The Ministry of Defence (MOD) plans to retire a number of high-ranking military officers in the next month as a way of improving army morale, it said Thursday.
The plan has been panned by critics who argue that it is unnecessary and likely to be carried out unfairly, keeping those with more political influence in their positions while removing others.
However, the MOD defended the move as a way of giving younger officers an incentive to advance up the ranks.
"Retiring these offices will offer more opportunities for young officers to improve. This act will raise the morale of the army," MOD spokesperson Gen Zahir Azimi said.
The ministry said that the officers it plans to retire – which includes 3-star generals – have already gone beyond their official contract terms of working for the government.
The exact number the MOD is aiming to retire was not clear.
Some fear that now is not the time to remove the experienced personnel from leading positions given the security situation in Afghanistan.
"This is distressing. Retiring experienced and skilled officers – for whatever reason – will only bring unpleasant outcomes," veteran Gen NoorulHaq Oloomi told TOLOnews.
However, the plan also has its supporters.
"It could be very effectual if done based on laws, because it will be the youth leading the wars," said veteran General Atiqullah Amerkhel.
There are concerns that those army staff that have more influence within the government will remain in their posts, others will be retired, that which Afghanistan has experienced in the past.