Who is Pakistan's New National Security Adviser Amidst Rising Tensions with India?

Appointment of Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik as NSA

Islamabad: In a significant move, Pakistan has appointed Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, the current chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as the new National Security Adviser (NSA) amid escalating tensions with India.

This marks a historic moment as Malik becomes the first serving ISI chief to simultaneously hold the NSA position, making him the tenth individual to take on this role.

Having assumed the role of ISI Director General in October 2024, Malik's new appointment comes at a critical time following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives.

The official notification confirmed, "Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik HI (M), DG (I), shall hold the additional charge of the National Security Adviser, with immediate effect."

Prior to his current role, Malik commanded the Infantry Division in Balochistan and led an Infantry Brigade in Waziristan. He is recognized for his academic excellence, having received a Sword of Honour and served as chief instructor at the National Defence University (NDU) and as an instructor at the Command and Staff College in Quetta.

Malik is an alumnus of Fort Leavenworth and the Royal College of Defence Studies, bringing extensive military experience to his new position.

The NSA role had been vacant since April 2022, following the ousting of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government, with Dr. Moeed Yusuf serving as the last adviser.