ISI DG's extension in service uncertain

Islamabad, Feb.12 (ANI): Uncertainty still surrounds the proposed extension in service of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt.Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha, who is due to retire on March 18.

According to sources, neither President Asif Ali Zardari nor Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has received any proposal from the concerned authorities regarding Pasha's extension.

Senior officials close to the president and the prime minister told The News that no such proposal is under consideration.

When enquiries were made about the issue, Presidential spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said: "I don't think this kind of service matters require to come to the Aiwan-e-Sadr."

According to Pakistan's Constitution, the President appoints chiefs of the armed forces, while the Prime Minister approves senior level promotions and removals in the armed forces as recommended by their respective chiefs.

The Pakistan Army's top brass is set for a major overhaul with the retirement of at least 12 three-star generals, including four corps commanders.

A senior security official said the ISI chief, in all probability, would get an extension 'in the interest of continuity'.

The official explained that the Army Chief does not need to send a summary for extension of tenure of a three-star general. (ANI)