Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Law will be followed in spy agency chief’s appointment: Pakistan minister

Law will be followed in spy agency chief’s appointment: Pakistan minister

PAKISTAN'S information minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Tuesday (12) that law would be followed in the appointment of the chief of the powerful spy agency ISI.

He also denied that differences existed between the civilian government and the army over the key appointment.


Pakistan’s Army last week announced that Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum was appointed as the new director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in place of Lt Gen Faiz Hameed who was appointed as Peshawar Corps Commander.

However, notification of his appointment has not been issued by the office of prime minister Imran Khan, giving air to rumours about differences between the civilian government and the army over the appointment.

As per law, the prime minister has the legal right and prerogative to appoint the ISI chief in consultation with the army chief.

Despite speculation on social media over the delay in the notification, the government kept silent on the issue until Chaudhry addressed the matter during a press conference after a meeting of the cabinet in Islamabad.

He said prime minister Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had a "long sitting" last night to discuss the matter of the ISI chief and the premier had subsequently taken the cabinet into confidence over the issue.

"The legal procedure will be followed in the appointment of the new DG ISI, for which both (Gen Bajwa and Prime Minister Khan] are in agreement," he said.

Chaudhry also said that the premier and the military leadership were in close coordination.

The minister rejected the rumours regarding differences between the civilian and military leadership on the matter.

"I see on social media, there are many who have wishes; I want to tell them that the prime minister's office will never undermine the respect of the Pakistan Army and army chief. And the COAS and the army will never take any step that will undermine the respect of Pakistan's prime minister or civil setup,” he said.

The ISI chief legally is answerable to the prime minister who is the appointing authority.

However, due to Pakistan's history of army's dominance, the ISI chief is also considered very close to the army chief whose blessings are key for the appointment to the sensitive post.

The post of ISI chief is considered one of the most important in the Pakistan Army, which has ruled the country for more than half of its 73 plus years of existence and has wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

(PTI)

More For You

National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lepra

'The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,' said the organisers.

Lepra launches 100 Club to support community-based leprosy detection

LEPRA launched its first high-value giving network, the 100 Club, on June 26. The event was held at Quilon Restaurant in London and brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters of the charity’s work.

The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club. Remarks were delivered by Lepra’s Chair of Trustees Suzanne McCarthy and CEO Jimmy Innes, who spoke about the organisation’s ASPIRE project.

Keep ReadingShow less
family-centre-iStock

Currently, one in four families with children under five do not have access to local children’s centres or Family Hubs. (Representational image: iStock)

£500 million plan to expand family services across England

THE UK government has announced the nationwide rollout of Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, aiming to support 500,000 more children by 2028.

The hubs are intended to offer easier access to family services and reduce pressure on parents.

Keep ReadingShow less