In a surprise military shake-up, the Pakistan Army on Wednesday announced that the spy agency ISI chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed has been appointed as Peshawar Corps commander — a crucial position in view of the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum was appointed as the new director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in place of Hameed, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) — the media wing of the Pakistan Army.

The ISI chief is appointed by the Prime Minister but as part of a tradition he executes this power in consultation with the Pakistan Army chief. The post is considered one of the most important in the army which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 73 years of existence and has wielded considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy.

Initially, the army said in a statement that Hameed was posted out but his replacement on the key post of the ISI chief was not immediately announced.

Anjum, who belongs to the Punjab Regiment of the army, has served as Karachi Corps commander as well as the commandant of Command and Staff College Quetta.

He is considered a battle-hardened chief who commanded the Frontier Corps Balochistan as its inspector general and oversaw many operations against terrorists.

Media reports said that his subordinates call him the “man with the glacier brain but sharp reflexes”. He is stated to be a good listener and good observer who speaks concisely.

Hameed, who is from the Baloch Regiment, was appointed as head of the spy agency on June 16, 2019. He had previously served in the ISI as the head of internal security. Hameed is considered to be close to army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.