Pakistan Appoints ISI Chief Asim Malik as NSA Amid Rising Tensions with India

Islamabad/New Delhi – In a significant development amid escalating tensions with India, Pakistan has appointed ISI chief Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik as its new National Security Adviser (NSA). This appointment is in addition to his current role as the head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), a position he has held since September 2024.​

The announcement comes in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists. The attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination, where gunmen opened fire on visitors. Survivors reported that the assailants asked victims to identify their religion before opening fire, leading to widespread condemnation and grief across India.​

In response to the attack, India has taken several punitive measures, including suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which has governed water-sharing between the two nations for over six decades.

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The treaty's suspension has raised concerns about regional water security, as it affects the flow of rivers crucial for Pakistan's agriculture and power generation.​

Additionally, India has closed the Wagah-Attari border crossing, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and canceled visas for Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme reports The New Indian Express.

These actions have further strained bilateral relations and heightened fears of potential military escalation.​

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Pakistan has responded by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and intensifying border security.

The Pakistani government has also warned of possible military retaliation, citing "credible intelligence" suggesting an imminent Indian military strike within 24 to 36 hours.

International bodies, including the United Nations and the United States, have called for de-escalation and restraint from both sides to prevent further conflict.

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The appointment of Lt Gen Malik as NSA underscores Pakistan's commitment to strengthening its national security apparatus during this critical period.​

As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful, urging both India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and avoid actions that could lead to a broader regional conflict.