ISLAMABAD: Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik has been appointed as new Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), announced the government through the state-run Pakistan Television here on Monday. The new spy chief will take charge of his new role on September 30. It is interesting to note that the announcement of new DG ISI appointed was made by the PTV. It is a de-parture from earlier practice as usually such high profile appointments are announced by the Prime Minister Office or military’s media wing.
Last time the appointment of DGISI became a fully blown civil military crisis as then prime minister Im-ran Khan claimed he was not consulted before the ISPR named the new spy chief. Imran had insisted that it was his prerogative to appoint the new ISI chief.
Eventually, a middle ground was found where the nominee of General Bajwa was appointed ISI chief but the prime minister interviewed three candidates for the coveted job. Imran had resisted the change of guard at ISI as he felt at the time incumbent Lt General Faiz Hameed must continue in his role because of unfolding situation in the neighbouring Afghanistan. But Gen Bajwa was adamant that retaining Gen Faiz at ISI would disturb the entire transfer postings system within the army.
The civil military relations dented a fatal blow in the wake of tussle over the appointment of ISI chief.
But contrary to the drama three years ago, the replacement of Lt General Nadeem was smooth. The government decided to relay the announcement through PTV, putting at rest weeks of speculations that who would be new DG ISI.
Lt Gen Asim will replace Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, who served as head of the ISI for almost 3 years. He was appointed the DG ISI in November 2021 and was given a year extension in November 2023.
The incoming spymaster is currently serving as Adjutant General at the General Headquarters in Ra-walpindi. This as AG, whose main role in the army to ensure discipline, he must have overseen the on-going court martial proceedings against one Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed. Gen Faiz is currently facing mili-tary trial over charges of corruption and violating the army’s discipline post retirement.
The new DG ISI is a recipient of sword of honour in his course
He was promoted to the rank of Lt General in October 2021 by then army chief General Bajwa and had since been serving at the GHQ. This means he would not be part of the potential generals to be con-sidered for the post of army chief in November 2025 provided the incumbent was not granted an ex-tension.
During the course of his military career, Gen Malik has served in the Balochistan infantry division and commanded the infantry brigade in Waziristan, according to PTV News.
The new DGISI has also served as the chief instructor at the National Defence University in Islamabad and as an instructor at the Command and Staff College Quetta.
He is a graduate of Fort Leavenworth in the United States and Royal College of Defence Studies in London.
The post of ISI chief is crucial both in the context of Pakistan’s internal and external challenges. The DG ISI often remains in the limelight since allegations against the intelligence agency for playing a role in domestic politics.
The DG ISI theoretically reports to the prime minister but since he comes from the army so in reality the army chief holds more sway over him. –Agencies
