Inter-Services Intelligence

The largest intelligence service of Pakistan, established 1948

Overview

The ISI was created in 1948 to coordinate intelligence across the Pakistani armed forces and reports to the Prime Minister through the army. Its role surged during the 1980s when it channeled aid to the Afghan mujahideen in coordination with the CIA and Saudi services. The service has drawn sustained international scrutiny over its historical relationships with Afghan and Kashmiri militant groups across successive governments. It also conducts domestic monitoring, a recurring point of controversy within Pakistan. The director general is traditionally a serving three star general appointed by the army chief.