Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik Appointed as New DG ISI

Tags: International News

Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik was appointed as the new Director General (DG) of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on September 23, 2024. 

An Overview of the News

• Malik will officially take over the position on September 30, 2024, replacing the current DG, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum.

Current Role and Key Military Positions

• Adjutant General: Lt Gen Malik is currently serving as the adjutant general at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

• Previous Commands: He has commanded the Infantry Division in Balochistan and the Infantry Brigade in Waziristan.

Prime Minister and Army Chief Consultation

• Appointment Procedure: Although the ISI chief is officially appointed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the decision is traditionally made in consultation with the Army Chief.

Significance of the ISI Chief Role

• Influence of the Post: The DG ISI is considered one of the most powerful positions within the Pakistan Army, and it has played a central role in the country’s security and foreign policy.

• Historical Context: The military has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its existence and continues to wield significant influence.

Education and Military Training

• Sword of Honour: Lt Gen Malik received the prestigious Sword of Honour award during his military course.

• Instructor Roles: He has served as the chief instructor at the National Defence University (NDU) and as an instructor at Command and Staff College in Quetta.

• International Training: He is a graduate of Fort Leavenworth in the USA and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK.