Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik has been appointed the new Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as announced by the government via Pakistan Television on Monday. He will assume his role on September 30.

This announcement marks a shift from the usual practice of such high-profile appointments being made by the Prime Minister’s Office or the military’s media wing. The last ISI appointment led to a civil-military crisis when former Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed he was not consulted on the decision.

In contrast to the previous turmoil, the transition from Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum to Gen Malik appears smooth. Anjum, who has led the ISI since November 2021, received an extension last year.

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Currently serving as Adjutant General at GHQ in Rawalpindi, Gen Malik has overseen court martial proceedings against Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed. He is a sword of honour recipient and was promoted to Lt General in October 2021.

Gen Malik’s career includes roles in Balochistan’s infantry division and commanding an infantry brigade in Waziristan. He has also served as chief instructor at the National Defence University and holds degrees from Fort Leavenworth and the Royal College of Defence Studies.

As ISI chief, Gen Malik will navigate Pakistan’s internal and external challenges, a role that carries significant influence in both political and military spheres.