PM Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) complete their consultations on the new Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG-ISI). According to reports, the process for the appointment of the new DG ISI has begun.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry revealed the news on Twitter. With his post, he reiterated the unity of Pakistan’s institutions.
“Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff complete their consultations on the appointment of a new DG ISI. The process for the new appointment has begun. Once again, the civilian and military leadership proved that they are united and equal for the country’s stability, integrity, and development,” the Minister tweeted.
وزیر اعظم اور آرمی چیف کے درمیان نئے DG ISI کی تقرری پر مشاورت کا عمل مکمل ہو چکا ہے اور نئ تقرری کا پراسس شروع ہو چکا ہے، ایک بار پھر سول اور فوجی قیادت نے یہ ثابت کیا ہے کہ ملک کے استحکام، سالمیت اور ترقی کیلئے تمام ادارے متحد اور یکساں ہیں
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) October 13, 2021
Govt and COAS: A united front
The news comes amid speculations of a stalemate between PM Khan and COAS Bajwa over the appointment of the new DG ISI.
To clarify, on October 6, the military’s media wing issued a statement regarding the appointment of Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmad Anjum as the new DG ISI, replacing the outgoing chief General Faiz Hameed.
Consequently, the federal government did not issue any formal notification on the matter. On this note, rumors of a possible rift between PM Khan and COAS Bajwa intensified. However, Fawad Chaudhry denied such claims in a late press conference on Tuesday.
Read more: New DG ISI appointed as Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed becomes Corps Commander
The information minister stated that the leadership will follow all legal procedures for the appointment of the new DG ISI. Furthermore, he said that the final decision over the appointment rests with the Prime Minister.
As per the legal procedure, the PM will receive a summary with three names out of which he will select one he deems fit for the office.
Fawad Chaudhry also said that neither the government nor the COAS would take any step to undermine the authority of the other.
“The PM Office will never undermine the respect of Pakistan Army and the army chief. And the COAS and the army will never take any step that will undermine the respect of Pakistan’s prime minister,” he said.
Read more: PM Khan meets COAS & DG ISI: New security threats discussed