Lieutenant General Asim Malik hails from a distinguished military family.
The federal government has decided to keep Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik as the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI). Official sources confirmed this decision on Monday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the call, stressing the need to maintain steady leadership in national security during a crucial time.
It is pertinent to mention that in US visit, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir had reaffirmed that Pakistan continues to play a responsible and proactive role in mitigating regional tensions and promoting cooperative security frameworks.
Lt Gen Malik became DG ISI in September 2024, after Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum left the position. In April 2025, the Prime Minister gave him an additional role as National Security Adviser (NSA). This dual role aims to improve coordination between security policy and intelligence operations.
Leadership & Strategic Role
Officials in the government and military say Lt Gen Malik has played a key role in updating Pakistan’s intelligence response to new threats. Over the past year, he has worked on improving the agency’s focus, handling both traditional and hybrid challenges. He has also helped increase cooperation between agencies and address rising tensions along the borders and within the country.
Experts view his continued leadership as a stabilizing force. With ongoing instability in Afghanistan, tensions with India, and rising cyber threats, his experience is very important. His leadership will help Pakistan stay steady in managing national security and intelligence.
Military Career & Experience
Lt Gen Malik has served in the Pakistan Army for more than 30 years. He was commissioned in 1989 into the 12th Baloch Regiment. During his career, he has held important command and staff roles. He led an infantry brigade in South Waziristan and later commanded a division in Balochistan. These areas have been key to Pakistan’s fight against insurgency and border security, giving him valuable experience.
In 2021, he was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Adjutant General at General Headquarters. There, he managed administrative and personnel matters, gaining more knowledge of army operations.
Academic & Teaching Achievements
Lt Gen Malik is also known for his academic excellence. He received the Sword of Honour from the Pakistan Military Academy, awarded to the best cadet. He studied at the US Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK. He holds a PhD on Pakistan–United States relations, making him the first ISI chief with a doctoral degree. This blends practical experience with deep academic insight.
He has also taught at military institutions. He was an instructor at the Command and Staff College in Quetta and later the Chief Instructor at the National Defence University in Islamabad. These roles helped him shape future military leaders.
A Family Tradition of Service
Lt Gen Malik comes from a family with a strong military background. His father, Lt Gen (Retd) Ghulam Muhammad Malik, held important command roles in the 1990s. This legacy continues in Lt Gen Malik’s career, combining field experience, education, and leadership.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan faces serious security challenges like militancy, cross-border threats, and changing global risks. Keeping Lt Gen Malik in these key roles aims to ensure stability in the country’s intelligence services. His experience and background make him well suited to lead through these difficult times.
His retention shows trust from both the political and military leadership. As DG ISI and NSA, Lt Gen Malik is expected to guide Pakistan’s security efforts steadily and wisely.
