In a major reshuffle in Pak Amry’s ranks Major-General Babar Iftikhar has been appointed as the new DG ISPR and replaces incumbent Major General Asif Ghafoor. Military Intelligence head has also been replaced with Major General Azhar Waqas replacing Major General Sarfraz Ali, who will now serve as the  new Inspector General of the Frontier Corps  Balochistan.

Pak Army’s new spokesperson Babar Iftikhar has replaced Major General Asif Ghafoor, who was and still is popular and is among one of Pakistan’s favorite personalities. Asif Ghafoor has now been posted at the 40th Infantry Division in Okara in place of Major General Azhar Waqas.

In November 2019, two major generals — namely Mohammad Saeed and Ali Amir Awan— were promoted to the three-star rank.

Lt General Muhammad Saeed was appointed as National Defence University (NDU) president  while Lt General, Ali Amir Awan, was posted as Inspector General Communication and Information Technology.

Lt General Sahir Shamshad Mirzawas appointed as CGS. The CGS heads both the army’s intelligence and operational and directorates. Earlier the position was held by CJCSC General Nadeem Raza.

Pakistanis are is hoping that Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar will continue on the good work of his predecessor.

Who is Major General Babar Iftikhar?

Major General Babar Iftikhar was commissioned into Pakistan Army in March 1990. He is  graduate of the Command and Staff College Quetta, National Defence University Islamabad and Royal Command and Staff College Jordan. .

Babar Iftikhar has served in an Armoured Brigade as as Brigade Major , Brigadier Staff in an Infantry Division in Waziristan and Chief of Staff in Corps Headquarters. He has also led an Armoured Brigade and Infantry Brigade in operation Zarb-e-Azb  in North Waziristan . He has also served on the faculty of Pakistan Military Academy and National Defence University Islamabad. He is married with four sons.  An avid reader and golfer, Maj Gen Iftikhar was presently commanding an Armoured Division before being appointed as DG ISPR.

Apart from command and staff experience, the new DG ISPR is an experienced instructor having lectured at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul and National Defense University.

Twitteratis Welcome the New DG ISPR

A lot of people took to Twitter with best wishes and messages of love for the new DG ISPR. Here is what people are saying:

#AsifGhafoor has been replaced by Major General #BabarIftikhar as the new DG ISPR by Pak Army. Best wishes for both.♥️ pic.twitter.com/izDkVKcpfc

— Mr Jawed ツ (@jawed_sayss) January 16, 2020

Warm Welcome to Maj. General #BabarIftikhar as new DG ISPR.
A person highly regarded in ranks. Great Professional.#DGISPR 🙋‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/3GTtrxk16K

— SaniaKhan (@saniakhan18pk) January 16, 2020

https://twitter.com/SabirAbbasiAJK/status/1217799915419717633

The Latest Nightmare For Liberal Mafia, The Enemies of Pakistan
Ladies & Gentlemen Meet The New DG ISPR , Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar Who Is Well Known For His Discipline & Professionalism …#WeSaluteAsifGhafoor pic.twitter.com/7KWqbb9uC6

— Samar🇵🇰 (@samrina12345) January 16, 2020

#AsifGhafoorPakistansPride

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Sir Gen. Asif Ghafoor, we will really miss you lot. You did your best and hope for better from New Maj Babar Iftikhar pic.twitter.com/2cgUfiRB8F

— Jaweria Noor🇵🇰 (@JaweriaNoor0) January 16, 2020

Welcome to the Club Sir
A hardcore professional , Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar will be a new nightmare to the enemy in Grey Zone Conflict of Hybrid Warfare
We are confident enough he will maintain the legacy of Ex DG ISPR , Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor #LonglivePakistan pic.twitter.com/XE1Y7orotZ

— Riz Khan (@ToxicTruths83) January 16, 2020

People also wished Best of Luck to Asif Ghafoor

Asif ghafoor was best trolling material hope babar iftikhar will continue trolling enemies #DGISPR pic.twitter.com/lLywGDMuGk

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— Faraz Farooqi (@farooqihere) January 16, 2020

37 fake accounts with the name of Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar already on Twitter in just few hours, few accounts already crossed 10k followers. We are the best 🇵🇰😂

— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) January 16, 2020

https://twitter.com/Magicpizza92/status/1217795112878723077

Got news of replacement of Asif Ghafoor by Maj. General Babar Iftikhar as DGISPR
If this news is true then " Asif Ghafoor's period as #DGISPR will be remembered as golden period in history of ISPR"❤️❤️

Sir @peaceforchange you have served nation remarkably ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/CAz5VLXb28

— Shehroz Chang Baloch (@shehroz_chang01) January 16, 2020

Promotions in Pakistan Army

According to the details shared by military’s media wing Lt Gen Shaheen Mazhar Mehmood, who was commanding Peshawar Corps, was appointed as Commander Mangla Corps, which is one of the strike formations of Pakistan Army.

Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood was appointed as Commander Peshawar Corps. Previously he serving as the Inspector General Communications & Information Technology at the GHQ.