Pakistan gets a new ISI chief today. Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum who was previously Commander V Corps in Karachi will take charge as Director General today – he replaces Lt Gen Faiz Hameed who has been appointed Commander XI corps based in Peshawar.
Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a notification on October 26 for the appointment of the new DG ISI. As per the notification, the new ISI Chief will assume charge on 20th November. Prior to the formal notification, PM Khan held meetings with Chief of Army Staff Qamar Bajwa to decide on the timings of change of command in ISI and selection of the new DG ISI.
After this detailed consultative process, name of Lt..Gen. Nadeem Anjum was approved as new DG ISI.
The designate DG ISI shall assume charge on 20th November, 2021.
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 26, 2021
Before his appointment as the new DG ISI, Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum served as the Corps Commander of Karachi.
In an exclusive conversation with The Pakistan Daily, renowned investor and political commentator Mir Mohammad Ali Khan said: “Nadeem has some big shoes to fill after Faiz but he will absolutely do that. His history has taught us that. He delivered in the most difficult of places earlier. Balochistan. Then Karachi. And now ISI.”
Read more: Why did PM Imran choose DG ISI Gen Faiz to head intelligence body?
The outgoing Lt Gen Faiz Hameed paid a farewell visit to President Arif Alvi at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday.
The president appreciated the efforts and services of Lt Gen Hameed as DG ISI for the country’s security.
President Alvi also expressed his best wishes for Lt Gen Hameed on his appointment as Peshawar Corps Commander.
https://twitter.com/PSFAERO/status/1460945164579401732?s=20
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed’s appointment as Corps Commander
The new posting in the Army is an interesting development. With Lt Gen Faiz Hameed serving as the Corps Commander, chances of him becoming the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS) look even more promising.
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed rose to popularity due to his earlier visit to Kabul last month when the Taliban took over. His visit to Kabul sparked great interest across the region.
Since Pakistan shares a border with Afghanistan, it had to ensure peace and stability in the region for its own security. As a result, the ISI Chief held key meetings on mutual cooperation with his counterpart Najibullah.
Read more: Can Faiz Hameed be next Army Chief of Pakistan?
Owing to his repertoire speculations are once again rife that Lt Gen Faiz Hameed will become the next COAS. Moreover, in order to qualify for the post of COAS, a Lt General has to become a Corps Commander first.
Since Lt Gen Faiz Hameed recently became the Peshawar Corps Commander, he is eligible for the post of COAS.