It was announced on Saturday that Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid, a former intelligence chief and the current commander of the Bahawalpur Corps, had decided to retire early.
Lt General Hamid’s retirement comes only a day after family sources revealed that Pakistan Army Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lt General Azhar Abbas had also requested early retirement.
Among the six commanders put forth as candidates for the army chief post was Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid. The decision to seek an early retirement by CGS Lt Gen Azhar Abbas was made, his brother said on Friday.
To retain his grace, honour, and dignity as a decorated officer of the Pakistan Army, he stated, “I confirm that Lt Gen Azhar Abbas has sought an earlier retirement.”
Trusted family source: “Known for his professionalism, intelligence, and leadership, Lt Gen Azhar Abbas has opted to bid farewell, seeking early retirement – true to his personality.”
It should be noted that Lt Gen Hamid oversaw Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence while Imran Khan was prime minister.
The changes occur two days after the federal government named Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Gen. Asim Munir as the new chief of army staff (CJCSC).
