Pakistan replaces spy chief early

KARACHI, Pakistan

Pakistan’s army on Sunday, in a surprise move, appointed a new chief to the country's premier spy agency, replacing the previous head just after eight months on the job.

Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed has been appointed the new director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), replacing Lt. Gen. Asim Munir, said a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing.

Munir got the nod to lead the ISI only last October.

Normally, the ISI chief is appointed for a period of three years.

The military gave no reason for his early departure. Former ISI chief, Munir has been appointed corps commander in Gujranwala, in Punjab.

Faiz, who was promoted to the rank of three-star general last October, served as head of the ISI's internal wing before his new assignment.

He came into the spotlight in 2017 when he reportedly brokered a deal between the government of jailed Premier Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League and a religious group on controversial legislation pertaining to the Ahmedi sect.