Скачать или смотреть Asim Munir: Pakistan's former spy chief named as army head

Pakistan's government has named a new army chief ending months of speculation over who would land what many see as the country's most powerful job.

General Asim Munir, a former spy chief, replaces General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who retires on 29 November.

Gen Munir, the army's most senior general, is considered a close ally.

The appointment comes at a precarious time for a country where the military has always wielded great influence in politics and foreign policy.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted by his opponents in April, has been at loggerheads with the new government and the military over the appointment of the army chief.

Pakistan is also facing an economic crisis: exports are falling, while the cost of food is soaring. It's also trying to recover from devastating floods earlier this year.

When Lt Gen Munir takes up his position at the end of the month, he will direct future relations with nuclear-armed rival India on one side, and the new Taliban government in Afghanistan on the other.