ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army has ordered “a formal court of inquiry” into retired Pakistani spymaster Lt. Gen. Asad Durrani who has become the center of attention over his damning revelations in a 255-page co-authored published book entitled, “The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace.”
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor late Friday evening posted on social media that Durrani had been summoned to army headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Monday to explain his “attribution taken as violation of the Military Code of Conduct applicable to all serving and retired military personnel."
Durrani appeared before an army review panel at the “GHQ” (General Headquarters) on Monday, according to an army statement, in order “to explain his position about the recently launched book." Subsequently, the army ordered a detailed probe, headed by “a serving lietenant general,” against the retired three-star general.
The army has also approached the relevant authority, probably the Federal Investigation Agency, “to place the name” of the former Inter-Services Intelligence chief on the country’s “Exit Control List” to prevent Durrani from traveling abroad.
“I am not willing to talk on this subject with anyone," repeated Durrani speaking from his home to Arab News. He has maintained his silence by refusing to clarify how he was able to obtain classified information of events, some of which happened after his tenure serving as head of Pakistan’s prime intelligence agency from 1990 to 1992.
The book, penned in a casual dialogue format between Durrani and former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat, moderated by Indian journalist Aditya Sinha, reveals some startling pieces of information ranging from disputed Kashmir, Indian and Pakistani relations, spies and clandestine agencies, politics and heads of state, to doctrines, Afghanistan, Russia, the US, and Bin Laden.
“There are chances that he will be penalized by looking at public pressure and social media campaigns against him,” said political analyst Qamar Cheema to Arab News. “He’s already a liability for the military as he distorted the army’s image in the 1990s while choreographing alliances against the (left wing) Pakistan People’s Party and doling out money to politicians."
The unsubstantiated revelations, whether true, exaggerated, or false, also caught political attention. Deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, speaking to reporters outside the accountability court Friday said, “An NSC (National Security Committee) meeting should be convened to discuss the threats that come with Durrani’s new book written with a former RAW chief."
Sharif was subjected to national criticism earlier this month over his statement that the 2008 Mumbai attacks were interpreted as an admission of Pakistan’s involvement in the act of terror. An NSC meeting was convened which condemned Sharif’s remarks.
However in this case, Durrani’s book “crossed the line” said Khalid Mohammed, director general of the Islamabad-based think tank, Command Eleven, who said that punitive measures might be taken against the former spy chief by the army.
“A gag order barring him from commenting on military affairs can be passed; they can suspend his pension and take away his army allotted land and the potential of that happening to him is very high.”
Mohammed said Durrani condemned himself by authoring a highly controversial book with a former Indian RAW chief.
“You carried a Pakistani flag on your shoulder; you were a member of Pakistan’s armed forces, and you have benefited from the armed forces. Therefore you are accountable," concluded Khalid, adding that Durrani must explain the motives behind his revelations which are viewed as state secrets.
Pakistani Army orders inquiry against ex-spy chief; bars him from traveling abroad
Pakistani Army orders inquiry against ex-spy chief; bars him from traveling abroad
- Military probe ordered against retired three-star general
- Army notifies relevant state department to bar Durrani’s travel overseas
PCB sets Feb. 11 as date for player auction for Pakistan Super League 11th edition
- The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and a maximum of 20
- The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced that the player auction for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held on Feb. 11, setting the stage for franchises to begin assembling squads for the country’s premier Twenty20 tournament.
The development came after a workshop regarding PSL player auction at the Qaddafi Stadium, which was presided over by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL CEO Salman Naseer.
The workshop was attended by PSL officials, all eight franchise representatives, members of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, PCB officials and other capped players.
“The HBL PSL management shared a detailed presentation on the mechanics of the retention and the auction process and consulted with all the participants,” the PCB said.
“It was agreed that the HBL PSL player auction will take place on Wednesday, 11 February.”
The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and maximum of 20 players per franchise. The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size, according to the PCB.
It would be mandatory for the franchises to play minimum of three and maximum of four foreign players in the playing XI. The teams are also required to have minimum of two uncapped Under 23 players in the squad and one in the playing XI.
Players either retained or picked in the auction will be engaged for two-year contracts with their respective franchise teams, the board said, adding that franchise teams will be able to retain a maximum of seven players for the 12th edition of the tournament.
“I’m delighted that a consultative and productive session was held between the franchises, players and management today resulting in informed and strategic decisions which will pave the way for bright future for the HBL PSL,” Naqvi said.
“The Player Auction model is a landmark step for the HBL PSL, offering players better financial opportunities through an increased salary purse and a transparent acquisition process, while making the league more competitive and attractive.”
PSL CEO Naseer said the player auction system modernizes player recruitment by promoting fairness, transparency, and market-driven value, strengthening the PSL’s appeal for both players and franchises.
“Today’s workshop saw all views being taken into consideration and this rich feedback will be reflected in our execution of a successful player auction scheduled next month,” he said.
PSL has become a key pillar of the country’s cricket economy, providing financial stability to the PCB and serving as a talent pipeline for the national team. The 11th edition of the league is set to begin from Mar. 26 while the final is expected to be played on May 3, as per the PCB’s schedule.
