The recent appointment of Major General Faisal Naseer as National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) for a three-year term has renewed attention on the institution, which was established over a decade ago with a broad mandate to coordinate Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and extremism. The Establishment Division issued a notification on Friday confirming his appointment on secondment under Section 9(1) of the Nacta Act, 2013, effective immediately.
This appointment comes at a time when Nacta retains a wide statutory mandate but still relies heavily on officers seconded from other government departments. Originally created in 2008 as an administrative unit within the Ministry of Interior, Nacta was later granted administrative and financial autonomy through the Nacta Act of 2013. The legislation established Nacta as a corporate body accountable to a Board of Governors, with responsibilities including coordinating national counter-terrorism and counter-extremism strategies.
Under the law, Nacta is tasked with gathering and analyzing intelligence, formulating national counter-terrorism and counter-extremism policies, developing action plans, overseeing their implementation, conducting research, reviewing relevant legislation, and maintaining liaison with international organizations. The authority’s role became particularly prominent following the December 2014 Army Public School attack, when it helped draft the 20-point National Action Plan and was assigned the responsibility of monitoring its execution.
Despite these critical duties, Nacta has struggled to establish itself as a powerful national security institution. A significant challenge has been its dependence on deputed officers from various government services. The authority continues to fill key administrative, coordination, and implementation roles through postings from federal and provincial governments. Efforts have been made to enhance the appeal of service at Nacta, including providing additional incentives and risk allowances after the National Action Plan was introduced.
Notably, questions remain about the frequency of meetings held by Nacta’s senior decision-making bodies. Official records show the seventh Executive Committee meeting took place on April 24, 2024, where the country’s terrorism situation and Nacta’s progress were discussed. However, no eighth meeting is listed on the authority’s website as of September 4, 2026. Meanwhile, the Board of Governors convened in April 2025 under Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who chairs the board the amended legal framework. During this meeting, the establishment of the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (NIFTAC) under Nacta was approved.
The government has described NIFTAC as a crucial advancement toward fulfilling Nacta’s original goals and enhancing the implementation of the National Action Plan. This center aims to improve intelligence fusion and national threat assessment capabilities. Additionally, Nacta is actively engaged in implementing the National Prevention of Violent Extremism Policy 2024, alongside ongoing work in counter-terrorism, counter-financing of terrorism, research, policy formulation, and collaboration with civil society and educational institutions.
Currently, Nacta’s official mission statement emphasizes its role in leading, coordinating, and synchronizing efforts among stakeholders to combat terrorism and extremism. The appointment of Faisal Naseer, who brings extensive experience in intelligence and security, has brought renewed focus to the authority’s foundational purpose.
In a significant development, the key question is whether his appointment will be accompanied by broader initiatives to enhance Nacta’s institutional authority, improve coordination with intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and elevate its status as a pivotal national security organization. For an institution created specifically to lead Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, its effectiveness ultimately hinges on whether other agencies regard its assessments and coordination mechanisms as integral to national security decision-making.
Faisal Naseer’s three-year tenure could offer Nacta a vital opportunity to strengthen its role. However, the extent to which this potential is realized will depend on the authority, resources, and institutional support provided to the new National Coordinator. Historically, Nacta’s board was a powerful body chaired by the prime minister and included all chief ministers and intelligence chiefs. Over time, however, it was placed under the interior minister’s jurisdiction, which has affected its influence.
