ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Monday has emphasised that the authority to appoint the new DG ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) lies with Prime Minister Imran Khan, and the set procedure would be followed for the purpose.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan and military leadership are on the same page regarding the appointment of the new director-general ISI,” the information minister said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.
He further said that the Prime Minister and Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa have ideal civil-military relations and they both never take any steps that could disrespect each other. “Legal method will be adopted for the appointment of the new DG ISI,” he added.
Fawad further said the Prime Minister and the army chief had a “long sitting” last night to discuss the matter and PM Imran had subsequently taken the cabinet into confidence over the issue.
The spymaster’s choice is, however, made by the prime minister in consultation with the army chief. Chaudhry also appreciated the media for not “sensationalizing” the matter of the DG ISI’s appointment.
Fawad refused to answer more questions regarding the ISI chief’s appointment, saying: “I have already answered the question.” This is the first time the government spoke on the controversy surrounding the appointment of the new ISI chief, Gen Nadeem Anjum.
Speaking about the funeral of Dr Abdul Qadeer, Fawad Chaudhry said at least 15 ministers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attended Namaz-e-Janaza, adding that chairman joint chiefs of staff and the naval chief also attended the funeral.
Fawad also said that the cabinet has been briefed on electronic votes machines, adding that the government wanted to give voting rights to overseas Pakistanis. He clarified that PTI has appointed more than 80 officials on top posts and all of the appointments were made on merit.
Talking about the police in the federal capital, he said the Islamabad Police will develop a new anti-riot unit that would be equipped with drones and the latest technology to control protesters in the federal capital.
The cabinet also decided to provide an online visa facility to foreign nationals working on CPEC projects in Pakistan, said the minister and added that the cabinet also waived off fee on Pakistani visas for Afghan nationals coming to Pakistan.
Fawad further said the government has also provided overseas Pakistanis with the facility to get a power of attorney online. He said earlier, Pakistan nationals had to go to the embassy to get the power of attorney.
