Pakistan's intelligence chief general Zaheer to be retired soon

English Daily Express Tribune reported that this will be one of the major reshuffles in the army’s top brass in recent years.

Four other Generals, who are set to retire in October this year, include Corps Commander Peshawar region Lt General Khalid Rabbani, Corps Commander Mangla region Lt General Tariq Khan, Corps Commander Karachi region Lt General Sajjad Ghani and Corps Commander Gujranwala region Lt General Salim Nawaz.

The retirement of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General (DG) Lt General Zaheer ul Islam – also due in October – is being seen as the most crucial development.

One security official dispelled speculation about any differences between the ISI chief and the government triggered by the absence of Lt Gen Zaheer ul Islam from recent meetings with the political leadership.

He pointed out that Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam might have skipped the meetings in line with his strategy to keep a low profile due to the ongoing ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ military operation in North Waziristan Agency.

The retirement of the DG ISI would no doubt test the skills of the prime minister, who has the authority to appoint the spy chief; although it appears difficult to think the federal government will take a decision without the army chief’s consent.

Meanwhile, the retirement of four corps commanders will provide General Raheel with an opportunity to appoint generals of his own likings to key slots. All the four corps commanders who will retire in October were promoted and appointed by the then-army chief, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.