ISI: The Shadow Force Behind the Curtain of Power

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In the shadowy realm of global espionage, intelligence agencies often operate behind curtains of secrecy, power, and influence. Among them, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) holds a unique and complex position. Often labeled as one of the world’s most effective—and controversial—spy agencies, ISI’s story is one of strategic adaptation, geopolitical maneuvering, and enduring mystique.

This article takes a deep dive into the historical evolution of the ISI, exploring how a small coordination unit transformed into one of the most feared and respected intelligence agencies in South Asia and beyond.


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Founding: A Modest Beginning (1948)

ISI was established in 1948, just a year after Pakistan gained independence. The agency was founded on the recommendation of Major General Robert Cawthome, a British officer serving in the Pakistan Army. The purpose was simple: to coordinate intelligence between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and to fill gaps left by civilian intelligence services.

Initially, ISI was limited in scope, working mainly as an analytical and coordination unit. It reported to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and was overseen by military leadership. However, the first India-Pakistan war in 1947–48 exposed serious weaknesses in Pakistan’s intelligence infrastructure, especially in terms of anticipating and managing external threats. This failure was a catalyst for ISI’s expansion.


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Early Development and Role Expansion

During the 1950s and 1960s, ISI began to evolve under military governments and gained access to both internal surveillance and foreign intelligence responsibilities. It remained largely in the background during Pakistan's turbulent early decades, operating quietly but steadily building its networks.

The 1965 and 1971 wars with India were significant events that reshaped ISI’s objectives. The 1971 secession of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was seen as a major intelligence failure. In the aftermath, ISI began placing greater emphasis on counterinsurgency, psychological operations, and proxy warfare.


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The Afghan Jihad and Rise to Prominence (1979–1989)

ISI’s rise to international prominence came with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. During this period, the ISI was tasked with channeling funds, weapons, and training to Afghan Mujahideen fighters in coordination with the CIA and Saudi intelligence. Billions of dollars flowed through ISI’s hands, and it became the central node in the largest covert operation since World War II.

Through this operation, ISI developed:

A vast network of informants and fighters.

Regional influence in Afghanistan and tribal areas.

Close ties with future entities like the Taliban and Haqqani Network.


By the time the Soviets withdrew in 1989, ISI had cemented its position as a major regional intelligence force—and arguably, the most powerful institution in Pakistan after the military.


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The 1990s: Proxy Warfare and Strategic Depth

The post-Afghanistan era saw ISI shift its focus to Kashmir and India. Its operations increasingly focused on:

Supporting separatist movements in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Establishing a doctrine of “strategic depth” in Afghanistan to prevent Indian influence there.

Expanding influence through proxy groups to secure national interests without direct conflict.


While Pakistan officially denied involvement, Indian and Western intelligence agencies accused ISI of supporting militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)—an allegation that continues to impact diplomatic relations.


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Post-9/11 Era: Ally and Adversary

The September 11, 2001 attacks dramatically shifted global intelligence priorities. Pakistan, under General Pervez Musharraf, became a front-line U.S. ally in the Global War on Terror, and ISI was crucial in identifying and capturing several key al-Qaeda operatives, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (the mastermind of 9/11).

However, this partnership was fraught with mistrust. U.S. officials often accused ISI of “double-dealing”—supporting the Taliban and other groups while simultaneously cooperating with American forces.

The most controversial blow came in May 2011, when Osama bin Laden was found and killed in Abbottabad, just a short distance from Pakistan’s military academy. Although ISI denied prior knowledge of his presence, the incident severely damaged its global credibility and raised serious questions about its role.


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Political Influence and Internal Power

One of ISI’s defining—and most criticized—features is its involvement in Pakistan’s domestic politics. Over the decades, the agency has been accused of:

Engineering election results.

Silencing dissenting voices, journalists, and civil society leaders.

Supporting or undermining political parties based on military interests.


While these activities are often justified in the name of national security, they have drawn condemnation for undermining Pakistan’s democratic institutions.


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Organizational Structure and Capabilities

ISI operates under the Ministry of Defence, but it is effectively controlled by the Pakistan Army, particularly the Chief of Army Staff. The agency is divided into various directorates, including:

Internal Security

External Operations

Counterintelligence

Strategic Planning


It also has a significant technological and human intelligence (HUMINT) capability, although it reportedly lags behind agencies like the CIA and Mossad in cyber and satellite intelligence.


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Major Achievements

Some of ISI’s most frequently cited achievements include:

Soviet Defeat in Afghanistan: Aiding the Mujahideen, turning Afghanistan into the Soviets' “Vietnam.”

Kargil Conflict (1999): Orchestrating the incursion into Indian territory under plausible deniability.

Counterterrorism Operations: Helping to capture dozens of al-Qaeda operatives during the early 2000s.

Regional Influence: Maintaining strategic influence in Afghanistan, even after the Taliban’s fall in 2001.



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Criticism and Controversy

Despite its reputation, ISI has faced intense international and domestic criticism, particularly regarding:

Alleged ties to terrorist groups.

Lack of oversight or civilian accountability.

Human rights abuses in Pakistan's restive regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Suppression of media and political opposition.



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Modern Challenges and Relevance

In today’s intelligence landscape, ISI faces new challenges:

Cybersecurity and digital warfare are redefining intelligence operations, and ISI must adapt to new technologies.

Geopolitical shifts, such as U.S.-India cooperation and China's regional involvement, require recalibrated strategies.

Internal criticism from Pakistani civil society regarding military overreach and democratic suppression has increased.


Still, ISI remains central to Pakistan’s national security strategy, particularly in relation to:

India and Kashmir

Afghan Taliban relations

Domestic counterterrorism

China-Pakistan strategic collaboration (CPEC)



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Conclusion: From Coordination Desk to Powerhouse

From a humble coordination unit in 1948 to a regional powerhouse today, the story of ISI reflects Pakistan’s geopolitical journey. It has acted as both shield and sword—protecting the nation from external threats, while often shaping internal political dynamics.

Whether one views it as a defender of national interests or a rogue agency wielding unchecked power, there is no denying ISI’s significance on both regional and global stages.

Its legacy is mixed—marked by brilliant successes, dark controversies, and a relentless drive to protect Pakistan’s strategic depth. As the world of intelligence evolves, ISI's future will depend on how well it can balance operational excellence, transparency, and adaptation to modern warfare.


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