DHAKA: Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan chief Lt Gen Hamid Gul, who played a key role in fomenting the militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and was a close associate of jihadi leaders such as Hafiz Saeed, has died at the age of 79.
 
Gul headed the powerful spy agency during 1987-89, when the ISI worked closely with the CIA to back Afghan mujahideen against Soviet troops in Afghanistan, reports hindustantimes.com
 
He suffered a brain haemorrhage and died in a military hospital in Murree, a popular tourist resort near Islamabad late on Saturday, the Pakistani media reported. Doctors could not revive him, his daughter Uzma was quoted as saying.
 
Gul appeared frequently on television channels in Pakistan and India, espousing his hardline views and railing against India and the US. He was also a key leader of the Defa-e-Pakistan Council, a grouping of 40 terrorist and extremist groups such as the Jamaat-ud-Dawah that are considered close to the country’s security establishment.
 
Sad to learn of Gen Hameed Gul's death. Whether one agreed with his views or not, he was a patriot. Condolences & prayers go to the family.

BDST: 1301 HRS, AUG 16, 2015
RS