The Pakistan Army Chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, is set to effect a major reshuffle in the military’s top hierarchy in the next few days after the incumbent ISI chief, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha, retires on March 18, sources said.
“Lt. Gen. Pasha may head the Strategic Planning Division after his retirement,” said a senior security official. The SPD is the top tactical body overseeing Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Lt. Gen. Pasha will be replaced by Lt. Gen. Zaheerul Islam, appointed last week. Six Lt. Gens will retire this year, including Lt. Gen. Pasha and Lt. Gen. Tanvir Tahir. It is learnt that the SPD D-G, Lt. Gen. Khalid Kidwai (Retd), is likely to become National Engineering and Scientific Commission head if Lt. Gen. Pasha replaces him.