ISLAMABAD, Oct 2: In a clear indication that President Gen Pervez Musharraf is getting ready to hang up his military uniform, Lt-Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiani has been named virtually as the future Chief of the Army Staff.

He has been promoted to the rank of general and appointed Vice-Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) for now. He will assume charge of office on October 8 when Gen Ahsan Saleem Hyat, the sitting VCOAS, retires.

Lt-Gen Tariq Majid too has been promoted to the general’s rank and appointed Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). He will take charge on 0ctober 8.

Lt-Gen Tariq Majid was commissioned in the Baloch Regiment in April 1971. He is a graduate of the Command and Staff College, Quetta; Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College, Kuala Lumpur; Asia Pacific College of Security Studies, Hawaii; and National Defence College, Pakistan; and holds an MSc degree in War Studies.

He served as Brigade Major in two infantry brigades, General Staff Officer-1 and Director Military Operations (Plans) in Military Operations Directorate, Director General in Military Intelligence Directorate and has been the Chief of General Staff of Pakistan Army. At present, he is Commander 10 Corps Rawalpindi. According to the ISPR, he is regarded as a competent and thorough professional who sets and strives for high standards of excellence.

Lt-Gen Kiani received his education from the Military College, Jhelum, and was commissioned in the Baloch Regiment in August 1971. He has held coveted military appointments throughout his career. He is a graduate of the Command and Staff College, Quetta; Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, USA; and National Defence College, Islamabad.

He has been a member of the faculty at the School of Infantry and Tactics, Quetta; Officers Training School, Mangla; Command and Staff College, Quetta; and National Defence College, Islamabad.

Besides being the Chief of Staff Corps, he has held the coveted appointment of Director-General Military Operations. He last served as Director-General Inter-Services Intelligence. According to the ISPR, the general is perceived to be a purposeful and pragmatic commander.