PM Imran has sole prerogative to appoint ISI chief: Defense analyst Ghulam Mustafa

He said as per procedure the COAS usually discusses the names with the premier informally and later a list is provided to the PM. The premier selects the name for appoitment that followes the notification issued by the Ministry of Defense. The posting and transfer of the DISI DG is routed through the Ministry of Defense and with the consent of the PM.

He said some procedural problem in the appointment process might had led to delay in appointment as neither the Chief of Army Staff is new nor the premier could be unwise. "The premier has authority to get appointed any senior general as ISI chief."  

"The press conference (of information minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussian) is portraying many meanings, but I am unable to establish any meaning as any untoward situation could destablise Pakistan especially in the wake of Afghanistan's challenge, ongoing terrorism in the country, TTP issue and 'strained' relations with the world."

The general ruled out any differences between the two personalities at the moment, saying there was no need to discuss the issue in the cabinet-- that never happened in the past --as the prime minister had sole prerogative to appoint the ISI chief.       

Lt General Mustafa was responding to quetsions asked by senior analyst Arif Hameed Bhatti in GNN programme Khabar Hai today.

Arif Hameed Bhatti was of the view that usually media didn't discuss transfers and postings in Armed forces in detail, but first time in his professional career the recent appoitment became talke of the town. 

He quoted the information minister as having said the PM House would avoid discussing any thing that belittle the status of the Army chief and Pakistan Army.

Arif Hameed Bhatti said the respect of Army chief and Pakistan Army was because of the country's defense.

He also raised quetsion that if the previous appointment of the ISI DG was illegal if the information minister's statement-- the legal process would be followed in the appointment -- to be discussed.