Pakistan Appoints ISI Chief Asim Malik as the New National Security Adviser

The national security adviser position in Pakistan became the new responsibility of Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik who currently leads the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as its Director General. The appointment announced through the Cabinet Division on April 30 signifies a breakthrough because Malik will direct intelligence activities & national security needs at the same time.

Pakistan’s current situation of escalating regional pressures with India emerged after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir prompted the authorities to appoint both roles to Lt Gen Malik.

ISI elevated Lt Gen Malik to the Chief position of the organization in October 2024. He takes command as the 10th NSA in Pakistan’s history while establishing himself as the first to unite these national security positions.

Key details of the appointment:

• Appointed by: Pakistan’s Cabinet Division
• Date of Notification: April 30, 2025
• Previous NSA: Dr Moeed Yusuf (vacated post in April 2022)

Reason for dual role: Strategic response to regional threats