In a significant move, the government has appointed a serving military officer to the post of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, a position traditionally held by senior civil bureaucrats. The decision is being seen as an important step to strengthen coordination between civilian and military institutions in the fight against terrorism.
According to details, a notification issued on Monday stated that Major General Noor Wali Khan HI (M) has been appointed as Additional Secretary (BS-21) in the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control Division. The appointment is made on secondment for a period of three years and takes effect immediately. The notification has also been circulated to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Presidency, the Cabinet Division, the Interior Ministry, the Defense Ministry, and other relevant departments.
It is worth mentioning that in July, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had indicated his intention to bring a serving army officer into the ministry to enhance coordination between civilian armed forces, which report to the ministry, and the army in counterterrorism operations. The Interior Ministry exercises administrative control over paramilitary and civilian armed forces such as the Frontier Corps, Rangers, Pakistan Coast Guards, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and the recently established Federal Constabulary—all of which are actively engaged in counterterrorism and anti-insurgency operations across the country.
Sources revealed that Major General Noor Wali Khan has previously held important military and intelligence responsibilities. His predecessor, Sohail Habib Tajik, a BS-21 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan, has been directed to report to the Establishment Division but has not been assigned any new portfolio. A separate notification clarified that Tajik, who had been serving on deputation as Additional Secretary, Interior and Narcotics Control Division, must immediately hand over his charge and report to the Establishment Division.
Before this reshuffle, Sohail Habib Tajik was serving as Additional Secretary Administration, while Nazer Muhammad Buzdar was holding the post of Additional Secretary Internal and Foreigners Security, and Salman Chaudhry as Additional Secretary Border Management. Sources further suggested that after the appointment of Major General Noor Wali Khan, more changes in the ministry are expected.
