High-profile role awaits Kayani after retirement

ISLAMABAD: One of Pakistan’s most powerful men, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, is likely to stay as head of the military with a new title when he steps down as army chief next month, security sources said, taking over some of the duties of his successor.
The expected move comes at a time when violence is on the rise in Pakistan, tension boils with arch rival India over disputed Kashmir and as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif seeks to shore up a stable government just months into his job.
Aides close to Kayani said Sharif wanted to make him head of a revamped and more powerful Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC).
One senior intelligence official said Sharif planned to overhaul the JCSC into a “central defense body” by restoring its command over the entire military establishment and giving it additional powers.
“The new JCSC chief will be in charge of the nuclear arsenal. He’ll decide on action against terrorists,” said the source, adding that new powers included the right to promote, post and transfer key military officers.