ISLAMABAD: In a major step to strengthen its counter-terrorism framework, Pakistan has launched the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (NAFTAC), with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif giving formal approval for its establishment, according to media .
Sources revealed that NAFTAC will operate under the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). The primary objective of the center is to enhance coordination between civilian and military intelligence agencies.
The creation of NAFTAC aims to facilitate a more effective exchange of intelligence information. The center’s first director will be a serving military officer.
NAFTAC will also include focal persons from various ministries, and its offices will be established across all four provinces.
Additionally, the formation of specialized units under the center will make it easier to respond to terrorism threats at the provincial level.
The center will also be responsible for drafting action plans and recommending legal reforms.
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Earlier, the government appointed Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as the new National Security Adviser (NSA).
He becomes the tenth person to assume this key national security role.
The position had remained vacant since April 2022, following the ouster of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government after former Prime Minister Imran Khan lost a vote of confidence.
At that time, Dr. Moeed Yusuf was serving as the NSA.
This marks the first instance in Pakistan’s history where a serving ISI chief will concurrently hold the position of National Security Adviser.
These strategic moves come amid heightened tensions with India, which escalated following a recent attack in the Indian-occupied Kashmir tourist hotspot of Pahalgam.
India has leveled baseless allegations against Pakistan, further fueling regional tensions.
