Who Is Asim Malik, Pakistan's Newly Appointed National Security Adviser?
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the neighbouring country appointed spy agency chief General Muhammad Asim Malik as the new National Security Adviser (NSA) on Thursday, a move that would empower Malik as a key figure in shaping the country’s national security strategy.
The appointment came as reports suggest an imminent military response from India over the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. From April 2022, the NSA position has remained vacant. Last time, the position was held by Dr Moeed W. Yusuf.
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The notification issued by the Pakistan government stated that Malik shall hold the additional charge of the National Security Adviser, with immediate effect. Malik was appointed as the Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in October 2024, and with the new role, the spy chief would hold the additional charge of the National Security Adviser, enhancing synergy between military intelligence and national security policymaking, according to experts.
Who Is New Pakistan NSA Muhammad Asim Malik?
Pakistan’s 10th NSA, Malik would be the first one to take the additional charge while serving as ISI chief, giving him two key positions concerning national security.
A PhD holder, who wrote a thesis on Mountain Warfare, Malik is a graduate of the Pakistan Military Academy. Malik has served in several important positions in the military. He was part of the Baloch Regiment, who led the 41st Infantry Division in Balochistan. In October 2021, Malik was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General and was appointed to the position of Adjutant General (AG).
Malik’s appointment as Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) in 2024 was following political instability and rising militancy in the country. It is reported that Malik is a trusted confidant of Pakistan army chief Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, and the duo have strong connections.
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During his appointment as ISI chief, several media houses reported that the development could cause potential fluctuations in the India-Pakistan relationship, noting the possibility of more hostile activities on the border. Malik’s rise as NSA shows a hegemonic control of the army over Pakistan’s political leadership.
Backed by the relationship Malik enjoys with the present Army Chief General, the military is capable of shaping policies against India. The army chief is considered to be the most powerful man in Pakistan, overriding politics and even installing and removing governments.
