ISLAMABAD - Senator Rehman Malik breathed his last on February 23 at a local hospital in Islamabad, fighting Covid complications, according to family members.
During his lifetime, Senator Malik received Sitara-i-Shujaat (Gallantry), Nishan-i-Imtiaz in addition to an honourary PhD degree by Karachi University. At the time of his death, he headed the Institute of Research & Reforms (IRR) and had authored five Books. Senator Malik acted as one of the top political negotiators for successful reconciliation and transition to democracy in Pakistan during the twilight of Musharraf years. He played a key role in the dialogue between Benazir Bhutto former PM of Pakistan and the then military President General Pervez Musharraf in 2007. Later, he served as the longest-serving Federal Minister for Interior in the history of Pakistan. As Minister for Interior, he supervised Interior Division and Narcotics Control Division, including: -Pakistan Rangers, Punjab, Frontier Corps, Balochistân, Anti-Narcotics Force, National Police Academy, National Police Foundation, National Database and Registration Authority, National Counter Terrorism Authority, Directorate General of Civil Defence, National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes, Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, Northern Light Infantry, GilgitBaltistan, Pakistan Coast Guard, Islamabad Capital Territory Police, National Alien’s Registration Authority, National Forensic Science Agency, National Police Bureau, Pakistan Immigration Control, Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhaw, Federal Investigation Agency, Academy of Pakistan, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, National Academy for Prisons Administration and National Crisis Management Cell.
As Federal Minister for Interior, being the main player in War-on-Terror; he strategized successful campaigns and operations to counterterrorism and facilitated remarkable results in thwarting terrorist networks, which is a matter of public record. He was recipient of Sitara-i-Shujaat for his brave performances in FIA. Senator Malik also received highest civil award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz medal from the President of Pakistan in 2012, he was the leader of Pakistan delegation to SAARC for five consecutive Annual Sessions and Leader of Pakistan delegation to India on bilateral issues. Senator Malik also functioned as Special Envoy of the President of Pakistan, to Iran, Saudi Arabia and Middle East, met various head of states and distinguished leaders, for conveying messages from President of Pakistan to strengthen cooperation and bonds of friendly relations. He played an active role in countering terrorism in Middle East and Iran. As Director, Immigration Wing, FIA, enforced Zero-Tolerance policy to prevent illegal emigration from Pakistan. As Director of Peshawar Region, FIA, conducted successful operations against criminal syndicate running counterfeit foreign currency and Super Bonds. He was the recipient of Sitarta-e-Sujaat (Gallantry) by The President of Pakistan in 1995. Senator Malik coordinated and cooperated with international law enforcement organizations for the successful arrest of high-profile criminals including drug barons, money launderers and offenders of various other heinous trans-border crimes. Contributions in the anti-terrorism efforts were duly highlighted in his book “The New Jackals” authored by British journalist Simon Reeve. Senator Malik was head of Commission of Investigation into Hijack of Singapore Airline (Flight 117) - 1991 and Member Inquiry team, Crash of C-130 Aircraft, carrying former President of Pakistan (1988).
Until recently, he presided the Senate Standing Committee on Interior & Narcotics Control, was Convener of Pakistan-Thailand Friendship Group, Member Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, Member Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis & HRD, Member Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Member of Board of Governor, Pakistan Council of Research & Water Resources.
During his lifetime, Senator Malik received Sitara-i-Shujaat (Gallantry), Nishan-i-Imtiaz in addition to an honourary PhD degree by Karachi University. At the time of his death, he headed the Institute of Research & Reforms (IRR) and had authored five Books. Senator Malik acted as one of the top political negotiators for successful reconciliation and transition to democracy in Pakistan during the twilight of Musharraf years. He played a key role in the dialogue between Benazir Bhutto former PM of Pakistan and the then military President General Pervez Musharraf in 2007. Later, he served as the longest-serving Federal Minister for Interior in the history of Pakistan. As Minister for Interior, he supervised Interior Division and Narcotics Control Division, including: -Pakistan Rangers, Punjab, Frontier Corps, Balochistân, Anti-Narcotics Force, National Police Academy, National Police Foundation, National Database and Registration Authority, National Counter Terrorism Authority, Directorate General of Civil Defence, National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes, Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, Northern Light Infantry, GilgitBaltistan, Pakistan Coast Guard, Islamabad Capital Territory Police, National Alien’s Registration Authority, National Forensic Science Agency, National Police Bureau, Pakistan Immigration Control, Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhaw, Federal Investigation Agency, Academy of Pakistan, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, National Academy for Prisons Administration and National Crisis Management Cell.
As Federal Minister for Interior, being the main player in War-on-Terror; he strategized successful campaigns and operations to counterterrorism and facilitated remarkable results in thwarting terrorist networks, which is a matter of public record. He was recipient of Sitara-i-Shujaat for his brave performances in FIA. Senator Malik also received highest civil award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz medal from the President of Pakistan in 2012, he was the leader of Pakistan delegation to SAARC for five consecutive Annual Sessions and Leader of Pakistan delegation to India on bilateral issues. Senator Malik also functioned as Special Envoy of the President of Pakistan, to Iran, Saudi Arabia and Middle East, met various head of states and distinguished leaders, for conveying messages from President of Pakistan to strengthen cooperation and bonds of friendly relations. He played an active role in countering terrorism in Middle East and Iran. As Director, Immigration Wing, FIA, enforced Zero-Tolerance policy to prevent illegal emigration from Pakistan. As Director of Peshawar Region, FIA, conducted successful operations against criminal syndicate running counterfeit foreign currency and Super Bonds. He was the recipient of Sitarta-e-Sujaat (Gallantry) by The President of Pakistan in 1995. Senator Malik coordinated and cooperated with international law enforcement organizations for the successful arrest of high-profile criminals including drug barons, money launderers and offenders of various other heinous trans-border crimes. Contributions in the anti-terrorism efforts were duly highlighted in his book “The New Jackals” authored by British journalist Simon Reeve. Senator Malik was head of Commission of Investigation into Hijack of Singapore Airline (Flight 117) - 1991 and Member Inquiry team, Crash of C-130 Aircraft, carrying former President of Pakistan (1988).
Until recently, he presided the Senate Standing Committee on Interior & Narcotics Control, was Convener of Pakistan-Thailand Friendship Group, Member Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, Member Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis & HRD, Member Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Member of Board of Governor, Pakistan Council of Research & Water Resources.
