Musharraf names Kiani as new Pak army chief

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News


Islamabad, Oct 2: Ahead of the October 6 presidential elections, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has named former chief of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani, as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), military spokesperson Major General Waheed Arshad said.

"Lt General Kiani who was appointed as Deputy Chief of the Army Staff and will take over the top post when it falls vacant," the BBC quoted Major General Waheed, as saying.

According to Musharraf's lawyers, the president would vacate the post of army chief if he wins the October 6 Presidential elections.

Lt. General Kiani was the chief of the ISI from 2004 till last month, when he was made the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff.

Lt. General Kiani played a crucial role in the talks between former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Musharraf, and earned the President's confidence after a spate of assassination bid on the General.

The Newsweek in its latest edition reported that those who know Kiani say he's a smart, tough, talented commander-and pro-Western.

The son of an Army NCO, he climbed rapidly through military ranks. He was also Deputy Military Secretary to Bhutto, when she became Prime Minister for the first time in 1988.

ANI
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