Imminent changes: Key army shake-up expected in 2 months
The Pakistan Army is poised for a major reshuffle at the top as at least five senior generals will retire in the next two months, officials said. This will be one of the major reshuffles in the army’s top brass in recent years.
Those, who are set to retire in October this year, include Corps Commander Peshawar Lt General Khalid Rabbani, Corps Commander Mangla Lt General Tariq Khan, Corps Commander Karachi Lt General Sajjad Ghani and Corps Commander Gujranwala Lt General Salim Nawaz – who will doff their uniform on October 1.
But the retirement of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt General Zaheerul 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 Zaheerul 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 an opportunity to Gen Raheel to appoint generals of his own choice on 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.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2014.
COMMENTS (20)
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@kulwant singh: Common man in Pakistan does not care about these changes in the army. It is ET and it's administration who are so obsessed for unknown reason. Common man is trying to work hard to make it's ends meet.
The duty of the Army is to defend the Nation not to rule the Nation but I fail to understand why common Pak people are so obsessed with the Army Generals come and go after competing their tenure and their are others in line this is routine process making it a News and than discussing I can not understand.
@Anwer Chughtai: And pray, what are their duties Sir? According to the former COAS, who is now hiding himself from the law, most are desk officers and not good in combat! Some one certainly not telling the truth?
Rex Minor
@Zubair Khan: You are very right. This is internal process for army. I do not understand why ET is making it a big fuss.
If the next crop of generals is not competent to take on the challenges that means the institution has failed. However, I feel that the term and conditions of service of all armed services need to be reviewed for the future requirements and threats. The tail needs to be trimmed.
@Fawad: Especially after the khakis have shown themselves to be totally incapable, other wise we would not have been in such a mess that is a direct consequence of their strategic depth policy and their penchant of outsourcing foot soldier work to extremist organizations.
@ Kulwant Sing Because the people of India were lucky enough to have a galaxy of selfless middle class political leaders like Jawaher Lal Nehru, Lal Bahder Shastri, Mrs Indra Ghandi Morarjee DesaI Rajeev Ghandhi and Vishwa Nath Parthap Singh who led their nation for five long decades. Hence comparison between Pakistan,s feudal cum capitalist political leadership and middle class Indian leadership is far fetched.
No one should be surprised to learn about the Generals who are impatient wearing khaki in their police activities in recent years. They had not the faintest idea at the time of being commissioned as officers that they will be honoured with city names and be ordered to defend them from its residents. Will their departure bring end to the unrest among young officers is any body's guess? The remedy is not in retiring them or rewarding them but in reforming the entire outfit which will nationalise Pakistan army and every young at the age of 18 will be conscripted to serve at least one year military service..
Rex Minor.
I wish Tariq Khan had been made the Chief. We needed a pathan at this time to better handle Talibans. He was IG FC as well. That means he hand good back-ground knowledge too. I am sure that army the reward competance n bravery more than loyalty with boss
If touts of agencies in media disappear after October, then congratulation Pakistan you have good generals otherwise wait for the next Fall!
The military promotions and retirements is a routine matter in all countries of the world (except those tainted by looming martial laws) and the media hardly covers such routine matters. Less than 2% of the population of USA, UK, China or even India knows the name of its Army Chief. But in Pakistan, this percentage is no less than 98% (surprisingly?) and is expected to align with the civilized world when democracy takes its roots and those looking for backdoor entry in the Government die their natural death!
@Nadir: No way!
By the way , you have the intellect of a five year old .
@Fawad: thank you for your suggestion. Next Question.
Someone else, other than a serving General of Army should be made DG ISI this time. Maybe a retired Air force Air Marshal.
Normal routine. Why to make news out of it come on ET. Have some heart.
@Nadir:
No doubt, the nation must salute these fine brave and intelligent men for their services to the country. However the baton must be passed on. These fine human being and the system of armed forces have well trained others in line who will proudly serve and excel further in performing their duties.
The retiring heros need a deserving rest and recuperation after which they will always be available for services to their motherland as and when needed and called upon for their advice.
@Nadir: do you know the repercussions of extension and re-employment.Every institute die its own death.
no extensions required for retiring general,those who will come in their place will be equally professional.This extensions have ruined all the departments in the past.
The Indians don't care about the appointments of Army Generals they think about political leadership because the policies are to be finalized by politicians and Army has no role to play.
Nation must salute sacrifices of generals by offering extensions to recognize their sacrifices.