Key Takeaways
- Major General Faisal Naseer has been appointed as the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta).
- The appointment is for a period of three years and is effective immediately.
- The move aims to bring strategic and operational experience to Nacta, which has faced challenges in the past.
Major General Faisal Naseer has been appointed as the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), according to a notification issued by the establishment division on Friday. The appointment is for a period of three years and is effective immediately.
Maj Gen Naseer, who holds the designation HI(M), T. Bt & Bar, takes charge of Nacta amid renewed security concerns, as the authority has historically struggled to function effectively as Pakistan’s lead civilian counter-terrorism body.
The appointment comes at a critical time for Nacta, which has faced challenges in the past and has operated without a proper strategy. A senior official within Nacta stated that there had been a proposal to run the counter-terrorism authority by a seasoned army or intelligence official.
The move is seen as an effort to bring greater strategic and operational experience to Nacta. The official noted that the authority has often been sidelined and has not fully evolved into the command structure envisioned for it.
Nacta's last executive committee meeting was held in April 2024, indicating a period of inactivity or lack of direction. The appointment of Maj Gen Naseer is expected to bring renewed focus and direction to the authority.
The appointment is made with the approval of the federal government and is based on Section 9(1) of the Nacta Act, 2013, on a secondment basis. This means that Maj Gen Naseer will serve in his new role while still being attached to his original organization.
According to an Establishment Division official, the transfer of a civilian officer is made through deputation, while serving army officers are posted from one organization to another on a secondment basis. This arrangement ensures that Maj Gen Naseer can bring his expertise to Nacta without disrupting his current duties.
The decision to appoint Maj Gen Naseer is seen as a significant development for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism framework. The official noted that the authority has historically struggled to function effectively, and the appointment is aimed at addressing these challenges.
The appointment of Maj Gen Naseer is expected to bring a new level of strategic and operational experience to Nacta, which has faced challenges in the past. The official stated that the authority has operated without a proper strategy, and the move is aimed at addressing this issue.
