Prime Minister has authority to appoint DG ISI, says Fawad

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said on Tuesday that legal course will be followed for the appointment of the new Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Prime Minister Imran Khan has the authority to do that.

“There is complete agreement between PM Imran Khan and COAS Qamar Javed Bajwa on the appointment of DG ISI,” Fawad said, while addressing a press conference in Islamabad after the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Last week, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced a number of postings, including for the position of DG ISI.

According to ISPR's announcement, Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum was appointed as new DG ISI, replacing Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed who has now been appointed corps commander Peshawar.

Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum appointed DG ISI, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed posted as Peshawar corps commander

The minister informed reporters that the premier and General Bajwa met last night, and both have a very close relationship.

"Gen Bajwa and the prime minister have close and cordial relations. And it is also important from a historical perspective that there are ideal relations between Pakistan's civilian and military leaderships," he added.

Addressing ongoing speculation regarding differences between PM Imran and COAS Bajwa over the appointment of the new DG ISI, Fawad said: “Prime Minister will never take a step that could impact the prestige of Pakistan’s Army and its Chief.”

He reiterated that both sides have an agreement on the process, adding that all appointments have taken place after broad consultations and the new DG ISI will be appointed after completing all legal requirements.

Fawad also appreciated the media for not sensationalising the issue of the DG ISI's appointment.

Talking about the issue of overseas Pakistanis' voting rights, he said that there has not been a single cabinet meeting where the matter was not discussed.

"No cabinet meeting goes without the mention of overseas Pakistanis' right to vote," he said.

Speaking about the funeral of Dr Abdul Qadeer which took place on Sunday, Fawad said at least 15 ministers attended the funeral prayer.

The information minister also informed reporters the cabinet has decided to provide an online visa facility to foreign nationals working on different China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects across the country.

Commenting on the country’s economic affairs, he said that Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin is visiting the United States to hold talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"Tarin is in the United States right now to speak to the IMF, and he will continue to perform his duties in line with the law and the Constitution of Pakistan," he said.