Janjua is Pakistan’s new National Security Adviser

Islamabad: Newly retired lieutenant general Naser Khan Janjua has been appointed Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) with immediate effect.

The post was held until now by Sartaj Aziz, who is also Advisor on Foreign Affairs with the status of a federal minister. Aziz was in the US with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was to wind up his four-day official visit there on Friday.

A notification issued by the Cabinet Division said Naser Janjua has been appointed National Security Adviser with immediate effect and will have the status of minister of state.

The prime minister had reportedly approved Janjua’s appointment before his departure to the US.

Official sources said with the appointment of the new NSA, Aziz will be able to fully attend to his foreign affairs portfolio.

Sharif, who took power after his party won general elections in 2013, has not had a full-fledged foreign minister in his team, a lapse frequently criticised by the opposition.