New ISI chief Islam not related to Shah Rukh Khan: ISPR

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has turned down an Indian media report that the new Inter-Services Intelligence chief, Zahir-ul-Islam, and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan are related.

An Indian paper had earlier reported that Islam is the nephew of Indian National Army hero Shah Nawaz Khan and Shah Rukh Khan’s late mother Lateef Fatima was the adopted daughter of Shah Nawaz, the Daily Times reports. 

Islam’s father served as a brigadier in the Pakistan Army.        
 
Following his appointment, Islam had vowed to give his best to serve Pakistan and take up the challenges to overcome the ongoing difficulties.

"I need the prayers and good wishes of friends and brothers. God willing we will surmount the difficulties coming our way," Islam said. 

Islam said he had been assigned the task of DG ISI in challenging times when the internal and external situations were both complex, but added: "I am sure we will prevail over the situation."

He had the distinction of serving the organisation under two DGs, including Lt Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha as a two-star general before he was promoted and appointed corps commander Karachi. He also served in the internal wing of the ISI.

The general will come to the federal capital next Saturday to assume the new assignment and will call on the president, prime minister, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC) and COAS separately the following week.