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

On Friday, the government made an unexpected decision to transfer the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General (C) Major General Faisal Naseer to the National Coordinator position of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta). The DG (C) role is often erroneously associated with the agency's counter-intelligence division, whereas it actually oversees the Internal Wing, responsible for domestic security and political matters. This unit frequently interacts with the country's key decision-making bodies.

Naseer's appointment to Nacta is particularly noteworthy as it occurs prior to anticipated army promotions. Serving as DG (C) since 2022, following his rank of major general, he is seen as virtually the second most influential position in ISI, just below the director general. Being a Military Intelligence Corps officer, Maj Gen Naseer was considered a strong choice for a lieutenant general promotion. He was in the role during a politically unstable time.

Unexpectedly, this transfer has left many analysts questioning Nacta's potential. In the military hierarchy, moving from an active service position typically diminishes an officer's chances of further advancement. Although there have been rare exceptions. Despite being established in 2009 and later granted statutory backing under the Nacta Act of 2013, the authority has not evolved into the envisioned central coordinating body for counter-terrorism and counter-extremism. It has primarily functioned as a policy secretariat with limited enforcement power.

Moreover, the Nacta has experienced numerous leadership changes, with over a dozen National Coordinators since its inception, the majority of whom have come from the police force. Thus, Maj Gen Naseer's appointment represents a deviation from the norm and may indicate a move to elevate the importance of an organization that has struggled to establish itself as the primary coordinating body against terrorism and extremism. However, the government has yet to provide an explanation for this change.