Lt. General Muhammed Asim Malik, HI (M).
Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, an accomplished and seasoned military officer, was recently appointed as the Director-General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the country’s premier spy agency. With decades of experience and an extensive background in intelligence and counterterrorism, Lt. Gen. Malik steps into one of the most sensitive and critical roles in Pakistan at a time of both internal and external challenges.
However, Lt. Gen. Malik’s appointment has once again raised discussions about whether such sensitive roles should be announced publicly. As the head of an intelligence agency, he is responsible for some of the most classified operations in the country. Publicity, many argue, is neither necessary nor beneficial for someone in his position; instead, the nature of his role demands discretion and obscurity.
Lt. Gen. Malik brings with him a wealth of experience that makes him well-suited for his new role as the ISI chief. Before this appointment, he commanded the Infantry Division in Balochistan, a province riddled with insurgency and terrorism challenges. His ability to navigate complex security environments has earned him a strong reputation for intelligence operations. He has also commanded an Infantry Brigade in the volatile region of Waziristan, where he honed his skills in counterinsurgency and anti-terrorism tactics. These roles reflect his deep understanding of Pakistan’s internal security issues and his capacity for strategic decision-making under pressure.
Additionally, Lt. Gen. Malik has held numerous key leadership positions throughout his military career, which have prepared him to oversee Pakistan’s most powerful intelligence agency. His expertise extends beyond combat leadership to intelligence, making him the ideal candidate to lead the ISI at a time when both regional and global intelligence networks are increasingly interconnected.
The Procedure Behind the ISI Appointment
According to defense experts, the procedure for appointing the Director-General of the ISI is neither outlined in Pakistan’s Constitution nor the Army Act. Instead, the selection process has evolved as part of military tradition, wherein the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) proposes a shortlist of three candidates to the Prime Minister. The final decision rests with the Prime Minister, who selects one of the names presented by the army chief.
The ISI is an extension of the military and one of the most powerful institutions in Pakistan. As an agency deeply involved in matters of national security, counterterrorism, and foreign intelligence, its leadership is highly influential. Pakistan’s military, having ruled the country for roughly half of its 77-year history since gaining independence from Britain, retains a strong influence even under civilian administrations. The appointment of the ISI chief, therefore, is one of the most sensitive decisions in the country’s security apparatus.
Lt. Gen. Malik’s appointment follows this established tradition, with his name being one of the three recommended by Army Chief General Asim Munir to the Prime Minister, who then made the final decision.
Outgoing ISI Chief: Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum’s Tenure
Lt. Gen. Malik succeeds Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum served as the Director-General of ISI from November 2021 to October 2024. During Gen. Anjum’s tenure as the ISI chief, Pakistan faced a variety of challenges, including managing the security fallout from the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, a rise in domestic terrorism, and the country’s volatile relationship with India.
Gen. Anjum’s tenure as ISI Director-General was marked by controversy, particularly accusations of meddling in political affairs. His leadership coincided with allegations of the ISI’s involvement in shaping political outcomes, as well as its role in the enforced disappearances of activists and dissidents. Critics argue that the agency, under his command, blurred the line between national security and political manipulation, fueling tensions in civilian-military relations.
During his tenure, some media coverage did emerge, especially when dealing with delicate geopolitical situations. This attention, though limited, spurred debates over whether ISI’s leadership should remain completely out of the public eye.
Meanwhile, the announcement of Lt. Gen. Malik’s appointment has reignited the debate on whether sensitive appointments, particularly for positions like the ISI chief, should be publicly disclosed. While transparency is an important part of governance, positions related to national security, especially those involving intelligence, operate under a different set of norms.
The role of the ISI chief is not one that requires public recognition or engagement. Unlike other government offices, where accountability and visibility are vital, intelligence agencies thrive on secrecy. The more obscure and low-profile the leader, the better positioned they are to carry out their responsibilities effectively. The nature of intelligence work involves sensitive operations, covert missions, and strategic collaborations that require utmost confidentiality.
Publicly announcing the head of a spy agency not only subjects them to unnecessary scrutiny but also potentially endangers their work. It opens the door for media speculation and, in some cases, even puts their personal safety at risk. Moreover, it invites adversarial intelligence agencies to take note, further complicating the covert operations that the ISI is involved in.
The military remains Pakistan’s most influential institution, responsible for safeguarding the nation from both external threats and internal instability. Within the military, the ISI holds a special place, given its role in counterterrorism, espionage, and intelligence-sharing with both regional and global powers. The operational success of the ISI depends largely on its ability to function without public oversight. In this context, discretion is not just beneficial but essential.
Lt. Gen. Malik’s appointment, while significant, does not require media fanfare. It is in the best interest of Pakistan’s national security that the ISI continues to operate with the kind of quiet efficiency that has made it one of the most respected intelligence agencies globally. The less attention that is drawn to its leadership, the more effectively it can operate, both within Pakistan and on the international stage.
Conclusion
Lt. Gen. Asim Malik’s appointment as Director-General of ISI comes at a crucial time for Pakistan. His vast experience in intelligence and military strategy makes him a highly qualified candidate to lead the nation’s premier intelligence agency. However, as debates surrounding his appointment suggest, the role of the ISI chief is best served with minimal public exposure.
Pakistan’s national security and intelligence apparatus must operate in an environment where discretion is key. As Lt. Gen. Malik assumes his new role, it is essential that both the media and the public respect the need for confidentiality. In the world of intelligence, success is often measured not by headlines, but by what goes unnoticed.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
