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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Shah Meer Baloch in Islamabad

Fear for democracy in Pakistan as ISI gets power over civil service

Shehbaz Sharif
Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister after his predecessor was forced out by a no-confidence vote. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

Pakistani politicians and activists have raised fears about the military increasing its control over the country’s public life after the new prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, gave the ISI spy agency vetting power over civil service appointments.

The move has placed the verification and screening of government officials in charge of postings, appointments and promotions in ISI hands, leading to concerns of a shrunken civilian space.

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