ISI chief unlikely to get another extension

Pakistan government is unlikely to grant another extension to ISI chief Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha, whose current term in office ends in March, sources said today.

It is believed that the government's decision has largely been influenced by Pasha's role in the standoff between the military and the civilian government over the alleged memo that had sought US help to stave off a feared coup in Pakistan last year.

Sources said that the Pakistan People's Party-led government was not in favour of giving another extension to Pasha, whose tenure was extended twice after he reached the age of retirement in March 2010.

Karachi Corps Commander Lt Gen Muhammad Zahirul Islam is being widely tipped to replace 59-year-old Pasha, who is set to step down on March 18.

Islam is believed to be a strong contender because of a previous stint with the ISI.

Before being appointed the Karachi Corps Commander, Islam was head of ISI's internal wing that deals with counter-intelligence and domestic issues.

Meanwhile, asked about the issue of giving an extension to Pasha during an interaction with journalists last night, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani only said a decision would be made at the "appropriate time".

Latest media reports had claimed that the government was giving another extension to Pasha in an attempt to heal a rift with the security establishment following the memo scandal.

"Any decision about an extension for the [Director General of the] ISI will be taken at an appropriate time," Gilani said.