Govt transfers ISI’s internal wing chief Maj Gen Faisal Naseer to Nacta

Islamabad witnessed a surprising transfer of power on Friday as the government appointed Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General (C) Major General Faisal Naseer as the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta). The DG (C) post, often mistakenly associated with counter-intelligence, actually heads the Internal Wing of the ISI, focusing on domestic security and political matters.

This move is particularly significant as it comes ahead of upcoming army promotions, with Maj Gen Naseer being a strong contender for a lieutenant general rank. His transfer to Nacta, a civilian body for coordinating counter-terrorism and extremism policies, has left observers puzzled. Despite being a military career, Maj Gen Naseer's appointment to Nacta could signify an attempt to bolster an institution struggling to establish itself as the central coordinating mechanism against terrorism. The government has not yet provided a reason for this unexpected change.