Pakistan to appoint ex-general as new national security advisor

October 19, 2015 08:41

Pakistan is about to appoint a former general as national security advisor, tightening the powerful military's control over security policy and negotiations with arch rival India, officials said Sunday.

Lieutenant General Naseer Khan Janjua, who retired from the military this week, will be appointed national security advisor soon and will accompany Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his trip to the United States next week, one military official and two civilians said.

The post is currently held by Sartaj Aziz, a civilian who is a close ally of Sharif. Aziz also holds the portfolio for foreign affairs.

"The army chief feels that Sartaj Sahib's attention is divided," a military source said. "So it has been decided that General Janjua will be appointed the national security adviser and Sartaj Aziz can give his full attention to the foreign office."

"This is not about the PM conceding to the army chief or the army being a bully, not at all. This is about both sides deciding together."

Read more HERE

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

WFI furious as Bajrang handed provisional suspension

Bajrang Punia has been handed a provisional suspension for refusing to give his sample for dope test during the recent trials.

IPL PIX: Chahar, Harshal limit CSK to 167

Images from the IPL 2024 match between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings.

Bengal Governor asks staff to ignore police summons

The direction comes after Kolkata Police constituted an inquiry team to probe into the woman's allegation against the governor.

Rift among INDIA partners triggers 3-way contests across Bengal

As the final five phases of polls draw closer, rift among Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) partners, Congress-Left combine and the Trinamool Congress, which are fighting separately has intensified, triggering a...

Factors that will guide the markets this week

The ongoing fourth quarter earnings season, global factors and macroeconomic data would guide the trends in the equity markets this week, analysts said. Markets would also take cues from trading activity of foreign investors,...