-Process of appointing new ISI Chief to be completed soon, Fawad says quoting PM
-Reiterates Imran enjoying cordial and close relations with Gen. Bajwa
-Minister says no animosity between Army, government; inappropriate to create such controversies
By Uzma Zafar
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Thursday ruled out any differences between the civil and military leadership by stating that both were on the same page.
Talking to media persons at the Parliament House following the PTI Parliamentary committee’s meeting chaired by PM, the Minister said all matters related to the appointment of the Director-General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had been finalized and a decision in this regard will be made soon.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the appointment of the DG ISI is under process and it will be made soon,” Fawad said.
The minister further quoted the Premier as saying that the civil and military leaderships were onboard in the consultation, adding, “a decision in this regard will be made in an environment of confidence.”
“The PM has strongly said that the military and the government are on the same page and that he enjoyed cordial and close relations with Gen Bajwa.” Fawad further stated that the opinion of either side was always discussed and finalised with consensus and the same was the case in the matter of the DG ISI’s appointment. “The PM observed that the civil-military relationship was never as good as it is now,” he said.
The credit for the relationship also goes to Gen Bajwa who has always provided institutional support to democracy and civil supremacy in the country, the information minister added.
“This is why the entire nation holds the integrity of the armed forces dear to its heart,” he remarked.
Earlier, the minister posted from his official Twitter handle that the process of appointing the new chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) will be completed soon.
Referring to the rumours of Prime Minister Imran Khan ‘interviewing’ candidates for the position, the information minister said, “Meetings before making appointments to such posts is common practice. It is very inappropriate to make the process controversial.”
Moreover, speaking to media at the Parliament House, the minister asserted that the situation was fine. “People twist words every hour for their own fame,” Fawad said, dismissing any rumors of conflict regarding the appointment. He emphasised that there was no conflict between the army and the government, stating that everyone was on the same page. “We respect all institutions,” Fawad said.
Special Assistant Shahbaz Gill, who was accompanying the information minister during the talk, said that the ongoing appointment was a serious decision and that Fawad Chaudhry would share the decision with the public. “Don’t make the situation too spicy for it to be digested,” Shahbaz remarked.
A day earlier, Fawad said that the consultation between the premier and army chief regarding the DG ISI’s appointment had been completed, and the appointment process had begun.
“All institutions are united and equal for the stability, development and integrity of the country,” he maintained.
On October 6, the military’s media wing had announced that Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum would replace Lt Gen Faiz Hameed as the new DG ISI.
Lt Gen Faiz, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), was being posted as the Peshawar corps commander.
The country was gripped by speculations that the prime minister had not signed the summary as he was not consulted before the new ISI chief’s appointment. The issue also came up for discussion during the federal cabinet meeting where the premier reportedly said the PM’s Office also had “sanctity” like the army.
Information Minister Fawad later told a news conference that the prime minister had the authority to appoint the DG ISI. He added that the proper procedure would be followed for the appointment.
After days of intense debate and discussions on social media, the government finally confirmed the stalemate on the issue as the prime minister and the army chief held a marathon meeting to break the deadlock.
Further briefing the media regarding the discussions held during the meeting, Fawad said that Pakistan urged the world to continue humanitarian aid of the war-torn country.
“Pakistan has relaxed the visa process and increased trade with the neighbouring country,” he added.
He stressed that the world must not leave Kabul alone as doing so would allow the terrorist groups in the country to reorganise.
The minister said that the main reason for the inflation was an escalation in the international prices.
“To deal with it, government has framed a new economic policy, which will be introduced from the first week of November. The programme will include Sehat Card, Kissan card and Ehsaas Card,” he added.
