Highlights
-New Intelligence Chief is trusted Musharraf official
-According to a western official, Kiyani “is the best man for the job”
-Will serve Musharraf loyally in near-term
Last month, Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf promoted several top military men to the rank of Lt. General in a move that was seen as an attempt to shore up his power base as he prepares to run for another term as president. However, all eyes were on the individual who would be named as deputy chief of Pakistan army, as many believe he could eventually replace Musharraf as army chief.
On October 7, Musharraf installed a loyalist and former Inter-Services Intelligence agency chief, Lt. General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani as deputy army chief, in a move that was expected since Kiyani is seen as the most capable man for the job.
Rising Through the Ranks
According to his peers, Lt. Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani is a patient, diligent, intelligent, and determined individual. Kiyani has been able to keep a low profile, but still seen as a man who is capable of handling any assignment given.
Since 1988, Kiyani has served in varies levels of command. General Kiyani was responsible for the investigation into multiple attempts to assassinate Pervez Musharraf in December 2003. He was applauded for the way he got Pakistan’s intelligence services working together, something that in the past has proven to be a daunting task. In 2001-2002, Ashfaq Kiyani held the position of Director General Military Operations (DGMO), and it was at this time that relations with India were deteriorating rapidly. At the time, Kiyani was a Major Gen. and in charge of all troops movements. He was credited with keeping the eight-month standoff from erupting into an outright war as he was in constant contact with his Indian counterparts. Since then, he was promoted to command the army’s elite Rawalpindi corps and soon after made the head of ISI.
Ties To US
Lt. General Kiyani is one of Musharraf’s most trusted officers and is an obvious choice to be named the deputy army chief, paving the way for a possible position as head of the Pakistani army.
According to a report by Newsweek, the Pentagon supports Lt. General Kiyani to take over for Musharraf if he relinquishes his position as army chief. A western military official that has not been named due to security reasons said in the Newsweek report, “Kiyani is the most competent candidate by far.” According to the Asia Times, the promotion of Kiyani as deputy army chief was the first phase of the United States-backed deal for a new political set up in Pakistan. The United States closely watches the domestic situation in Pakistan as Musharraf is battling al Qaeda and pro-Taliban militants in Waziristan.
Kiyani, as head of military operations after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan, was reportedly actively involved in joint military strategies concerning U.S. bases in Pakistan. According to Newsweek, if Ashfaq Kiyani takes over as army chief, the Pentagon hopes that he can enhance the Pakistani Army’s ability to fight a counterinsurgency war against Al Qaeda and pro-Taliban terrorists. Currently, the Pakistani army is under pressure as militants have killed more than 200 soldiers and kidnapped another 250.
Future Outlook
The situation in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFT) is continuing to deteriorate as Pakistani forces battle militants opposed to Musharraf and his western allies. Thus far, the Pakistani army has suffered a large number of casualties and morale continues to deteriorate.
The domestic situation in Pakistan will largely affect whether or not Kiyani will replace Musharraf as army chief. If Pervez Musharraf wins the November 15 election, he is expected to relinquish his uniform and be replaced by Kiyani. Lt. Gen. Kiyani would then assume charge of the most powerful and critical post in Pakistan’s fragile political scenario.
