KARACHI: Former chief of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt. Gen. (retd)Asad Durrani had not sought approval on the draft of hishighly-controversial book ‘The Spy Chronicles’ from the army, which wasmandatory under the military code of conduct, defense analyst Amjad Shoaib.
Shoaib added that Durrani had failed to provide satisfactory answers to theGeneral Headquarters, due to which a detailed probe into the matter hasbeen ordered by the concerned authorities.
In an unprecedented move, the General Headquarters while ordering a courtof inquiry against the former ISI chief has approached the competentauthority to put his name on the Exit Control List (ECL).
According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Gen Durrani visitedthe GHQ on Monday to explain his position on the recently launched book. Aformal court of inquiry, headed by a serving lieutenant general, has beenordered to probe the matter in detail, it said in a statement.
Detailing the next steps in the regard, Shoaib explained that JudgeAdvocate General (JAG) branch of the army will carry out legal actionsafter obtaining approval from Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa. ‘The legal courseagainst Durrani depends upon the availability of credible information andwitnesses, after which investigations can be wrapped up in just a week’stime,’ he said.
Moreover, Shoaib stated that the draft of General Pervez Musharraf’s bookhad been given a go-ahead by the GHQ.
Shoaib also went on to say that Durrani should explain whatever informationhe currently has. He also opined that the timing of the book’s publicationindicates what many believe a fifth generation war launched by Indiaagainst Pakistan.
Lt. Gen. (R) Asad Durrani served as the ISI chief from August 1990 tillMarch 1992.
Expressing serious reservations about the book co-authored by Asad Durraniand RAW’s ex-chief AJ Dulat, the GHQ last Friday summoned Durrani toexplain his position on Monday.
The attributions made to Durrani in the 255-page book were taken by the GHQas a violation of Military Code of Conduct applicable on all serving andretired military personnel.