ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said the process for appointment of a new Army Chief will start on Friday and the nominations will be shared by Pakistan Army.

Talking to media here in Islamabad, he said there is no deadlock on the nomination of the Army Chief, as the process has not started yet. Replying to a query, the Defence Minister rejected the possibility of any favourites of government among the nominees for a new Army Chief.

Speaking about PTI Chief Imran Khan, Khawaja Asif said the government is mulling over a punitive action against him for damaging national solidarity, security and integrity for his vested interests. He said Imran Khan has committed a crime against the state by damaging the national cohesion and the country’s bilateral relations with other states.