Trusted Military Leader Retains Key Role Amid Regional Tensions
ISLAMABAD – Lt Gen Asim Malik will continue serving as the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), according to sources familiar with the matter. The 55-year-old senior military officer, who also holds the position of National Security Adviser (NSA), was appointed ISI chief in September 2024, succeeding Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum.
Lt Gen Malik is widely regarded as one of the most capable and respected officers in the Pakistan Army. His dual roles come at a critical time, especially amid increased tensions with India following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year.
In May 2025, the government formally assigned him the additional charge of NSA through a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, highlighting the trust placed in his strategic leadership.
A Decorated Officer with Broad Military and Academic Experience
Before leading Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, Lt Gen Malik served as the Adjutant General at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. His military journey includes commanding roles in Balochistan and Waziristan, where he led both infantry divisions and brigades.
A Sword of Honour recipient, Lt Gen Malik has an impressive academic and instructional background. He served as Chief Instructor at the National Defence University in Islamabad and taught at the Command and Staff College in Quetta.
He also holds international credentials, having graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. His comprehensive experience in both field operations and academic leadership makes him a strategic asset for Pakistan’s defense and intelligence community.
With his continued leadership at ISI and as NSA, Lt Gen Malik is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s national security policies and intelligence operations.
