Last modified: 2021-12-04 by ian macdonald
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The General Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence (بین الخدماتی
مخابرات) (more commonly known as just the Inter-Services Intelligence or simply
by its initials ISI) is the premier military-operated intelligence service of
Pakistan, operationally responsible for providing critical national security and
intelligence assessment to the Government. The ISI is the largest of the three
intelligence services of Pakistan, the others being the Intelligence Bureau (IB)
(dependent of the Ministry of Interior (official website:
https://www.interior.gov.pk/) and
Military Intelligence (MI) (dependent of the Army (official website:
https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/).
It was established in 1948 as part of IB, but then evolved to become an
independent agency in 1950."
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inter-Services_Intelligence
For additional information go to ISI (semi-official website)
http://www.isi.org.pk
Esteban Rivera, 1 April 2016
image by Randy Young, 1 April 2016
The flag
is a black horizontal flag with the coat of arms (https://ur.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%85%D9%84%D9%81:State_emblem_of_Pakistan.svg)
of Pakistan in the middle, the motto below (Urdu: ایمان ، اتحاد ، نظم, Faith,
Unity, Discipline) as seen here:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/8195idONEuL._SX466_.jpg (source:
http://www.amazon.com/Directorate-Inter-services-Intelligence-Flag-Banner/dp/B00KL9HA0I)
Esteban Rivera, 1 April 2016
I think this flag is totally fictitious. The ISI is a military organization
and would probably use a flag along the usual lines of flags in the Pakistani
military. It would definitely not use just the state coat-of-arms on a
unicoloured field.
A quick search of flag usage by the ISI just provided
images of the national flag and the Joint Staff flag,
see photos of visits at the ISI HQ:
http://www.onlineindus.com/pm-nawaz-army-chief-visit-isi-headquarters/
http://photos.thenews.com.pk/e_image_detail.asp?picId=92832&catId=2
M. Schmöger, 21 June 2016
The photo shown in Amazon.com shows an actual flag, as described "black
horizontal flag with the coat of arms of Pakistan in the middle, the motto
below." I would suggest this flag is either an unknown flag, a hoax or a “common
mistake”.
António Martins-Tuválkin, 21 June 2016
Having studied Pakistani insignia and flags, I can assure everyone of the
following:
1. The ISI is part of the Pakistan Army, headed by a Lt. (3
Star) General in the role of Director General.
2. The organisation has NO
separate flag, it does however, have a badge/insignia like all over units within
the Pakistan Army.
3. The insignia is the national animal, Markhor (Ibex)
with a snake in its mouth. Maarkhor is the Persian/Urdu name for the ibex,
literally translated as 'Snake Eater', the snakes being those against the state.
The only reason the coat of arms are used is because the organisation,
unlike the CIA or similar organisation doesn't make itself known so openly.
Also, the confusion is that it, unlike other secret agencies, isn't directly
answerable to elected executive of the government so using the coat of arms
would be technically incorrect.
Ahmed, 21 June 2016
image located by Esteban Rivera, 28 October 2021
This insignia can be seen at
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BmtDy-FIcAAvuOn.jpg (source:
https://twitter.com/guldaar/status/462537929995587584)
Esteban Rivera,
21 June 2016
image located by Bill Garrison, 28 October 2021
On Wikipedia, regarding the "Inter-Services Intelligence" it reports a logo displaying an eagle lifting off. Above, one can see in Urdu the different script that shows there is a difference between these this agency and the Ministry of the Interior.