Islamabad: The former head of Pakistani military commandos shot dead on the outskirts of the capital Islamabad on Wednesday, police said.

Major-General Amir Faisal Alvi, who commanded the elite Special Services Group (SSG) and retired more than two years ago, was heading towards Islamabad when the assailants sprayed his car with bullets.

His driver was also killed in the attack.

Taliban militants have targeted top army and security officials in recent attacks, but police said it was too early to determine is the latest incident was related.