In light of last few days entertainment, short serious thread on how General Bajwa achieved his hard earned extension. As always, a court reporter may be able to do a better job of chronologically organizing it and adding color to it.

Bajwa was due to retire on Nov 29, 2019

August 19, 2019
PM's office released a notification that PM has approved the extension of Gen Bajwa for three years. The notification was 3 months before the tenure of COAS was up.

The correct procedure is President can sign the summary on the advice of Prime Minister. It was stated that a formal notification under President's signature is being issued.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/515024-president-to-issue-formal-notification-of-gen-bajwa-s-fresh-appointment

As will become clear later, it turns out both PM and President do not have the power to extend and matter was sent to cabinet which approved the summary half heartedly.

September 12, 2019
In his Sep 12, 2019 interview, the president stated that he hasn't signed any summary https://twitter.com/asmashirazi/status/1199227107496345600?s=20

November 13, 2019
As date of retirement approaches, President's software gets an update and in an interview with Meher Bokhari he says he had signed such summary https://twitter.com/meherbokhari/status/1194647308916404225?s=20

November 21, 2019
General Bajwa comes to meet the PM inquiring "meri extension ka kia hua". Later in the day, PM's office confirms extension of Bajwa and refers to the notification of August 19. Makes you wonder wasn't anyone competent sitting at PMO

You may be wondering why did Bajwa came to meet PM. He knew the notification has been issued. The matter was being raised in media and specifically by Najam Sethi that president's approval is nowhere to be seen

Early November 2019
Serial petitioner Riaz Rahi files a petition questioning the legality of extension. Can't find the exact date of filing of petition

November 26, 2019
Supreme Court takes up the petition and suspends extension notification. The petitioner Riaz Rahi is absent from the proceedings however an application is submitted on his behalf for withdrawal. Probably on a sight seeing trip to Northern areas.

The shitshow or the circus (depending on which side you were rooting for) in Supreme Court was entertaining. Three days left to retirement and preparation from government side are a thing to behold.

CJP asks if notification was issued on Aug 19,what was PM approving on Aug 21?

Cabinet comprises of 25 members and more than half didn't vote to extend the tenure

The panic was palpable. Forgot to follow through by getting signatures after approval from less than half the cabinet.

CJP further adds that under Army rules how can retirement of COAS be suspended (3 months before retirement) when the person hasn't retired yet. It is like putting the cart before the horse

Also adds if the "security environment" is the justification then everyone in the armed forces should be applying for extension.

Emergency meeting is held and Gen Bajwa himself participates in that meeting. Aadmi itna bhi desperate na ho

November 27
Back from the trip of Northern areas, Riaz Sahi makes an appearance but keeps quiet https://twitter.com/baqirsajjad/status/1199554944099061765

CJP says it is not suo motu. The whole article is worth reading in full. https://www.dawn.com/news/1519144 

Attorney General tries to be smart. Says cabinet approval not required, the corrections weren't to the shortcomings

CJP Admonishes the Law Ministry for turning Army Chief into a shuttlecock

AG hints at breakdown if court is a stickler for the law

The court points out that the documents submitted state different things

Asks them to resolve the discrepancies

Gen Bajwa was pissed at handling of his extension and brought JAG with him to the legal ministry to ensure that correct notification/summary is issued. Bajwa was even attending government meetings to ensure his extension goes through with hiccups.
https://nation.com.pk/28-Nov-2019/verdict-reserved-in-general-bajwa-extension-case

November 28
The court issues a short order giving extension for 6 months.

Also says that it is embarrassing that COAS instead of looking after the defence of the country (the sole reason for seeking extension) is overseeing preparation of summary.

AG says that trolls (pro-army in this case) can't be controlled

In this way this sorry yet entertaining saga comes to an end.

At the same time, Farogh Naseem that perennial resigning and oath taking cabinet member was providing additional entertainment.

AG is a piece of work