Musharraf backs Pasha's extension as ISI chef, remains mum on Kayani

Washington, Mar 9 (ANI): Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has backed another extension for Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt. Gen. Shuja Ahmed Pasha, but refused to offer any opinion on the prevailing situation with regard to Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani.

In an interview, Musharraf refused to comment over the deal that led General Kayani's promotion as the military chief, News Pakistan reports.

Talking about the third term extension for Pasha, he said he would have given him an extension.

"I do not want to comment. I want to say that he (DG ISI) is an able and intelligent officer, a straight talker and a person with a very upright character, is a good officer and a good man," the former military commander said.

Musharraf brushed aside allegations related to the failures of the ISI and the army during Pasha's tenure, including the Mumbai, Mehran base and GHQ attack, saying performance cannot be judged on the basis of one or two lapses.

He defended Pasha saying that the ISI uncovered over 90 percent of the attacks, and acted very quickly, but no one talked about that.

Its performance as an excellent organization is commendable, he added.

He, however, confessed that the Abbottabad Raid was a big failure, but continued to defend Pasha saying that the officer cannot be held accountable for a single lapse. (ANI)