The direct involvement of Lt Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani in the power-sharing deal talks is a rare move for a man who is considered cautious in military circles.
ISI chief Lt Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani is set to become the next Army Chief when Musharraf decides to step down
LAHORE: The direct involvement of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief Lt Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani in the ongoing power-sharing deal talks with Benazir Bhutto in London on behalf of Pakistan president General Pervez Musharraf is a rare move for a man who is otherwise considered cautious and careful in military circles. He is also being tipped as the next army chief of the country whenever Musharraf decides step down from the post.
Every state in this world has its quota of intelligence agencies and spymasters, but in Pakistan the 'invisible government' has now become very visible with the involvement of the ISI chief in political wheeling dealing on behalf of the Pakistani president.
Having completed crucial talks with Benazir Bhutto in London at a time when Musharraf is left with no other option to further perpetuate his rule, the ISI director general landed in Islamabad on Tuesday night and briefed his boss about the outcome. Although the ISI has been greatly involved in politics since the late 70s, generally it is the internal wing of this elite intelligence agency that is responsible for political affairs, talks with politicians and spying.
However, it happens very rarely that ISI chiefs get into such things directly and personally as is the case with Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, who is tipped as the next army chief if Musharraf finally agrees to quit his post before or after the presidential election.
According to well-placed government sources, Kiyani had been directly involved in the Musharraf-Benazir talks because of his past association with Benazir - being her deputy military secretary during her first tenure as the prime minister. Kiyani is the senior-most amongst the three star generals with the exception of Lt Gen General Khalid Kidwai, who did not command any corps and is presently heading the Strategic Planning Division.
Kiyani, both because of his seniority and his close association with the top general, is an obvious contender for the slot of army chief if Musharraf doffs the uniform. He is acceptable to Benazir as well. Government sources said that Kiyani also accompanied the president during his recent Abu Dhabi meeting with Benazir, but on that occasion, his presence was not noticed as Musharraf himself was present.
It was a reflection of Lt Gen Kiyani's personality that during the recent judicial crisis, he was the only leading spymaster who opted not to file an affidavit before the Supreme Court against the Chief Justice of Pakistan, while defending Musharraf.
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