As cross-border tensions escalate after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan hands dual responsibility to its powerful spy chief, signalling a hardened security stance.
Islamabad / New Delhi, May 1:
In a significant move reflecting the rising geopolitical temperature in South Asia, Pakistan has appointed Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik as the country’s new National Security Adviser (NSA). The announcement, reported by The Express Tribune, comes at a time when India-Pakistan relations have deteriorated following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
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Lieutenant General Malik will now hold dual portfolios — continuing as Director General of the ISI, a position he has held since September 2024, while also assuming the NSA role amid a volatile security environment.
Prior to his role in the ISI, Malik served as Adjutant General at Pakistan Army Headquarters, managing military administrative affairs, including disciplinary proceedings during high-stakes events such as the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the ensuing unrest.
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His field experience includes commanding divisions in Balochistan and South Waziristan, two regions marred by separatist insurgency and cross-border terrorism — giving him extensive operational insight into Pakistan’s internal and external threats.
Context of Appointment:
Malik’s elevation comes just days after India closed its airspace to all Pakistan-registered aircraft, a retaliatory step following Islamabad’s earlier ban on Indian carriers. The move is one of several India has made in the wake of the Pahalgam massacre, allegedly carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
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Additionally, New Delhi suspended the social media accounts of Pakistani celebrities including Mahira Khan, Hania Amir, and Ali Zafar, citing national security concerns. India has also put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and declared Pakistani military diplomats as persona non grata.
LoC Tensions Escalate:
Meanwhile, the Line of Control (LoC) remains tense, with ceasefire violations reported for the seventh consecutive day. On Thursday, unprovoked small arms fire was reported from the Pakistani side at the Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised a decisive response to the attack, granting the Indian Armed Forces “complete operational freedom” to determine timing, targets, and tactics. He vowed to hunt down terrorists and their backers, stating they would be punished “beyond their imagination.”
Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack and issued warnings against any “provocation,” threatening a strong response if military action is taken.
Tags:
Mohammad Asim Malik, ISI Chief, Pakistan NSA, India Pakistan tensions, Pahalgam terror attack, LoC ceasefire violations, Imran Khan arrest, Balochistan, South Waziristan, Narendra Modi response, Indo-Pak conflict