Gen Muhammad Asim Malik: Who is the new ISI chief?

In a significant leadership change, Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik has been appointed as the new Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), set to assume his role on September 30. The announcement was made by state broadcaster PTV News via its official X account.

لیفٹیننٹ جنرل محمد عاصم ملک کو ڈی جی آئی ایس آئی تعینات کر دیا گیا
لیفٹیننٹ جنرل عاصم ملک 30ستمبر کو اپنی نئی ذمہ داری سنبھالیں گے
لیفٹیننٹ جنرل عاصم اس وقت جی ایچ کیو میں ایڈجوٹنٹ جنرل کے فرائض سر انجام دے رہے ہیں
لیفٹیننٹ جنرل عاصم اس سے پہلے بلوچستان میں انفنٹری ڈیویژن اور… pic.twitter.com/xv5lJRdA54

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) September 23, 2024

Currently serving as the adjutant general at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, Gen Malik is stepping into the position previously held by Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, who has served since 2021. Gen Anjum, with a military career spanning over three decades, has led various key operations, including commanding the Karachi Corps and serving in critical roles in Balochistan and Kurram Agency.

Lt Gen Malik, who was promoted to his current rank in October 2021, has a distinguished military background. He has commanded the infantry brigade in Waziristan and served in the Balochistan infantry division. His impressive credentials include being the chief instructor at the National Defence University and an instructor at the Command and Staff College in Quetta. A graduate of Fort Leavenworth in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, Gen Malik has demonstrated a commitment to military excellence, highlighted by his receipt of an “honorary sword” during his training.

As he prepares to take the helm of Pakistan‘s premier intelligence agency, Gen Malik’s experience and leadership will be crucial in addressing national security challenges. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the ISI’s operations and strategy.