Change of Guard at the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate
Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik becomes the new Pakistani Spy Chief
Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum, the outgoing spy chief, began his challenging tenure as Director-General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in 2021, stepping into a politically charged atmosphere and an institution under strain. He faced intense political pressure from all sides, unprecedented criticism directed at the military and its former chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, and a public image that had taken a beating.
Anjum’s ascent to the top of the ISI was anything but smooth. Prime Minister Imran Khan, already under increasing scrutiny for his leadership, reluctantly agreed to Anjum’s nomination. The political landscape was deeply divided, and Anjum’s efforts to maintain neutrality—articulated during an unusual press conference in October 2022—faced serious resistance from political and other factions that had long benefited from the status quo. Tensions between Anjum and Khan escalated after Khan’s ouster in a no-confidence vote in early 2022. Khan, now in opposition, began criticizing the ISI, a reversal of roles for a leader who had once benefited from the agency’s influence and support. (Of course, Khan’s criticism of the ISI role has been a case of the ‘shoe on the other foot.’)
Despite the mounting challenges, Anjum managed to oversee a smooth transition of military leadership to Gen. Asim Munir in November 2022. However, the political instability that followed Khan’s ouster proved difficult to control. The coalition government struggled to manage the country’s economic crisis, and the interim government—perceived to be Anjum’s preferred choice—failed to inspire public confidence.
The general elections in February 2024 were a make-or-break moment. Far from bringing stability, the elections exposed the establishment’s vulnerabilities. Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party secured a surprising victory, revealing a widening gap between the military’s approach and public sentiment.
Anjum’s leadership also involved the difficult task of moving the ISI out from under the shadow of his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, who had woven deep political and institutional ties during his tenure. The arrest and court-martial of Faiz in August 2024 aim to restore the credibility of both the army and the ISI. Still, many analysts argue that Faiz’s influence had already taken root within government and military circles, complicating Anjum’s efforts to reform the agency.
Anjum’s time as DG ISI coincided with one of Pakistan’s most politically turbulent periods. While he oversaw a peaceful military transition, the persistent political unrest, the violent resurgence of insurgency in Balochistan, and the creeping return of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa underscored the limits of his leadership. His legacy remains a mix of achievements and unresolved tensions.
Lt. Gen. Asim Malik Takes Over
Lt. Gen. Muhammad Asim Malik now takes over the reins of the ISI at a critical moment. He faces a daunting set of challenges, with political unrest continuing and Imran Khan’s political resurgence complicating the situation further. Malik’s priorities will include rebuilding public trust and smoothing relations between the military and key political players.
Widely regarded as a brilliant officer with a stellar military career, Malik is known for his intellectual rigor—he holds a PhD—and strategic acumen. Senior officers who have worked with him praise him, and his military pedigree as the son of the respected Lt. Gen. G. M. Malik, a Sandhurst graduate, adds further weight to his credentials. As Adjutant General, he spearheaded numerous welfare projects for the troops, tackled long-standing legal issues surrounding DHA lands, and brought a fresh, revitalized look to cantonments and DHA developments.
Malik’s appointment as the ISI chief by the army chief General Syed Asim Munir signals an important shift within the military and political establishment. October’s upcoming military promotions and reshuffles will reveal more about the institution’s evolving direction, reflecting Gen. Munir’s preferences. As Munir’s trusted aide, Malik is expected to implement strategies and policies with a firm hand.