New ISI,Pak Air Force chiefs assume office

Islam had earlier served as a Deputy Director General in the ISI as a major general. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and made the commander of the Karachi Corps.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday met with the new ISI chief and said the agency should work in consonance with the aspirations of the people. The ISI is an important arm of the security establishment assigned to safeguard the national interests in consonance with the aspirations of the people of Pakistan, Gilani was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office.

Meanwhile,Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt took over as the new chief of the Pakistan Air Force at a ceremony held here at Air Headquarters. Outgoing Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman formally handed over the PAFs sword of command to Butt.

Born in 1955,Butt graduated from the PAF Academy at Risalpur in March 1977. He is a qualified flying instructor and a combat commander,and has commanded a fighter squadron,a fighter flying wing and two airbases. Butt earlier served as Deputy Director Plans,Director Flight Safety,Assistant Chief of Air Staff Personnel. Before taking over as PAF chief,he served as the vice-chief.