Former ISI head Asim Munir new main of pakistani army

Munir was the boss of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) – His tenure with ISI was the shortest ever, as he was replaced by Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed within eight months. on persistence of then Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2019.

In the meantime, Lieutenant General Sakhir Shamshad Mirza was appointed chairman. of Joint Chiefs of Staff of Personnel Committee (CJCSC).

BUT senior pakistani army official told The Indian Express that “absolute seniority” is respected in destination as the most senior officer was appointed chief of Army Headquarters (COAS) and second in ZAO was appointed by seniority. He said two senior the officers were “absolutely apolitical” and “hardened professionals”. soldiers”.

Officials in Delhi, who watched closely selection process, view in new army commander like more hard line than Bajwa, who was more nuances in his approach to India.

Unlike last three army chiefs – Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Rahil Sharif and Bajwa, Munir did not graduate senior personnel courses in American and British military colleges. How does he negotiate the lack of proximity to Washington will be an important factor to watch, as training in military institutions in The West was an important part of pakistani army military diplomacy, as well as the colonial heritage of the institute.

Munir viewed in Delhi as close to the Saudis who served in Saudi Arabia. He also known for his ability to read the entire Qur’an.

وزیراعظم پاکستان محمد شہباز شریف نے آئینی اختیار استعمال کرتے ہوئے لیفٹنٹ جنرل ساحر شمشاد مرزا کو چئیرمین جوائنٹ چیفس آف سٹاف اور لیفٹنٹ جنرل سید عاصم منیر کو چیف آف دی آرمی سٹاف مقرر کرنے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے۔ اس بابت سمری صدر پاکستان کو ارسال کر دی گئی ہے۔

— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) November 24, 2022

His experience in intelligence, having led the Military Intelligence and the Foreign Intelligence Service, can open communication channels with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and help in taking forward in behindscenario conversations. Considered by Nawaz Sharif pickDelhi believes Munir’s appointment could open the way between the two sides.

For Delhi, Bajwa’s sojourn opened a window of possibility for engagement after two military men made a deal on observance of the ceasefire in February last year. The ceasefire that is being observed for most gave hope for a possible engagement between two countries. But the turn of events in August last year – the fall of Kabul Taliban and active Pakistan Army in Kabul was a major setback and neither side could benefit. on the momentum created by the relative calm along the Line of Control.

Munir, who enlisted via officer training school program in Mangla, not a graduate of Pakistan Military Academy. But the officials said he was “The Sword of Honor” topper from one of army nutrition schools.

Lieutenant General Mirza is regarded in Delhi as a tactical genius founded on his experience as chief of military operations. he served in the most important headquarters and command posts, including the Commander of X Corps – the largest formation with almost 250,000 men under his command. He has also was deployed in several UN peacekeeping operations missions. Less controversial than Munir, Mirza is believed to support of ordinary composition.

After approval by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani President Arif Alvi signed on names for final ratification on Thursday evening.

Delhi believes that the two high appointments in the Pakistani army reflect their acceptability among senior commanders and threeyear- length of tenure ensure feeling of stability in institution.

The commander of the Pakistani army is considered the most important position in country. “The closest analogy one can think of in that it like change of Prime Minister in India after general elections,” said a senior Indian official.