"My tenure ends on 29th November 2013. On that day I will retire...," Kayani was quoted as saying by a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
"As I complete my 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," he said.
Rumours did the rounds in Islamabad that Kayani, 61, could be appointed the new head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, a largely ceremonial post.