Security sources confirmed that Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik will remain Director-General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Additionally, he continues as National Security Advisor. Initially set to retire this year, Malik’s extended tenure ensures continuity in Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency.
Appointed ISI chief in September 2024, Malik’s role was announced via Pakistan Television (PTV), a shift from traditional military or Prime Minister’s Office channels. At 59, he brings extensive experience to the position.
Malik, a Sword of Honour recipient, is one of the Pakistan Army’s top officers. Before leading the ISI, he served for three years as Adjutant General at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where he managed administrative and disciplinary affairs. He commanded an infantry division in Balochistan and a brigade in South Waziristan, both critical security regions.
His academic roles include chief instructor at the National Defence University and instructor at Quetta’s Command and Staff College. A graduate of Fort Leavenworth (USA) and the Royal College of Defence Studies (UK), Malik also held key positions in the Military Operations Directorate.
Retired Lt Gen Naeem Khalid Lodhi praised him as a “quiet yet respected officer.” Lodhi noted Malik’s work on pension reforms for retired soldiers during his tenure as Adjutant General, which coincided with major events such as the May 9 protests and Imran Khan’s arrest.
