Security sources confirmed on Monday that Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik will continue his services in his present appointment.
Lt Gen Malik, who was due to retire this year, currently serves as the National Security Advisor and Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Read: Lt Gen Asim Malik to take charge as new ISI Chief today
Earlier in September 2024, Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik was appointed as the new Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as announced by the government through the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV).
The new spy chief was set to take charge of his role on September 30. Notably, the announcement of his appointment was made by PTV, a departure from earlier practice, as such high-profile appointments were typically announced by the Prime Minister’s Office or the military’s media wing.
Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, 59, is regarded as one of the Pakistan Army’s most capable officers, particularly in operational command.
Before this appointment, he served as the Adjutant General at the Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ), overseeing military administrative affairs, including legal and disciplinary matters, for the past three years.
He has commanded an infantry division in Balochistan and an infantry brigade in South Waziristan, both regions that have been focal points of security challenges for nearly two decades.
He is also a recipient of the prestigious Sword of Honour, awarded to the top cadet of his course.
His academic background includes serving as Chief Instructor at the National Defence University (NDU) and as an Instructor at the Command and Staff College, Quetta.
Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik is the son of retired Lieutenant General Ghulam Muhammad Malik, who held prominent positions during his career in the 1990s.
A graduate of Fort Leavenworth (USA) and the Royal College of Defence Studies (UK), Malik has also held key positions in the Military Operations Directorate.
Retired Lieutenant General Naeem Khalid Lodhi described him as a “quiet yet highly respected officer.”
“Even as the Adjutant General, he did substantial work for the welfare of retired soldiers, particularly concerning pensions and other related issues,” said Gen Lodhi.
Gen Asim Malik’s tenure as Adjutant General coincided with major political events, including the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the subsequent unrest.
Following Imran’s detention, supporters of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), staged protests that resulted in damage to public property and military installations.
A former colleague noted that Malik’s new role underscores the strong confidence the military leadership has in him.
Founded in 1948, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) remains Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency.
