Lt Gen Asim Malik appointed as national security adviser amid rising tensions with India

The government appointed Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik as the new National Security Adviser (NSA), making him the first serving chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to simultaneously hold the position.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Lt Gen Malik, who holds the military award of Hilal-i-Imtiaz, will assume the NSA role in addition to his current responsibilities as Director General of ISI.

This dual appointment marks a significant development, as it is the first time a serving DG ISI has been tasked with overseeing national security advisory duties.

His appointment comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, particularly following the recent attack in Pahalgam that has further strained relations with India.

Read: Pakistan warns of strong response to any Indian misadventure

The NSA post had remained vacant since April 2022, following the ouster of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government after former Prime Minister Imran Khan lost a vote of no confidence. 

Moeed Yousaf was the last to serve as National Security Adviser during that period.

The National Security Adviser, a position equivalent to that of a federal minister, serves as the prime minister’s chief adviser on matters related to national security, foreign affairs, and strategic policymaking.

 The NSA also heads the National Security Division, which operates under the Prime Minister’s Secretariat in Islamabad.