New commander appointed to head 111 'coup' Brigade
12 January, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Brigadier Sarfraz Ali has assumed the command of the 111 Brigade of the Pakistan Army, the ISPR confirmed on Wednesday, adding that "the posting of the incoming 111-Brigade Commander is a routine posting.î
The 111 Brigade is an infantry brigade of the Pakistan Army, notorious for its frequent involvement and fast response in military coup d'etats.
The confirmation that the change was a ìroutine postingî came after the electronic media went wild painting doomsday scenarios after it became known that the ëcoupí brigade had gotten a new commander.
However, insiders say since Brigadier Javed was promoted to the rank of Major General several weeks back and sent to Lahore as GOC and, therefore, there was a need to appoint a new commander. However, the change of command still sparked rumours, given the history of the brigade.
The 111 Brigade is part of the Rawalpindi Corps and is specially equipped to carry out special operations. "The change does not mean anything as both the outgoing and incoming military officers are under military discipline and cannot do anything without the consent/approval of the General Headquarters," said a former military officer.
With the fresh developments, strained relations between the civilian government and military establishment have dipped to the lowest ebb. The Army chief has also called an emergency meeting of the Army's principal staff officers (PSOs) to be held tomorrow (Thursday), which will discuss the fast unfolding events in the country.
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