Rehman Malik

Rehman Malik NI (Punjabi, Urdu: رحمان ملک) (12 December 1951 – 23 February 2022) was a Pakistani politician, and a former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officer, who later served as the federal Interior Minister from 25 March 2008 until 16 March 2013.

Rehman Malik was born on 12 December 1951 in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Statistics from the University of Karachi in 1973. In recognition of his distinguished public service and contributions to national security and counterterrorism, the University of Karachi conferred upon him an honorary PhD in 2011.

In 1973, Malik began his career in public service with the National Alien Registration Authority (NARA), serving as an immigration officer. He subsequently worked across various units within Pakistan’s intelligence and investigative community, gaining experience in handling complex criminal and security-related cases.

During the 1980s, he joined the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), where he was involved in investigations related to foreign-sponsored terrorism and internal security challenges. Over time, he developed a strong professional reputation for operational expertise and institutional leadership. In 1993, he was promoted to the position of Additional Director General of the FIA, an appointment approved by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, reflecting the confidence placed in his capabilities at the highest level of government.

Rehman Malik later emerged as a central figure in Pakistan’s internal security and counterterrorism framework during a critical period in the country’s history. His work focused on strengthening law enforcement coordination, improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and addressing major security challenges, including efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Karachi.

In recognition of his services to the state, Rehman Malik received several of Pakistan’s highest civil honours, including:

• Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian award
• Sitara-e-Shujaat, awarded for gallantry and distinguished service

These honours reflect his longstanding contributions to public service, national security, and governance.

After the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) formed the federal government following the 2008 general elections, Rehman Malik was appointed Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interior, Intelligence, and Narcotics Control by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. He was elevated to Federal Minister for Interior on 27 April 2009, prior to his election to the Senate.

Malik served as Interior Minister during a period of significant internal security challenges. His tenure focused on counter-terrorism measures, coordination among civilian and law-enforcement institutions, and efforts to address militancy amid the broader regional impact of the Afghanistan conflict. Contemporary analyses, including assessments published in Dawn, reviewed the security situation during this period, particularly in relation to targeted violence in Sindh.

As Interior Minister, Malik announced a reward of USD 1 million for information leading to the capture of Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesperson of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, following the October 2012 attack on education activist Malala Yousafzai, which drew widespread national and international condemnation.

Alongside security operations, Malik publicly emphasized political reconciliation and national unity, stating that clemency could be considered for militant leaders, including Hakimullah Mehsud, subject to the complete renunciation of violence and terrorism.

Malik contracted COVID-19, which led to complications in his lungs. He was admitted to the intensive care unit at Shifa Medical Center for treatment on 1 February 2022, and was put on a ventilator. Malik died on the morning of 23 February 2022, at the age of 70.^[3]

Senator A. Malik authored four books. His first book is "Modi’s War Doctrine: Indian anti-Pakistan Syndrome" detailing Narendra Modi's RSS influenced war-mongering policies that led to serious escalations of India-Pakistan hostilities. The book received little traction in Pakistan, but gained considerable attention from Indian television and social media, who condemned it.