ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Senior military commanders in Pakistan have approved the promotion of 26 officers from brigadiers to major generals, officials said Saturday.
The approval was given at an annual meeting of Pakistani corps commander near Islamabad Friday.
The promotion is seen as a major success for President Pervez Musharraf's decision to purge the army of religious officers.
Military sources in Islamabad told UPI that most of the new generals have liberal world views, indicating a general agreement within the army with Musharraf's decision.
Pakistan's former military ruler, Gen. Zia ul Huq, had promoted hundreds of religious-minded officers in the army, creating a strong Islamic base within a once liberal military institution.
After he joined the U.S.-led war against terror three years ago, Musharraf embarked upon a program to purge the army of religious elements but met some resistance from other generals who had a religious bent.
But in March 2004, most of these senior generals left the army after reaching the age of retirement, making it possible for Musharraf to implement his plan.
