Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik has been named the new director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He will assume charge on September 30, 2024, as confirmed by state broadcaster PTV News.
Official Announcement
PTV News shared the announcement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on 23 September 2024. It confirmed Gen Malik’s new role. Currently, he is serv8as the adjutant general at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Military Career
Gen Malik’s military career has been diverse and decorated. In October 2021, he was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed as the adjutant general of the Pakistan Army. His experience includes serving in the Balochistan infantry division and commanding an infantry brigade in Waziristan.
PTV News highlighted that Gen Malik had earned a Sword of Honour, an esteemed award given to outstanding cadets. His academic background is equally impressive, with credentials from Fort Leavenworth in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. Additionally, he has served as the chief instructor at the National Defence University in Islamabad and as an instructor at the Command and Staff College Quetta.
Replacing Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum
Gen Malik will be replacing Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum, who was appointed as DG ISI in 2021. Lt Gen Anjum, commissioned in September 1988, had a distinguished career, including heading Karachi’s Corps V and leading Frontier Corps (North) in Balochistan.
Anjum’s appointment in 2021 followed an alleged standoff between the military and government. On October 6, 2021, the Army announced the reshuffle and appointed Lt Gen Anjum as DG ISI, while it moved Lt Gen Faiz Hameed to Peshawar Corps. However, the Prime Minister’s Office delayed issuing a formal notification, sparking speculation about tensions.
Appointment Procedure
Defence experts note that the Constitution and Army Act do not outline the procedure for appointing the DG ISI. Traditionally, the army chief proposes three candidates, and the prime minister selects the final appointee. They followed this tradition for Gen Malik’s appointment as well.
Experts expect Gen Malik’s leadership to further strengthen ISI’s role in safeguarding national security.
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