Lt Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha - The new DG ISI
Change has finally taken place at the ISI top. Lt Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha is replacing Lt Gen Nadeem Taj as the Director General Inter Services Intelligence. Having served as the Director General Military Operations (DG MO) Gen Pasha is a man of action and well known for his professional skills. He has served also as the Military Adviser, Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the UN. Apart from these postings in words of the UN Secretary General’s office he has had a distinguished 30-plus year career in the Pakistani Army. He has commanded an infantry division, a mechanized infantry brigade, an infantry battalion and has served as the Chief Instructor of the Command and Staff College of the Pakistani Army. From 2001-2002, General Pasha also served as a Contingent and Sector Commander with UNAMSIL, the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone. In this position, he was responsible for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former rebel groups. General Pasha, born in 1952, is married and has three children.
Now the actual question is that with such a distinguished career does anyone have a problem with the appointment? Apparently yes. Since he is relieving an alleged Musharraf loyalist from the key job, there evidently is heartburning in his support circles. A section of the press and the blogosphere is implying that the change has been brought upon the insistence of Washington. Folks, this is a lie. The US has had no problems with previous ISI chief either. If there was any problem it was the alleged Taliban appeasers among the operatives. The change has come because the Army Chief wants to depoliticize the military institutions and wants to restore the institution’s integrity damaged by a prolonged military rule and Gen Taj’s public perception was essentially partisan. That is two plus two folks. It is good for the ISI that we now have a person of Gen Pasha’s calibre heading the institution. Meanwhile Gen Taj will head Gujranwala Corps, another prestigious appointment. Folks, one appeal too. The country is very very seriously polarized. Let us not exacerbate the situation further by random guessing. Let us hope that the emerging order brings literal order.
Posted on September 30th, 2008 under General • 
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September 30th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I doubt if this is earth shattering news that “Pakistan is run from the white house” lol it is funny though as no such thing is in existence.
I agree with you the new Chief spymaster is a person of exemplary record and his appointment is Gen Kiyani introducing his own team rather than “the un seen hand”
September 30th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I don’t know a bit about this gentleman, but since you (PPP mouth) are praising him, all I can say is Inna lillahi wa innaa ilahiee Rajion
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:03 am
i agree with ohyeah. our hopes lie on mr womderful ZARDARI any ways p.s i still an searching for a single reason why i am not the president instead of ur prestigous ZARDARI mr farukh , to begin with i am a greduate which makes me more educated then he is and i m honest.
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:07 am
Even though the major reshuffle of top ranks by Kayani was apparently done because of US pressure, it appears that the US is not entirely happy with the results. There are also indications that Kayani is consolidating his position with the deepening divide between Zardari and the military. It appears that the military shares the suspicions of many Pakistanis that Zardari is in bed with the Americans, or at least playing a double role. It’s not clear how or when the situation will be resolved, given the deep distrust. The confusion will probably reign for a while. It’s going to be costly for Pakistan as it faces growing militancy and freely falling economy along with the lack of clarity of leadership.
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Well…Kiani’s intentions are worth been appreciated….