INTERNATIONAL: Pakistan Appoints ISI Chief as NSA Amid India Tensions
Midnight Appointment of Mohammad Asim Malik
Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik, head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was appointed National Security Advisor (NSA) in a late-night decision. The move, confirmed by a formal notification, comes as Pakistan braces for potential Indian retaliation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Pahalgam Attack Escalates Tensions
The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 26 lives, intensifying India-Pakistan tensions. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility but later retracted, reportedly under pressure from Pakistan’s military.
Pakistan’s Fear of Indian Military Action
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned of a possible Indian attack within 24-36 hours, citing credible intelligence. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif echoed concerns, stating Pakistan is on high alert but would only use nuclear weapons if its existence is threatened.
India’s Diplomatic and Strategic Response
India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani military attaches, closing airspace to Pakistani airlines, and shutting the Attari-Wagah border. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to pursue the attackers and their supporters relentlessly.
Pakistan’s Countermeasures
In response, Pakistan suspended the Simla Agreement, closed its airspace to Indian airlines, and restricted trade. Islamabad also deployed officials to global capitals and moved militant assets to secure locations to counter India’s actions.
Call for Neutral Investigation
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized India’s accusations as “empty rhetoric” and demanded a neutral probe into the Pahalgam attack. Islamabad maintains it had no role in the incident and seeks international support for an impartial investigation.
Security Measures Along the Border
Both nations have heightened military alertness, with Pakistan reinforcing its border positions. Daily exchanges of gunfire across the Line of Control (LoC) have been reported since the attack, raising fears of further escalation.
Global Concerns Over Nuclear Risks
The United Nations has urged both countries to exercise “maximum restraint” to avoid a catastrophic conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors. International allies, including the US, have expressed support for India while calling for de-escalation.
Key Developments
- Attack Date: April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
- Casualties: 26 killed, including tourists
- India’s Actions:
- Suspended Indus Waters Treaty
- Closed Attari-Wagah border
- Expelled Pakistani military attaches
- Pakistan’s Response:
- Suspended Simla Agreement
- Closed airspace to Indian airlines
- Proposed neutral probe