Hit by serious allegations of corruption, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, is unlikely to get an extension and will retire on March 18,2024.
Several senior officers of the force are under court martial for exposing Sidhu’s nepotism and corruption.
The Ministry of Defence is expected to present a list of the top four contenders for the position to the Prime Minister’s Office this week for final selection.
The following four officers are likely to be on the shortlist:
Air Marshal Irfan Ahmed: Seen as the frontrunner, Air Marshal Ahmed boasts over 36 years of experience and enjoys widespread support within the PAF. He currently holds the crucial position of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Defence.
Air Marshal Waqas Ahmed Sulehri: A highly decorated officer, Air Marshal Sulehri’s experience and qualifications make him a strong contender.
Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan: With a diverse career encompassing various command and staff positions, Air Marshal Khan brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Air Marshal Ghulam Abbass Ghumman: Known for his leadership in various operational and administrative roles, Air Marshal Ghumman rounds out the list of potential successors.
The final decision rests with the Prime Minister, who will carefully consider the recommendations and qualifications of each candidate.
The choice of Pakistan Army chief, General Asim Munir, will play a crucial factor in the final selection. Sidhu had the backing of the former army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
February 29,2024
Source: social media sites