Musharraf Names Loyalist as New Intelligence Chief

KARACHI, Pakistan, Sept. 21 -- With his retirement from the army looming, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Friday named a known loyalist to head the nation's hugely influential military-led intelligence service. Musharraf also cleared the way for the intelligence chief he replaced to possibly take over as army commander.

The announcements came just days after Musharraf's attorney announced that the general would step down from the army if he is elected to a new term as president. The national and provincial assemblies are set to vote Oct. 6.

Opponents argue that Musharraf's army job disqualifies him from running, and the Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to his eligibility. But if the court rules that he can run, he is believed to have the votes he needs to win.

Musharraf's appointments are being watched closely in Pakistan, where the military has ruled for more than half the nation's 60-year history.

Amid a flurry of appointments Friday, Musharraf named Lt. Gen. Nadeem Taj to lead the Inter-Services Intelligence agency. Taj is considered a moderate and is known to be close to Musharraf, having once served as Musharraf's military secretary. He was also head of a separate intelligence service in December 2003, when Musharraf was twice targeted by suicide attacks later linked to al-Qaeda.

Taj will now be at the forefront of efforts to combat the terrorist organization at a time when insurgents are stepping up attacks and the military is taking heavy losses.

He will replace Lt. Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani at the agency. Kiyani is now said to be one of two finalists to succeed Musharraf as army chief. The other top contender is Lt. Gen. Tariq Majeed, who has been the corps commander in Rawalpindi, the garrison city that houses the military's headquarters. Like Kiyani, Majeed was replaced Friday; his next job was not announced.

The selection of a successor will be a critical decision for Musharraf. Analysts say that if he wins a new term and gives up his uniform, he will likely have more of a voice in military matters than most civilian leaders but will still lose much of the power he wields today.

"To say that Musharraf will continue to enjoy the same influence over the army is not true," said retired Lt. Gen. Moinuddin Hyder. "The army chief in Pakistan doesn't like to take orders on professional matters."

Witte reported from Islamabad, Pakistan.