Pak army chief to retire as scheduled

Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani today declared that he was not seeking any more extension and would retire as scheduled on November 29, laying to rest intense speculation about his future.
"My tenure ends on 29th November 2013. On that day I will retire. May the Almighty Allah help and guide us all," Kayani said in a statement.
Kayani was appointed the army chief by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in late 2007. He was given an unprecedented three-year extension by then premier Yousuf Raza Gilani in 2010.
In a surprise announcement, he said institutions and traditions are stronger than individuals and must take precedence. He also reposed military's support to democracy.

"For quite some time, my current responsibilities and likely future plans have been debated in the media with all sorts of rumours and speculations doing the rounds. The subject of being entrusted with new duties has also come up in several reports," he said.
61-year-old Kayani said he was grateful to the political leadership and the nation for reposing their trust in him and Pakistan Army at this important juncture of country's national history.

"However, I share the general opinion that institutions and traditions are stronger than individuals and must take precedence," he said.
Kayani underlined that as he completes his tenure, the will of the people has taken root and a constitutional order is in place.

"The armed forces of Pakistan fully support and want to strengthen this democratic order. Pakistan Army has made its contribution towards this desired END with complete clarity of mind and a comprehensive understanding of the trajectory Pakistan needs to take.
"They have also proven, on countless occasions, through their priceless sacrifices that the defence and prosperity of Pakistan is their highest priority," he said.