Islamabad, Aug 12 - Pakistan has decided to restructure its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency, which is often accused of functioning as a state within a state, to make it more efficient and vibrant.

'The effort that is already underway would bring energetic and more dedicated personnel into the fold of the agency who could live up to the challenges of the modern age,' The News said Wednesday.

As part of the effort, 32 officers of the rank of brigadier and colonel have been retired 'and it is expected that other officers who have not proved their utility would be shown the door further down the line in the months to come', the newspaper said.

The agency is also being trimmed in the manner the army was restructured three years ago without compromising its operational capabilities.

Well placed sources in the defence ministry told The News that the ISI had expanded in recent years out of proportion, especially because officers who on the verge of superannuation joined the agency and subsequently managed to stay on.