Pakistan's ISI Chief Is Now National Security Adviser As India-Pakistan Tensions Rise
Pakistan has appointed Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik, chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as the country’s new National Security Adviser (NSA), according to a report by the Express Tribune.
Malik will take on the NSA role as an additional charge while continuing to serve as head of the country’s intelligence agency, a position he has held since September 2024.
A seasoned military officer, Malik previously served as Adjutant General at the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters, overseeing administrative, legal, and disciplinary matters. His tenure in that role coincided with the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the widespread protests that followed, the report said.
Malik has also commanded key divisions in Balochistan and South Waziristan during his tenure. These areas are amongst those that have long posed significant security challenges for Pakistan.
His appointment comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists. Following the attack, India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan, alleging cross-border linkages. The most recent measure is the closure of its airspace to Pakistani aircraft and the suspension of social media accounts of several prominent Pakistani celebrities.
Meanwhile, Pakistani troops continued ceasefire violations along the Line of Control continued for a seventh consecutive day on Friday night, prompting retaliation from Indian Army officials. The latest violation took place on the intervening night of April 30 and May 1, when Pakistan Army posts started unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a statement by the Indian Army, the Indian forces retaliated in defence appropriately.
The recent ceasefire violation comes after India on Tuesday issued a warning to Pakistan during a conversation between the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan to discuss the unprovoked ceasefire violations, which began since Friday night last week.
While PM Modi has vowed to track down and punish those responsible for the Pahalgam attack, giving "complete operational freedom" to the armed forces. Pakistan, on the other hand, has denied any involvement in the attack and warned of a "strong response" if provoked.
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