ISLAMABAD — In a significant move, the federal government has appointed Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, the current Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as the country’s new National Security Adviser (NSA). This is the first time a serving ISI chief will simultaneously hold the NSA position.
A notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday confirmed that Lt Gen Malik will continue to lead the ISI while assuming additional responsibilities as NSA, effective immediately. He has been serving as ISI chief since September 2024.
“Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik HI(M), DG (I), shall hold the additional charge of the National Security Adviser, with immediate effect,” the official notification stated.
His appointment comes at a sensitive time, as regional tensions have escalated following the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The NSA position had been vacant since April 2022, when Moeed Yusuf left the role after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was ousted through a no-confidence vote against then-Prime Minister Imran Khan.
As NSA, Lt Gen Malik will serve as the principal adviser to the Prime Minister on national security, strategic policy, and foreign affairs. The role also carries the status of a federal minister and includes heading the National Security Division, which operates from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat in Islamabad.
With this dual role, Lt Gen Malik is expected to play a central part in shaping Pakistan’s internal and external security strategy during a time of growing geopolitical complexity.
Other Articles
Ten terrorists killed in Kech, Ziarat operations
No Comment! Be the first one.