Islamabad (TIP): In a surprise military shake-up, the Pakistan Army on October 7 announced that the powerful spy agency ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed has been appointed as Peshawar Corps Commander — a crucial position in view of the Taliban’s takeover of neighbouring Afghanistan.

Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum was appointed as the new Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in place of Lt Gen Hameed, who was transferred as Peshawar Corps Commander, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) – the media wing of the Pakistan Army.

The ISI chief is appointed by the prime minister but as part of a tradition he executes this power in consultation with the Pakistan Army chief.

The post of ISI chief is considered one of the most important in the Pakistan Army, which has ruled the country for more than half of its 73 plus years of existence and has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Initially, the Army said in a statement that Lt Gen Hameed was posted out but his replacement on the key post of the ISI chief was not immediately announced. Lt Gen Anjum, who belongs to the Punjab Regiment of the Pakistan Army, has served as Karachi Corps Commander as well as the commandant of Command and Staff College Quetta.

He is considered as a battle-hardened who commanded the Frontier Corps Balochistan as its Inspector General and oversaw many operations against terrorists. (PTI)