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Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik Appointed New ISI Chief, To Take Charge Sept 30
Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik appointed as the new DG ISI, replacing Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum. He will assume office on September 30.
ND
by News Desk
2024-09-23
Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik Appointed New ISI Chief, To Take Charge Sept 30

The Pakistan Army has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik as the new Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Lt Gen Malik is set to take charge of Pakistan’s top intelligence agency on September 30, according to a statement issued by the military's media wing.

 

The announcement was also confirmed by the state broadcaster PTV News, which shared the news on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. Gen Malik will be replacing the outgoing ISI chief, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, who has held the post since 2021.

 

Career Highlights Lt Gen Asim Malik is currently serving as the adjutant general at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in October 2021, after a distinguished career in various military assignments. Notably, he has commanded an infantry brigade in Waziristan and served in the Balochistan infantry division, both key roles in Pakistan’s ongoing fight against militancy and insurgency.

 

Gen Malik’s illustrious career also includes a stint as the chief instructor at the National Defence University in Islamabad and as an instructor at the Command and Staff College in Quetta. His academic credentials include training at Fort Leavenworth in the United States and the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies in London. He was also awarded the Sword of Honour, a recognition given to top-performing officers in their courses.

 

A Key Appointment The ISI, Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, plays a pivotal role in the country’s security and defense apparatus. The appointment of Gen Malik comes at a critical time, as Pakistan grapples with both internal and external security challenges, including the resurgence of militancy, rising geopolitical tensions, and intelligence coordination with global agencies.

 

Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, whom Gen Malik will replace, was appointed in 2021 by then-prime minister Imran Khan, following a brief period of speculation regarding civil-military relations. Gen Anjum, commissioned into service in September 1988, previously headed Corps V in Karachi and held key leadership roles in Balochistan and Kurram Agency, along with commanding the Frontier Corps (North).

 

Appointment Procedure While the appointment of the ISI chief is a significant decision, the process for selecting the director general is not mentioned in either the Constitution or the Army Act. Instead, the procedure follows tradition, where the army chief proposes three candidates to the prime minister, who then makes the final choice.

 

Gen Malik’s extensive experience in military strategy and command positions makes him a well-suited candidate to lead Pakistan’s intelligence operations. His leadership is expected to play a critical role in shaping the country’s security and intelligence policies, especially in light of evolving threats both domestically and internationally.

 

Challenges Ahead As the new DG ISI, Gen Malik will face several pressing challenges, including counterterrorism efforts, safeguarding national security, and intelligence coordination in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. His appointment comes at a time when the region is experiencing heightened tensions, particularly with regards to Afghanistan and India.

 

Experts believe that Gen Malik's leadership and strategic insights will be instrumental in maintaining Pakistan’s security and advancing its intelligence capabilities.

 

Conclusion Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik’s appointment as the Director General of ISI marks the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan’s intelligence and security landscape. With his vast experience and leadership qualities, he is poised to steer the agency through the many challenges that lie ahead, ensuring the protection of national interests and the country’s sovereignty.

 
Tagged:

ISI

defense

PakistanArmy

LeadershipChange

AsimMalik

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