Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa had held a meeting late Monday in Bani Gala, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The meeting was also confirmed by Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary during a media briefing after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. 

The meeting was held against the backdrop of the appointment of the new Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). There were reports of differences between the civil and military leadership over this matter and the meeting was arranged between the Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff to clear the air.

The one-on-one meeting at the PM's residence in Bani Gala was held at the suggestion of two ministers. According to sources, a proposal to send the summary of three names to the PM for the post of DG ISI was presented.

The insiders cited the PM as saying Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed's role in wake of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan is very important and it would have been better if he (Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed) remained DG ISI till March 2022.

The COAS said the corps command is also important for Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed, said the sources.

According to sources, the PM Office had not received the written summary of the appointment of the new DG ISI. Sources said the matter, however, was taken up verbally. 

Talking to a private TV channel, Fawad said the meeting was held in a cordial environment and both PM and COAS discussed all the issues at length including the current situation in Afghanistan. 

He said the legal process would be adopted for the appointment of the new DG ISI as the appointment of the new DG ISI is the prerogative of the Prime Minister as per the constitution.

Fawad said there is a set rule to send three names to the PM for the DG ISI's appointment and one name is being picked for the appointment. He hoped that the issue would be resolved in a couple of days.

PTI's chief whip Amir Dogar also confirmed in a TV programme that PM Khan wanted General Faiz to continue as DG ISI for another six months in wake of the current Afghanistan situation.

Dogar said the Ministry of Defence would now send three or five names and one name would be picked.

He said PM made it clear in the cabinet meeting that it was not a matter of his ego and he enjoys exemplary relations with the Army Chief. 

Dogar said Prime Minister also praised the professionalism of Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum in the meeting.

Reporter: Ibrahim Raja