'Gilani seriously considering extending ISI chief Pasha's tenure for 4th term'

Islamabad, Feb 27 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is reportedly considering offering an extension in service to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Ahmed Shuja Pasha, for his 'meritorious services' to the country.

The Nation quoted sources as saying that Pasha, whose second extended term too expires next month, might be given another extension in service because of the 'critical challenges to the national security'.

Sources said that Gilani was 'personally impressed' the way Pasha had devoted himself to defending the country from critical internal and external security challenges since he assumed the office of ISI DG.

They dismissed media reports that Pasha was being appointed as Director General of the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), the body that controls the country's nuclear arsenal, saying that the SPD's was a highly technical job being looked after well by the incumbent director general Lt-Gen (r) Khalid Ahmad Kidwai.

Pasha, who took over the agency in October 2008, just a month before the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 and has served as the ISI DG for three-and-half years, was supposed to retire in 2010, but was given two extensions. His second one-year extension given last year expires on March 18.

In case Gilani changes his mind or Pasha himself refuses to accept extension in his service, the army chief would recommend a panel of capable lieutenant generals for the new appointment.

"It has always been the prerogative of army chief which names he picks up for this crucial job", sources added. (ANI)