Islamabad: ISI chief Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja
Pasha has been granted an year`s extension of service by
Pakistan Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani citing his key
role in the `war against terror`.
Kayani issued a notification granting 58-year-old
Pasha an extension in service yesterday, which was approved by
Prime Minister Yousf Raza Gilani on Wednesday.
A brief statement issued by the Prime Minister`s House
said Gilani had approved the summary or official proposal for
extending the service of the ISI chief.
Gilani had "appointed Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha as
Director General of ISI for another year with effect from the
date of his retirement", the statement said.
However, sources told PTI that the Prime Minister`s
action was merely a formality as the powerful army chief had
already granted an extension to Pasha yesterday.
During a recent interaction with senior Pakistani
journalists, Kayani had even said that he could grant such an
extension without referring the matter to the Prime Minister
or the government.
Media reports quoted military sources as confirming
that Kayani had given the ISI chief a one-year extension ahead
of his retirement on March 18.
Senior officials also told the media that after
extending Pash`s service, Kayani informed the Prime Minister
"that he wants Lt Gen Pasha to continue as the Director
General of ISI".
PTI
