Pakistan Appoints New National Security Advisor: Asim Malik Takes Charge; India Appoints Former RAW Chief as NSAB Chairman
Amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has appointed Lieutenant General Asim Malik, the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as the new National Security Advisor (NSA). While the appointment was made on April 29, it was publicly announced on May 1 at 1:30 AM.
Earlier, on April 30, the Indian government restructured the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief, Alok Joshi, was appointed as the new Chairman of the NSAB.
The newly restructured NSAB will consist of six members, including former officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Additionally, former diplomats and retired IPS officers have been included.
This restructuring of the NSAB follows the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The NSAB will now provide strategic inputs to the National Security Council Secretariat. The decision was made during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Modi, on Wednesday.
Pakistani Minister Claims India Could Strike Within 36 Hours
Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister, Attaullah Tarar, posted a video on social media claiming that India could launch a military strike within 24 to 36 hours. He suggested that India might use the Pahalgam incident as a pretext for this action.
Tarar claimed to have received reliable intelligence indicating that India might take military action soon. He reiterated that Pakistan has long been a victim of terrorism and fully understands the anguish associated with such attacks. He further stated that if India were to carry out any military operation, Pakistan would respond strongly and decisively, affirming that the country would protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
Pahalgam Attack Aftermath:
The Pahalgam attack on April 22 resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists in an ambush by terrorists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. Among the victims was a Nepali national, and more than ten people were injured. The victims hailed from various Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. One tourist from Nepal and one from the UAE were also killed, along with two local residents.
