DEFENCE forces of Pakistan act as a strong combat power to defeat the evil designs of rival forces in physical terms. Successful combating the war against terrorism is just a recent achievement of the defence forces of Pakistan. The defence forces, in fact, deal with the physical domain of countering and combating the adversaries and the rival forces which act in various forms and formats. In order to be effective and for timely combating the aggression of rival forces, defence forces need timely information and early warning of the designs of rivals. In Pakistan, the premium intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) acts as eyes and ears for the defence forces and other organs of the state. Primarily, ISI safeguards the national interests of Pakistan as the vanguard of defence forces and the state. Indeed, it protects the state, its institutions and masses and paves the way for the global safeguard of Pakistani national interests.
Ever since its establishment, this premium organization has acted as the first line of defence for Pakistan. It provides timely information and early warnings about the global and regional happenings with particular reference to their impacts on Pakistan. Moreover, ISI through its efficient organizational structure and dedicated work force timely informs the leadership about the emerging threats and approaches to counter those threats with needed counter measures. Owing to its most efficient recital and farsightedness, it is globally ranked among top few spying networks of the world. Ranking this premium organization as world’s top network is a matter of great pride for the people of Pakistan. The more this organization gains in terms of professionalism and farsighted planning, Pakistan will be more secure and protected from the conspiracies of global spying networks and the rival forces which otherwise look for an opportunity to harm Pakistani national interests.
Indeed, safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests is the primary objective of this premium organization. Over the last two decades, ISI has successfully unearthed and dismantled the networks of terrorism that adversaries established to destabilize and weaken the state, its institutions, and Pakistani society. The agency has exposed abettors, sponsors, and supporters of terrorism, extremism, and radicalization both within Pakistan and across its borders. Rival international and regional spying networks have operated from neighbouring countries with the aim of internal destabilization, a tactic in place long before the 9/11 attacks. These international forces orchestrated the war on terror to devastate Pakistan and incite chaos among the populace, aiming for civil unrest. Alongside the defence forces of Pakistan, ISI played a crucial role in countering and ultimately defeating these regional and international conspiracies.
This Premium Pakistani spying network has thwarted the anti-Pakistan activities of regional and international spying networks which were operating from all around. It has successfully countered and debauched these hostile spying networks and their huge infrastructure. Otherwise, it was very difficult to deal with highly sophisticated and well-knitted international and regional spying networks. Today, Pakistan is the biggest supporter of peace and stability at regional and global level. In last over two decades, all military operations against terrorism were preceded by the elements of this premium intelligence with timely information and access to targets. Operation Rad-ul-Fassad was a totally intelligence based operation which has destroyed the sleeper cells of terrorists and financial basis of extremism, terrorism and radicalization. The organization has a greater role in creating a positive image of Pakistan which the rival powers have tarnished over the years.
Owing to its marvellous achievements, the regional and global spying networks have planned to harm this brilliant organization by all means. Since the direct attacks over this organization have failed, the rival agencies have lobbied to defame the organization through internal and external defaming campaigns. Through a well-orchestrated campaign, some political and social segments in Pakistani society are being lured-in through various means to defame ISI and Army. These segments are being approached through surreptitious means for initiating narratives which aims to create animosity among the masses against this organization and the defence forces. Some of the political outfits are being asked to defame the organization through their political statements and political workers.
Through an indirect approach the rival spying networks are creating an environment in Pakistan to mobilize the political forces, the social and religious groups and media houses against this national institution of Pakistan. These indirect strategies are part of hybrid warfare, the enemies of Pakistan have already unleashed against Pakistan. Let’s not be driven by the agendas, narratives and interests of rival powers. After all, hybrid warfare is all about the game of building perceptions and in the case of Pakistan these perceptions are deliberately constructed against its defence forces and its premium spying network. These all aim at weakening the impregnable defence and security of the state of Pakistan.
In the rapidly evolving regional and international political and security situation, selection of Lieutenant General Asim Malik to head this strategic organization, ISI is the best decision of the Army Chief and Prime Minister. General Asim Malik has the highest degree of integrity, devotion, professionalism and love for the nation. As a dedicated professional general, he has the habit of doing more than his share of work. The General is known for creating an efficient working environment wherever he served including as Adjutant General, Pak Army. Indeed, General Asim Malik is a strategic commander; ‘who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
