Executive Summary

Muhammad Asim Malik is the new pick of the Pakistani Intelligence Community to lead the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). The Lieutenant General was appointed on 23 September 2024 to succeed Nadeem Anjum as the Director-General of the security apparatus in the middle of a crisis. ISI meddling in politics is at the moment in the center of the national debate, as former Prime Minister Imran Khan alleges the intelligence agency undermined his authority, eventually leading to his ousting and indictment. 

The security service also faces issues relating to tensions, between military leaders and civilian officials, over influence and decisions in the intelligence community. Furthermore, internal threats are also emerging from radical elements entrenched in the tribal areas. Asim Malik will not only have to navigate Pakistan politics and deal with radical elements pouring in from Afghanistan through the border, but also maintain the delicate balance between the elected civilian officials and the military deep state. 

Profile

Asim Malik, 59 years old and born in Punjab province, is a seasoned official who also has a significant academic background in warfare, yet limited experience in intelligence. He is a graduate from Pakistan Military Academy’s 80th Course, but also studied in Fort Leavenworth in the United States and in the Royal College of Defense Studies in the United Kingdom. Other academic accomplishments include a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) on Washington – Islamabad relations from the National Defense University of Pakistan (NDU). He is the first ISI Director to hold a doctorate degree. He served as an instructor at NDU and Pakistan’s Command and also at the Staff College in Queta. Before his appointment as Director General, Malik served as adjutant general at the Army’s General Headquarters and as commanding officer of the 41st Infantry Division in Balochistan. [source, source, source]