Senator Rana Sanaullah has clarified that the Constitution of Pakistan does not prescribe a retirement age for the Army Chief, insisting that the newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) has been defined through recent legal amendments.
During an exclusive interview with Nadeem Malik Live, he addressed questions surrounding the appointment, term limits, and the evolving role of the CDF.
Rana Sanaullah said the Constitution does not specify a retirement age for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). He added that the government amended the Constitution specifically to outline the structure and tenure of the new Chief of Defence Forces position.
The senator confirmed that the CDF has been given a fixed five-year term, reflecting the importance and sensitivity of the role. He also noted that reappointment is possible even after five years, depending on national requirements.
No delay in notification
Sanaullah rejected speculation that the notification of the CDF appointment was delayed.
He said there was no need for a new gazette notification on November 29 because the relevant notification had already been issued earlier.
He stressed that extensive caution is required in drafting rules for the CDF because it is a “highly sensitive and security-related institution.”
The framework for regulations, he said, will be finalised in the coming weeks.
Rana Sanaullah said the government has identified individuals abroad spreading anti-Pakistan narratives and that the list “will continue to grow.”
“No law allows propaganda against national security,” he added, warning that authorities would pursue action against violators.
Comments on Sohail Afridi
He warned that if politician Sohail Afridi engages in actions that undermine national security, “his political future will be bleak.”
However, Sanaullah said Afridi should be allowed to continue routine political speeches unless they cross into security-related interference.
PTI founder’s prison privileges
Rana Sanaullah stated that the PTI founder is entitled to B-class facilities in prison as per the protocol for former prime ministers.
He added that meetings should not be restricted unless they are intended for “protest planning, agitation, or facilitation of terrorism.”
He further revealed that a decision in the Faiz Hameed case is expected in December, adding that no predictions should be made about the sentence.
