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Writer's pictureCharles Denyer

The Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) | Pakistan

Founded in 1948 by British army officer, Maj Gen R Cawthome, then Deputy Chief of Staff in the Pakistan Army, the Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence (IS) is responsible for collecting foreign and domestic intelligence, coordinating intelligence functions of the country’s three military services, along with surveillance over virtually every aspect of Pakistani society, and much more.  ISI is essentially a state within a state, one of Pakistan’s most powerful – and controversial – agencies, void of any real supervision by the country’s president or prime minister. 

The Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) | Pakistan
The Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) | Pakistan

The ISI gained prominence in the ten-year Soviet-Afghanistan War of 1979 to 1989, playing a key role in the CIA’s efforts (i.e. Operation Cyclone) in ousting the Soviet Army from Afghanistan in the 1980s. 

It’s been claimed that the Central Intelligence Agency, in concert with the ISI, actually promoted the smuggling of heroin into Afghanistan with the goal of turning the Soviet troops into heroin addicts and thus greatly reducing their fighting potential.


While the ISI has no doubt been a close ally of the United States for years, it’s also guilty of duplicity in many ways.  With the second Gulf War raging in 2005, then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld – at the direct request of President George W. Bush – provided Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf with a list of terrorists known to be hiding in Pakistan. America wanted them – and less than a  month later – Musharraf delivered one of the men atop the list, with others to follow.  Says a former senior U.S. intelligence official “Nobody had taken more bad guys off the battlefield than the Pakistanis.”


Yet, unfortunately for the United States, nobody has been better at playing both sides.  Call it a maddening cooperation.  The ISI gave the United States full support in combating terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban, yet would turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the activities of the Afghan Taliban, and other notorious terrorist groups. And in recent years, the relationship between the United States and ISI has eroded.  Presidents of recent pasts have voiced frustration with what’s become a less cooperative ISI, this, as terrorism around the world continues to take center stage.  While the raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan, which led to his killing in 2011, highlighted the immense capabilities of America’s special forces – in this case, the Navy Seals, it overshadowed a larger issue. The ISI had known full well for years where Bin Laden was, keeping him under constant surveillance, an almost ‘house arrest” if you will. 


In an effort to further hide their activities, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, Director General (DG) of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has asked all concerned authorities not to release his picture or video footage to the media during any official meetings.  When asked for the reason, the Minister said that it was a standing instruction for all concerned from the incumbent DG, ISI not to release any of his pictures or video footage of any official meeting that he attends.  Ever since his appointment as the DG, ISI, none of his picture or video footage has been released to the media, the Minister added.


Ties to Terrorism?

In a major revelation, a former Pakistan ISI Chief, during a program with a Pakistani news channel revealed his close affinity with the Haqqani network. In the short clip, shared by the senior editor of a leading independent news agency in Afghanistan, the late General Hameed Gul could be heard publicly admitting his close connection with the Haqqani network. Even, he admitted that he had sent his two sons along with the Haqqani for jihad. The old video, which is now viral on the micro-blogging site, is enough to suggest the deep-rooted ties of the Pakistani military with the terrorist outfit. Notably, the former Pakistan ISI Chief was speaking about Jalaluddin Haqqani-- an Afghan militant commander-- who founded the Haqqani network, an insurgent group fighting in guerilla warfare against US-led NATO forces and the now-former government of Afghanistan they support.


Key Points:

  • Role and Mandate: The ISI is tasked with collecting and analyzing intelligence pertaining to national security, both external and internal. It provides intelligence assessments and supports the decision-making process of the Pakistani government, particularly on matters of defense and foreign policy.

  • Structure: The ISI operates under the control of the Pakistani military and is primarily staffed by officers from the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is headed by the Director-General, who reports directly to the Chief of Army Staff.

  • Intelligence Collection: The ISI conducts intelligence operations and activities both within Pakistan and abroad. It focuses on gathering information on political, military, economic, and security matters that are relevant to Pakistan's interests.

  • Counterintelligence: In addition to external intelligence gathering, the ISI also plays a crucial role in counterintelligence, aiming to identify and neutralize foreign intelligence agencies' activities within Pakistan.

  • Covert Operations: The ISI is known to carry out covert operations, including espionage, sabotage, and support for insurgent groups. It has been involved in intelligence operations in various regional conflicts and has historically supported non-state actors for strategic purposes.

  • Security and Counterterrorism: The ISI plays a vital role in Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts. It works closely with domestic law enforcement agencies and military forces to gather intelligence on terrorist organizations, disrupt their activities, and prevent acts of terrorism.

  • International Relations: The ISI maintains relationships with intelligence agencies of other countries, including both allies and adversaries. It engages in intelligence sharing and cooperation with counterparts in various countries to exchange information on mutual security concerns.

  • Controversies: The ISI has been the subject of controversies and allegations of human rights abuses, political interference, and involvement in covert operations that have had regional implications. These allegations are often politically charged and can be a matter of contention both domestically and internationally.


The ISI's Role in Regional Geopolitics

The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan plays a pivotal role in the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, significantly influencing regional dynamics and security. As a powerful intelligence agency, the ISI operates at the intersection of national security, foreign policy, and regional conflicts. Its involvement in Afghanistan, particularly during and after the Soviet-Afghan War, has shaped not only the trajectory of that country but also Pakistan's strategic interests. By supporting various militant groups, the ISI has often acted as a key player in the ongoing conflict, positioning itself as both a stabilizing and destabilizing force depending on the context.


In recent years, the ISI has been at the forefront of Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategies, grappling with the complexities of homegrown militancy while also navigating relationships with various non-state actors. The agency's ability to gather intelligence and carry out covert operations has been crucial in addressing threats from groups such as the Pakistani Taliban and ISIS affiliates. However, its historical support for certain militant factions complicates its image and raises questions about its commitment to counterterrorism.


Furthermore, the ISI's relationship with China has grown increasingly important as both countries face common adversaries. The agency has played a crucial role in facilitating security cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to enhance regional connectivity. This partnership has broader implications for U.S. interests in the region, as it signifies a shift in alliances and power dynamics, emphasizing the need for the United States to reconsider its approach to Pakistan.


As the ISI continues to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape, its actions will have lasting impacts on both Pakistan and its neighbors. The agency’s dual role as a facilitator of security and a manipulator of insurgent dynamics underscores the complexity of South Asian geopolitics. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the ISI in fostering stability—both within Pakistan and across the region—will depend on its ability to evolve in response to both internal pressures and external challenges. Understanding these multifaceted interactions is essential for anyone looking to grasp the intricate balance of power that defines South Asia today.


Elite, yet Conflicting at  Times

The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan represents a complex and often controversial pillar of the nation’s security apparatus. As we delve into its historical context, operational mechanisms, and intricate relationships with both domestic and international entities, it becomes evident that the ISI operates in a sphere marked by significant influence and opacity. This duality of function—as a protector of national security while simultaneously engaging in covert and often dubious activities—raises critical questions about accountability and oversight. 


The agency’s history of supporting insurgent groups, including its ties to the Haqqani network, underscores the geopolitical nuances that complicate its role on the global stage. As the relationship between the ISI and the United States continues to shift, marked by both collaboration and suspicion, it highlights the broader challenges of international diplomacy and security. In a world where the lines between ally and adversary are increasingly blurred, the ISI's actions will undoubtedly remain a focal point of scrutiny and debate. Understanding this agency is essential not just for comprehending Pakistan's internal dynamics but also for grasping the broader implications for regional stability and global counterterrorism efforts. 


As we look to the future, the question remains: can the ISI evolve from its historical practices to foster greater transparency and cooperation, or will it continue to navigate the treacherous waters of duplicity and shadowy alliances? The answer will shape not only Pakistan's trajectory but also the security landscape of South Asia and beyond. 


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