Lieutenant General Asim Malik To Continue As Pakistan’s ISI Chief

Last Updated:October 06, 2025, 21:04 IST

Malik, who also holds the position of National Security Advisor (NSA), was expected to retire later this year, though no exact date has been made public

Lieutenant General Asim Malik. (File photo)

Lieutenant General Asim Malik will continue to serve as the Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), according to a media report published on Monday.

“Lt Gen Asim Malik is continuing his services in his present appointment,” The Express Tribune reported, quoting security sources. The paper, however, did not confirm whether his army service would be extended, or if he would continue in the role after formal retirement.

Lt Gen Malik, who also holds the position of National Security Advisor (NSA), was expected to retire later this year, though no exact date has been made public.

He was appointed head of the ISI in September 2024, replacing Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum. In April 2025, the government entrusted him with the additional responsibility of NSA.

Established in 1948 and formally tasked in 1950 with safeguarding national interests, the ISI is considered Pakistan’s most powerful intelligence agency. The post of its chief is one of the most influential in the country’s military establishment, which has played a significant role in shaping national security and foreign policy throughout Pakistan’s history.

Lt Gen Malik is widely regarded as one of the army’s most capable operational commanders. Prior to his current roles, he served as adjutant general at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi for three years, overseeing key administrative, legal, and disciplinary matters.

He has also commanded an infantry division in Balochistan and a brigade in South Waziristan — both areas long associated with internal security operations.

An alumnus of the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, he was awarded the Sword of Honour — the highest accolade given to the best all-round cadet of a graduating course.

He is also a graduate of Fort Leavenworth in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom. His earlier postings include senior roles in the Military Operations Directorate, and teaching appointments at the National Defence University (NDU) and the Command and Staff College in Quetta.

(With inputs from PTI)

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