors ... It’s a win-win for Afghanistan, the United States, Isaf and Pakistan,” he said, referring to Nato’s International Security Assistance Force.

He said he believed it would take at least four years to achieve a target of a 140,000-strong Afghan force able to take over security responsibilities.

Pakistan has raised concern over a similar offer by India to train Afghan army, and the issue could become another point of conflict between the two South Asian neighbours.

Pakistan’s offer reflects Islamabad’s rising concern over Indian influence in Afghanistan. “Our strategic paradigm needs to be fully realised,” General Kayani said.

It is heartening to see that the military leadership realizes the need for acceptance and goo relations with the new Afghan regime and Army. Warm diplomatic relations with Afghanistan will go a long way to ensure Pakistan never has to worry about regional suffocation or a two-front War; cold or hot. Our best years were when we enjoyed good relations with both Afghanistan and Bangladesh (which, sadly, aren't as friendly anymore).

I think the offer to train ANA was a very good move. We need to have them on our side. We are also in the best position to offer them proper training and long term support as we don't only live in similar regions, but even speak the same language. We are also in the best possible situation to mediate between the ANA and the Taliban once the ISAF breaks camp.

All in all, good to see this. I hope more steps are taken to this end; military assistance, economic assistance and friendly diplomacy. A friendly Pakistan is very important to Afghanistan, but a friendly Afghanistan is also important to Pakistan.

 

[Xeric]

DAWN.COM | Front Page | Kayani spells out threat posed by Indian doctrine

Kayani spells out threat posed by Indian doctrine
By Cyril Almeida
Thursday, 04 Feb, 2010


A reality will not change in any significant way until the Kashmir issue and water disputes are resolved, said Gen Kayani.—File photo.
A reality will not change in any significant way until the Kashmir issue and water disputes are resolved, said Gen Kayani.—File photo.
Pakistan


RAWALPINDI: While the Pakistan Army is alert to and fighting the threat posed by militancy, it remains an “India-centric” institution and that reality will not change in any significant way until the Kashmir issue and water disputes are resolved, according to army chief Gen Kayani.

In a presentation to Pakistani media, Gen Kayani reiterated his widely reported comments on the Pakistan Army’s view of the situation in Afghanistan and the way forward there.



But the army chief also made it clear that his institution’s “frame of reference” for addressing the problems in that country included certain concerns that are India specific.

History, unresolved issues, India’s military capability and its ‘Cold Start’ doctrine meant that Pakistan could not afford to let its guard down. Repeating a well-known formulation, Gen Kayani said: “We plan on adversaries’ capabilities, not intentions.”

The tough, matter-of-fact line on India was in stark contrast to that of Gen Kayani’s predecessor, Gen (retd) Musharraf, who tried hard to push for peace with India in his latter years in power.



Gen Kayani, though, does not carry the dual burden of being president and the army chief, which perhaps explains the narrower, militaristic formulation of Pakistan’s posture towards India.

The general was particularly keen to highlight the threat posed by India’s ‘Cold Start’ doctrine. Turing the traditional theory of war on its head, ‘Cold Start’ would permit the Indian Army to attack before mobilising, increasing the possibility of a “sudden spiral escalation”, according to Gen Kayani.

The Pakistan Army’s concerns about ‘Cold Start’ are well known, but Gen Kayani went as far as to put a timeline on its implementation: two years for India to achieve partial implementation and five years for full.



If true, the strategic impact could be of the highest order: defence analysts have speculated that ‘Cold Start’ may lead the Pakistan Army to lower its nuclear threshold as a way of deterring any punitive strikes or rapid capture of territory by the Indian armed forces.

Yet, Gen Kayani was also keen to point out that he did not have a one-dimensional view of security. Despite the fact that India’s defence budget is “seven times” that of Pakistan’s “there has to be a balance between development and military spending,” the general said.

He also pleaded that “peace and stability in South Asia should not be made hostage to a single terrorist act of a non-state actor”, a reference to the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.



Refusing to talk to Pakistan would send a bad signal on two counts: one, the non-state actors would know that they have the power to nudge India and Pakistan towards war; and two, within India it would become clear that relations with Pakistan could be suspended indefinitely.

The comments on India, though, came only later in an extended Power Point Presentation that covered everything from the operations in Swat and South Waziristan to the “way forward” in Afghanistan. Gen Kayani seemed relatively pleased with the reaction his presentation received when first unveiled at a meeting of chiefs of defence staff of Nato and its allied countries in Brussels late last month.

Emphasising what he termed the “fundamentals”, he claimed that until the Afghan government improved its credibility and governance record and until the Afghan population began to change its perception that Isaf is not winning, the Afghan government would not be able to establish its writ and the local Taliban would not be “weaned off”.

But on Afghanistan, too, India featured in Gen Kayani’s comments. Rejecting India’s reported interest in training the Afghan National Army and the country’s police force, Gen Kayani argued that Pakistan had a more legitimate expectation to do so.

Taken together, Gen Kayani’s comments suggest that the possibility of a thaw in relations between India and Pakistan any time soon is low.

Both India and Pakistan appear to have firmly lapsed into the old pattern of highlighting the differences between them and the threats they face from each other, while nominally leaving the door open to an improvement in relations if one side addresses the other’s concerns.



Unlike the past, though, the stakes appear to be higher because of the uncertain future of Afghanistan and a ‘nuclear overhang’ that may be affected by ‘Cold Start’.

-------

Well, so much for the Cold Start.

The Gen has truly exposed the embedded weaknesses inside indian military and civilian hierarchy. A very mature response to india's fear-mongerings. i hope this would make them cut on their psy ops.

 

[fatman17]

It is heartening to see that the military leadership realizes the need for acceptance and goo relations with the new Afghan regime and Army. Warm diplomatic relations with Afghanistan will go a long way to ensure Pakistan never has to worry about regional suffocation or a two-front War; cold or hot. Our best years were when we enjoyed good relations with both Afghanistan and Bangladesh (which, sadly, aren't as friendly anymore).

I think the offer to train ANA was a very good move. We need to have them on our side. We are also in the best position to offer them proper training and long term support as we don't only live in similar regions, but even speak the same language. We are also in the best possible situation to mediate between the ANA and the Taliban once the ISAF breaks camp.

All in all, good to see this. I hope more steps are taken to this end; military assistance, economic assistance and friendly diplomacy. A friendly Pakistan is very important to Afghanistan, but a friendly Afghanistan is also important to Pakistan.

valid points but until or unless the 'pashtuns' are not included in the afghan govt and military, the above will not work and this is what IMO Kiyani is alluding to. let us not forget that the 'northern alliance'/india nexus is very strong backed by the USA, gives them more 'room to be agressive'.