Pakistan's controversial former spy chief dies
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 August 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistan's controversial former spy chief dies, 16 August 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55ee96cbc.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 16, 2015
The former head of Pakistan's notorious spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is dead.
Pakistani media reported on August 15 that Hamid Gul died due to a brain hemorrhage.
The 77-year-old retired general was taken to a hospital outside of Islamabad but doctors could not revive him.
Gul is known as the "godfather" of Pakistan's strategy of using militant proxies to exert influence in neighboring countries, including in India and Afghanistan.
Gul, who was ISI chief from 1987-89, played a key part in the creation of the Taliban in the early 1990s.
He remained a controversial figure even in retirement, with the United States accusing him of having ties to militant groups in Pakistan.
Gul, who was staunchly anti-American, denied the allegations.
Based on reporting by Express Tribune and Dawn
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
