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
Pakistan joins 22 Muslim states, OIC to condemn Israeli FM’s visit to Somaliland
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited breakaway African region of Somaliland on January 6
- Muslim states urge Israel to withdraw Somaliland recognition, respect Somalia’s sovereignty
ISLAMABAD: A joint statement by Pakistan, 22 other Muslim states and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday condemned Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s recent visit to Somaliland as a violation of the African nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Saar’s visit to Somaliland capital Hargeisa on Jan. 6 followed Israel’s move last month to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, as an independent country. The move drew a sharp reaction from Muslim states, including Pakistan, who said it was in contravention of the UN Charter and international norms.
Several international news outlets months earlier reported that Israel had contacted Somaliland over the potential resettlement of Palestinians forcibly removed from Gaza. Muslim countries fear Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region could be part of its plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to the region.
“The said visit constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and undermines established international norms and the United Nations Charter,” the joint statement shared by Pakistan’s foreign office, read.
The joint statement was issued on behalf of 23 Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Jordan, Kuwait, Türkiye, Oman and others.
It reaffirmed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, pointing out that respect for international law and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states was necessary for regional stability.
“Encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region,” the statement said.
The joint statement urged Israel to revoke its recognition of the breakaway region.
“Israel should fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity and honor its obligations in compliance with international law, and demand immediate revocation of the recognition issued by Israel,” the statement read.
Somaliland broke away from Somalia unilaterally in 1991 as a civil war raged in the country. Somaliland has its own constitution, parliament and currency, a move that has infuriated Somalia over the years as it insists the region is part of its territory.
