Introduction
The appointment of Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik as the new DG of ISI – the premier intelligence agency of Pakistan has brought more attention, especially in the context of Indo-Pak relations. Malik is scheduled to take office on September 30, 2024, after succeeding Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum who has been named as the new Chairman of Joint Chiefs Staff Committee amid a volatile political situation and escalating militant activities in Pakistan, especially those adjacent to India.
Malik, 59 is a well-decorated officer who served in important positions in the Pakistan Army. He previously held the position of the Adjutant General at the General Headquarters (GHQ), trained the Infantry Division in Balochistan, and an Infantry Brigade in Waziristan territories comprising high levels of terrorism and insecurity. He did his formal education at Fort Leavenworth in the USA and at the Royal College of Defence Studies of UK where he had to study military strategies and operations.
Thus, Malik has all the potential for intelligence work even though he has never served in positions that require intelligence activities or prediction of a political situation’s development; furthermore, his military experience offers him a highly valuable strategic view of the internal security problems in Pakistan. However, his term as Adjutant General overlapped with major political developments such as cracking down of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party which can affect his handling of intelligence activities.
Implications for India
More warlike alert and military activity
There is reason to believe that Pakistan will be even bolder in the future under Malik’s leadership and that India should improve its defense readiness. The ISI has traditionally been a major player in the direction of Pakistan’s policies toward India, and often actively works against the stability of the Indian state. As a result of his operational experience in regions of conflict, Malik might be interested in strengthening ISI’s capabilities given the threats posed by India, especially in Kashmir and along the LoC.
Attention to Counterterrorism and Internal Security
This is as Pakistan grapples with rising militant attacks within the country’s territory now that Malik has been appointed. This internal security crisis may compel Malik to adopt a dual strategy: increasing counterterrorism activities within this country while at the same time continuing to put pressure on India using irregular methods. Due to this involvement with groups working against India, it is expected that ISI may get a fill-up trounce under Malik to energize and expand operations on the one hand while attempting to ensure internal stability.
Tactical Changes in Intelligence Operations
As for the concerned tact, many of them believe that although Malik would not likely bring about major changes in the ISI’s broad outlook, specific changes could be expected. His academic forte is on innovation and managing risks and it can symbolize new approaches in espionage and actions against India. This shift may also be attributed to a response to changes in political circumstances in the South Asian region especially the emerging and menacing military might of most regional neighbor; India.
Civil-Military Relations: The Effect
Malik’s rise shows military hegemonic control of Pakistan’s political leadership. The relationships he enjoys with the present Army Chief General Asim Munir makes it easier for the military to retain the bearing in shaping the policies of the state of Pakistan against India. There is a clear tendency of concentrating power within the military hierarchy which may have an impact on the conflict opponents’ cooperation against India and further hinder diplomatic relations between the countries.
Conclusion
Appointing Asim Malik as the new ISI chief means a potentially choppy period for India-Pakistan relations. With supported by his military experience and the current global environment, shows that India needs to anticipate more aggressive behavior and potential hostilities on the border. The effects of his work leadership will be observed particularly as both countries are in a challenging environment that is characterized by rivalry and new, unknown actors.
References:
- 8 things India should know about Pakistan’s New Spy Chief-https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/prime/economy-and-policy/8-things-india-should-know-about-pakistans-new-spy-chief/primearticleshow/113633325.cms
- Who is Pakistan’s new ISI chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik? Why is the post important?-https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/who-is-pakistans-new-isi-chief-lt-gen-muhammad-asim-malik-why-is-the-post-important-13818629.html
- Pakistan names US educated General as New ISI Chief- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-names-us-educated-general-as-new-isi-chief/articleshow/113609784.cms
- Who is Pakistan’s new spy chief Asim Malik?-https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/24/who-is-pakistans-new-spy-chief-asim-malik
Parag is pursuing his master’s at the Jindal School of International Affairs. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Balaji Subramanian 
Dhruv Ashok 
Aayush Pal