Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik, Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) since September 2024, has been appointed as the country’s National Security Adviser (NSA), an additional role.
Malik previously held the position of Adjutant General at the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters, where he was responsible for managing legal and disciplinary affairs.
With a distinguished career, Malik commanded divisions in Balochistan and South Waziristan, regions marked by complex security challenges. His appointment coincides with escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India, blaming Pakistan without evidence, has imposed measures like airspace restrictions for Pakistani flights and social media bans on Pakistani celebrities.
BREAKING: In an unprecedented move, Pakistan has appointed its Spy Chief, Muhammad Asim Malik, Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence [ISI] as the National Security Advisor [NSA]: Notification pic.twitter.com/kcnKgncX6j
— The Khorasan Diary (@khorasandiary) April 30, 2025Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the military “complete operational freedom” to respond. At the same time, Pakistan denied involvement, labelling the attack a “false flag operation” and warning of a strong response to any provocation.
Read: Tarar Warns of India’s Potential Military Action in Next 24-36 hours
Malik’s new role positions him at the forefront of navigating these tensions, with Pakistan advocating for a neutral investigation.
