Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Asim Malik, will continue to serve in his position despite his scheduled retirement on October 4. The decision effectively extends his tenure as the head of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency. Sources close to the development revealed that Lt Gen Malik, who was due to retire on October 4, has been asked to continue his responsibilities as DG ISI for the time being. Lt Gen Asim Malik, a senior military officer with extensive experience in intelligence and operational command, was appointed as the DG ISI to oversee one of the most critical institutions responsible for national security, counterterrorism, and strategic intelligence operations. His tenure has been marked by efforts to strengthen internal security mechanisms and enhance coordination among various intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The reported extension suggests continuity in key intelligence leadership at a time when Pakistan faces complex regional security challenges. The move is being viewed as a sign of confidence in Lt Gen Malik’s performance and leadership by the country’s top military command. An official statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is expected soon to formally confirm the extension and provide details regarding the duration of his continued service. Malik was commissioned in the 12th Baloch Regiment in 1989, winning the Sword of Honour of the 80th PMA Long Course. Malik served as the Chief Instructor at the National Defence University in Islamabad and as an instructor at the Pakistan Command and Staff College in Quetta. Throughout his military career, he has been part of the Baloch Regiment. As a major general, he led the 41st Infantry Division in Balochistan and commanded an Infantry Brigade in Waziristan. He has also worked in the Military Operations Directorate as a Brigadier (Director of Military Operations). In October 2021, during his tenure as a Major General, Malik was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General and was appointed to the position of Adjutant General (AG) at GHQ, Rawalpindi, by then Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa. In his role as AG of the Pakistan Army, Lt. Gen. Malik handled the investigation into the May 9 riots and was believed to have initiated and overseen the court martial proceedings of former DG ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who faced military trial on charges of corruption and breaches of military discipline following his retirement. On 23 September 2024, Malik was appointed to succeed Nadeem Anjum as the Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI), with his term beginning on 30 September 2024. The announcement was made by the Pakistan Television Corporation, a departure from previous practice, where such appointments were typically announced by the Prime Minister’s Office or Inter-Services Public Relations. Although Malik has limited experience in intelligence-specific roles, his appointment comes at a time of political instability, rising militancy, and heightened public attention on the ISI. Sources within military circles indicated that Malik shares a strong connection with COAS Asim Munir, who views him as a trusted confidant. Both are the recipients of the prestigious Sword of Honour when they graduated from their respective cadet courses before induction as junior officers of the Pakistan Army.
Lt Gen Asim Malik Remains DG ISI Amid Continuity Decision
