ISI and Pakistan Air Force get new chief

ISLAMABAD: The new chiefs of ISI and Pakistan Air Force today assumed office, a day ahead of a crucial parliamentary session that will determine the contours of future relations with the US.

Lt Gen Zahir-ul-Islam went to the ISI headquarters at Aabpara here to take charge as the new Director General of the powerful spy agency.

He replaced Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha, who completed his tenure yesterday.

Pasha had been given two extensions after he reached the age of retirement in 2010.

Islam had earlier served as a Deputy Director General in the ISI as a major general.

He was subsequently promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and made the commander of the Karachi Corps.

He belongs to the 13 infantry unit of Punjab Regiment and had earlier as General Officer Commanding for Murree.

Meanwhile, Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt took over as the new chief of the Pakistan Air Force at a ceremony held here at Air Headquarters here.

Outgoing Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman formally handed over the PAF's sword of command to Butt.