Pakistan Appoints New ISI Chief Amid Political Turmoil

Pakistan has appointed Lieutenant-General Muhammad Asim Malik as the new director general of the ISI, the country's top spy agency. This marks the first change in the role since 2021 amidst heightened scrutiny of the agency's political role. Malik will take over on September 30.

Pakistan has named Lieutenant-General Muhammad Asim Malik as the new director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), its top intelligence agency, according to a security source and local television reports. This is the first change in the key position since 2021.

The appointment comes at a time when the ISI's political role is under intense scrutiny. Former ISI chief has been detained for allegedly supporting the political cause of imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, who claims that the agency, under its current chief Naveed Anjum, is being used against him. Several senior judges have also alleged pressure from ISI agents to rule against Khan.

The source told Reuters that Malik, currently serving as the army's Adjudicate General and a graduate of Fort Leavenworth in the U.S., will assume his new role on September 30. The position of ISI director general, typically held by a serving military officer, is considered one of the most powerful in Pakistan, influencing domestic politics, military affairs, and foreign relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)