Senior PML-N politician Rana Sanaullah has said that “there is no retirement age for the Army Chief in the Constitution now,” a statement that has triggered fresh debate on military tenure laws in Pakistan.
Speaking to media on Thursday, Sanaullah explained that recent legislative changes and past constitutional amendments have altered the framework governing the tenure of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). According to him, the Constitution no longer specifies a fixed retirement age, leaving the duration of service dependent on government decisions and extensions granted by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Political analysts note that the discussion surrounding the tenure of the Army Chief frequently resurfaces due to Pakistan’s civil-military dynamics. Sanaullah’s statement is expected to reignite political and legal conversations about institutional reforms, transparency, and future appointments.
Opposition figures, however, argue that such interpretations should be clarified through Parliament or the judiciary to avoid confusion. Legal experts have also called for official documentation and legislative references to validate the claim.
The comment has already sparked intense debate on social media, with users questioning the legal standing and implications of abolishing a defined retirement age for one of the country’s most powerful offices.
