Lt Gen Muhammad Ali takes charge as defense secretary

Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali has officially taken charge as the new Secretary of Defense, following his appointment by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week. His tenure is set to last until December 31, 2026, spanning a period of two years and three months. General Ali succeeds Lieutenant General (Retired) Hamood-ul-Zaman, whose term as Secretary of Defense concluded in August after a two-year service. In the interim, the responsibilities of the Secretary were temporarily managed by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defense. Today, Major General Aamer Ashfaq Kiyani has stepped down from his role as the Acting Secretary of Defense, paving the way for General Ali to take over the position fully. The appointment comes at a crucial time for the Ministry of Defense, which plays a vital role in the country’s national security and military strategy. General Ali’s extensive experience in the military is expected to bring valuable insights and leadership to the Ministry, and his appointment has been welcomed by various stakeholders within the defense community.