Amid Tensions With India Over Pahalgam Attack, Pakistan Appoints ISI Chief New National Security Adviser

Amid tensions with India, Pakistan has appointed Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik, as the country's new National Security Adviser (NSA).

"Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik HI (M), DG (I), shall hold the additional charge of the National Security Adviser, with immediate effect," a notification released by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday announced that General Malik was given the task of the NSA.

Mohammad Asim Malik Takes Charge Amid Tensions With India

Pakistan's new National Security Adviser (NSA) has taken charge at a critical juncture, amid growing regional volatility and complex security challenges both at home and abroad. For the first time, the role has been assigned to a serving ISI chief, making him the tenth NSA of the country and marking a significant shift in Pakistan's security leadership structure.

India and Pakistan's ties have hit a new low following the deadly terrorist attack in Pakistan's Pahalgam on April 22 which claimed 26 lives. The NSA post had been vacant since April 2022, after the fall of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government. At the time, the role was held by Dr Moeed Yusuf.

Over his military career, the new NSA has led operations in Balochistan and South Waziristan-regions known for their persistent insurgency and strategic sensitivity.

His elevation comes as India and Pakistan remain locked in a cycle of retaliatory measures. India recently closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft and suspended social media accounts of several Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Amir, Mahira Khan, and Ali Zafar.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to simmer on the borders, with ceasefire violations along the Line of Control reported for the seventh day in a row, and unprovoked firing from the Pakistani side in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor sector just a day earlier.

US Asks India-Pak To De-Escalate Tensions

On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and with Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, encouraging both countries to de-escalate tensions.

During his call with S Jaishankar, Marco Rubio expressed sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. "He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia," US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.