ISLAMABAD: The army on Friday announced promotion of four major generals to the rank lieutenant general.

Those promoted are Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Maj Gen Nauman Mahmood, Maj Gen Azhar Abbas and Maj Gen Faiz Hameed.

An interesting feature of the promotions is that three of the promoted officers are from the Baloch Regiment, while two of them are currently serving in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Another important element of the current promotions is that these four will make the list of the senior most three-star generals in the army at the time of change of command in 2022.

Gen Mirza is from the Sindh Regiment. He was serving as Vice Chief of General Staff (A). He previously remained Director General Military Operations and commanded a division in Dera Ismail Khan.

Gen Mahmood is from the Baloch Regiment. He was currently posted in the ISI’s analysis wing. He has commanded a division in North Waziristan.

Gen Abbas also belongs to the Baloch Regiment. He is presently posted as Commandant in Infantry School, Quetta. He remained personal secretary [PS(C)] to the then army chief, Gen Raheel Sharif. He has commanded a division in Murree. He worked in Operations Directorate as a brigadier.

Gen Hameed is also from the Baloch Regiment. He was in-charge of the internal security wing at the ISI. He has commanded a division in Pano Aqil.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2019