Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik appointed on Monday as the new Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), one of the most crucial positions in the country’s security apparatus.

He is set to take charge on September 30, succeeding the current ISI chief, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, who was appointed in 2021 by former prime minister Imran Khan.

Lt Gen Asim Malik brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously commanded an infantry division in Balochistan and an infantry brigade in Waziristan, two of the most volatile regions in the country.

His military career is marked by distinction, including the receipt of the prestigious Sword of Honour upon graduation from the Pakistan Military Academy. He has also served in key operational roles, such as the Directorate of Military Operations.

Lt Gen Asim Malik is the son of the late Lt Gen Ghulam Muhammad Malik, a former commander of Pakistan Army's 10 Corps. Since his retirement in 1995, Lt Gen Ghulam Malik had devoted his life to philanthropy, leading efforts to build hospitals and medical facilities for the underprivileged across Pakistan.

In addition to his operational command roles, Lt Gen Asim Malik has pursued advanced military education from renowned institutions. He is a graduate of the prestigious Fort Leavenworth in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.

He has also held academic appointments, including serving as Chief Instructor at the National Defence University and as an instructor at the Command and Staff College, Quetta.

The appointment of the ISI chief is traditionally made by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Chief of Army Staff, who typically provides a shortlist of three senior officers. Since 1971, the role has been held by a three-star general of the Pakistan Army.

The ISI chief reports directly to both the prime minister and the Chief of Army Staff.