Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar asserted that the extension of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum’s tenure was undertaken to maintain policy continuity for security advantages. Kakar defended the decision, stating that there is nothing unusual or abnormal about it.
In response to a question, Kakar explained, “Try to comprehend the emphasis on continuity [of policy]. Any system favors and supports the notion of continuity,” as he conveyed to Arab News in an interview.
He elaborated further, stating, “You want to ensure a seamless continuation of the process, and for that, the continuity of that process is crucial so that the idea, practice, or brand becomes firmly established.”
The Prime Minister argued that in certain institutions, there are instances where the political authorities believe that the continuation of a specific individual is necessary for security benefits or other reasons, and they have the discretion to grant such extensions. He emphasized, “There’s nothing unusual and abnormal about it.”
Although the top spy chief was originally set to retire later this month, he will now retain his position. It’s noteworthy that the Pakistan Army has yet to formally announce the extension of the ISI director general’s tenure.
Accountability Court Reverses Confiscation Order on Nawaz Sharif’s Assets in Toshakhana Case
In another development, an Accountability Court in Islamabad has nullified the confiscation order related to the property of ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Toshakhana reference case. The court directed the return of assets, including over 1650 kanals of agricultural land, Mercedes, and Land Cruiser vehicles, situated in Lahore.
Additionally, an order has been issued to unfreeze Nawaz Sharif’s bank accounts. In 2020, Judge Muhammad Basheer of the Islamabad Accountability Court declared Nawaz Sharif a proclaimed offender in the Toshakhana reference, along with orders to seize the former Prime Minister’s assets.
However, in November of this year, Nawaz Sharif returned home, surrendered to the court, and was subsequently granted bail.
