Pak spy agency ISI closes its political wing

Islamabad, Nov 23: Pakistani intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has reportedly decided to disband its 'political wing', which for the last over three decades, had been actively involved in monitoring and managing political activities inside and outside the government.

The move is expected to have far reaching effects on the country's politics and democratic set-up, reported the Dawn. Not only the 'political wing' was being disbanded, the officials working there have been given other assignments linked to the agency's original role of counter-intelligence, the paper quoted a reliable source as saying. He added that with this decision taken at the highest level, the ISI would now be able to deal with more pressing issues like handling the crucial aspects of the war against terror.

Until recently, the so-called 'political wing' used to work under ISI's Director General (C) which otherwise also deals with counter-intelligence activities. But, henceforth, the agency would dissociate itself from making or breaking of political parties and alliances.

"Following this decision, the ISI will be no more spying on politicians, and will play no role in manoeuvring or manipulating political activities in the country," the source said.

ANI