National Security Committee (NSC)

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PM Imran Khan chairs emergency National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on the prevailing security situation in Afghanistan, meeting was attended by Services Chiefs, DGISI and federal ministers.

August 16, 2021

 

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NSC lays emphasis on 'inclusive political settlement, principle of non-interference' in Afghanistan


Sanaullah Khan
August 16, 2021

Prime Minister Imran Khan chairs a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC). — Photo courtesy PM Office

An emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday, convened to discuss the situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of Kabul, emphasised that Pakistan remains "committed to an inclusive political settlement" in the neighbouring war-torn country.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by senior cabinet members and chiefs of the armed forces, also decided that "the principle of non-interference in Afghanistan must be adhered to," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.

The meeting's attendants were informed of the latest developments in Afghanistan and their possible impact on Pakistan as well as the South Asian region, according to the statement.

The participants of the meeting reaffirmed that Pakistan would "continue to work with the international community and all Afghan stakeholders to facilitate an inclusive political settlement", terming it as "the way forward" for the representation of all Afghan ethnic groups.

The National Security Committee observed that "major violence had been averted" so far during the Taliban's takeover of Kabul and urged all parties in Afghanistan to "respect the rule of law, protect fundamental human rights of all Afghans, and ensure that Afghan soil is not used by any terrorist organisation/group against any country".

The meeting stressed that the international community "must recognise the sacrifices made by Pakistan" over the last four decades, adding that Pakistan was also a victim of the conflict in Afghanistan and wanted peace and stability in the region.


Biden administration's endorsement 'logical conclusion'

The meeting also reiterated that there was never a military solution to the Afghanistan conflict. "The ideal time to end the conflict through negotiations might have been when the US/Nato troops were at maximum military strength in Afghanistan. Continuation of foreign military presence for a longer duration now would not have yielded a different outcome," the meeting noted, according to the PMO statement.

Therefore, US President Joe Biden's administration's endorsement of the decision made during the Donald Trump presidency — to withdraw all United States troops from Afghanistan — was "indeed a logical conclusion to this conflict", the meeting said.

"It is now time for the international community to work together to ensure an inclusive political settlement for long-term peace, security and development of Afghanistan [and] the region," it added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran lauded the ongoing efforts of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, and ordered the repatriation of Pakistani citizens, diplomats, journalists and staff of international organisations operating in Afghanistan.


Pakistan closely following Afghan situation

A day earlier, the Foreign Office said Pakistan was closely following the situation in Afghanistan and would continue to support efforts for political settlement.

"We hope all Afghan sides will work together to resolve this internal crisis," Foreign Office spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said in a series of tweets. He said the Pakistan embassy in Kabul was extending required assistance to Pakistanis, Afghan nationals and diplomatic and international community for consular work and coordination of PIA flights.

He said a special inter-ministerial cell had been established in the Ministry of Interior to facilitate visa and arrival matters for diplomatic personnel and officials of United Nations agencies, international organisations, media and others.

 

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NSC discusses internal security issues, Afghanistan situation

• Committee members say any instability in Afghanistan could have severe implications for Pakistan

BR Web Desk
08 Oct 2021

Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the 34th meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Friday in which the Afghanistan situation and internal security issues were discussed.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated that the meeting was attended by Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, the heads of the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and federal cabinet members.

The high-level huddle discussed the situation along the country's borders and the possible impact of Afghanistan's situation on Pakistan.

On the occasion, the PM received a detailed briefing on the evolving regional security situation, particularly the recent developments in Afghanistan. The committee reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, and sovereign Afghanistan.

"The participants, noted with concern, the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and emphasised the urgent need for the international community to provide assistance to avert a humanitarian crisis," the statement added.

The importance of international coordination on constructive political and economic engagement with the interim government in Afghanistan was also highlighted.

The statement further said that PM Imran expressed satisfaction on Pakistan’s support to the international evacuation effort from Afghanistan. The committee members emphasized that the evolving situation in the region was extremely complex and that any instability in Afghanistan could have severe implications for Pakistan.

The premier directed the establishment of a dedicated cell to synergize various streams of efforts on Afghanistan across the government, including international coordination for humanitarian assistance and effective border management to prevent any negative spillover into Pakistan, the PMO said.

Earlier, PM Imran reiterated his call for collective efforts to ensure a stable Afghanistan and foster regional peace. “It is essential to take urgent steps to improve the security situation in Afghanistan, prevent a humanitarian crisis, and stabilize the economy,” PM Imran said.

The prime minister added that the efforts for stabilisation would be reinforced by respect for the rights of all segments of Afghan society and an inclusive political structure.

He also stressed the importance of the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan through positive messaging and constructive practical steps.

The NSC meeting comes following a major reshuffle in the top army brass earlier this week. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum was appointed as director-general (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), replacing Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed who has now been appointed corps commander Peshawar.

The press release also announced that Lieutenant General Asim Munir has been posted as quarter master general, while Lieutenant General Muhammad Amir has been posted as Gujranwala corps commander.

The ISPR added that Lieutenant General Mohammad Saeed has been posted as the Karachi corps commander, while Lieutenant General Nauman Mehmood has been appointed as the president of the National Defence University.

Major General Asim Malik has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant general as well as appointed as the army's adjutant general, the ISPR said.

 

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1446444344634970116

 

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NSC approves Pakistan's first-ever National Security Policy

Sanaullah Khan
December 27, 2021

The meeting of the National Security Committee in progress. — Photo via official handout


The National Security Committee (NSC) — the highest forum for coordination on security issues — on Monday approved the country's first-ever National Security Policy aimed at strengthening the security apparatus to tackle all internal and external challenges as well as ensuring the protection of citizens.

The security policy was unveiled at the 36th NSC meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan with participation from key ministers, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, all services chiefs, national security advisor and senior civil and military officers, according to a press release issued after the meeting.

Briefing the meeting, National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf highlighted that Pakistan was shifting to a comprehensive national security framework while the ultimate purpose of national security was to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

The meeting was informed that the policy had been devised with the consultation of all stakeholders concerned, the official statement said.

"To ensure this citizen-centric approach to security, the NSP put economic security at the core," Yusuf told the meeting.

According to the NSA, a stronger economy would create additional resources that would in turn be judiciously distributed to further bolster military and human security.

It was highlighted that a detailed implementation framework had been created through which the National Security Division would review progress in collaboration with relevant ministries and departments.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Imran Khan emphasised that the security of Pakistan rested in the security of its citizens and reposed confidence that Pakistan was well prepared to meet any internal and external threats.

Terming the NSP’s formulation and approval a historic moment, the premier noted that the policy must guide all organs of the government to ensure that their efforts are synchronised with the overall direction of the NSP.

He directed the NSA to present an implementation progress report to the NSC every month.

The NSC members, while approving the policy, appreciated the National Security Division and all other government departments for the effort, the statement added.

Meanwhile, revitalisation of the Planning Committee and the expansion of NSC’s Advisory Board was also unanimously approved by the participants during the meeting.

The new policy will now be presented to the federal cabinet for its imprimatur before it is officially adopted. "A public version of the document will be released in due course."

Earlier this month, the premier had said that national security was more than just a matter of focusing on military might, adding that it encompassed inclusive growth as well.

The prime minister said a similar focus was needed on human development as well and called upon the audience to highlight the issues in Pakistan's three-tiered education system.

 

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Cabinet approves Pakistan's first National Security Policy

• National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf terms it "truly historic achievement"

BR Web Desk
28 Dec 2021

The Federal Cabinet approved on Tuesday the country's first National Security Policy, announced National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf .

"A truly historic achievement. A citizen-centric comprehensive National Security Policy with economic security at the core will now be pursued in earnest," Yusuf said on Twitter.

"This umbrella document will, overtime, help guide sectoral policies for the fullfiment of our national security objectives."

The advisor further said that the policy would not have seen the light of day without Prime Minister Imran Khan's constant leadership and encouragement.

Dr Yusuf also thanked the civil and military leadership for all their support and input.

"The success of the policy will lie in its implementation for which a plan has been developed. A public version of the NSP document will be launched by the PM and released in due course," he tweeted.

On Monday, a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) presided over by PM and attended by civil and military leadership gave nod to the National NSP 2022-26 after a detailed briefing on it by the adviser on security.

The Prime Minister Office said that Pakistan’s first ever NSP 2022-2026 was presented for approval by the National Security Advisor (NSA) during the meeting and subsequently, he briefed the participants on the salient features of the policy and stated that Pakistan was shifting to a Comprehensive National Security Framework, whereby, the ultimate purpose of national security was to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of the citizens of Pakistan.

He said that to ensure this citizen-centric approach to security, the NSP put economic security at the core.

A stronger economy would create additional resources that would be judiciously distributed to further bolster military and human security.

 

[ghazi52]

36th National Security Committee Meeting

“Security of Pakistan rests in the security of its citizens” : Prime Minister Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the 36th meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) today. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Information & Broadcasting, Interior, Finance, Human Rights, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, all Services Chiefs, National Security Advisor and senior civil and military officers. Pakistan’s first ever National Security Policy (NSP) 2022-2026 was presented for approval by the National Security Advisor (NSA) during the meeting.

The NSA briefed the participants on the salient features of the NSP. He highlighted that Pakistan was shifting to a Comprehensive National Security Framework whereby the ultimate purpose of national security was to ensure the safety, security and dignity of the citizen of Pakistan. To ensure this citizen-centric approach to security, the NSP put economic security at the core. A stronger economy would create additional resources that would in turn be judiciously distributed to further bolster military and human security.

Participants were informed that the NSP had been created through a whole-of-government effort over the last seven years, and included extensive consultations among federal government institutions, with all provinces, and with the academia and private sector. It was highlighted that a detailed implementation framework had been created through which the National Security Division would review progress in collaboration with relevant ministries and departments.

The PM emphasized that the security of Pakistanrests in the security of its citizens and reposed confidence that is well prepared to meet any internal and external threats. NSC members, while approving the NSP, appreciated the NSD and all other govt departments for this effort. Terming the NSP’s formulation and approval a historic moment, the Prime Minister noted that the Policy must guide all organs of the government to ensure that their efforts are synchronized with the overall direction of the NSP. He instructed the National Security Adviser to present an implementation progress report to the NSC every month.

 

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DG ISPR

@OfficialDGISPR

NSP is an imp milestone in strengthening National Security of Pakistan. The comprehensive framework, recognizes interlinkages between various strands of national security, imperative to meet emerging challenges in evolving global environment through a whole of government effort. Pakistan’s Armed Forces will play their due part in achieving the vision laid out in the policy.

 

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PM Imran chairs NSC meeting​

Dawn.com
March 31, 2022


Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) at the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad.

The NSC is the highest forum for coordination on security issues and includes key federal ministers, the national security adviser, services chiefs and top intelligence officials.

The development comes a day after the premier shared a letter — purportedly showing evidence of a foreign conspiracy to oust his government — with his cabinet members in a hurriedly called meeting, which was not attended by PTI's two major allies — Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) — despite being invited. It has been learnt that the letter was shown to the cabinet members on a TV screen.

PM Imran also called a selected group of TV anchors and informed them that "the language of the letter was threatening and arrogant" and that Pakistan would face dire consequences if the no-confidence motion failed.

However, the premier did not show the letter to the media.

This rush to share the 'secret letter' with the cabinet and some journalists came after it became clear that the prime minister had lost his majority in the National Assembly (NA) following the MQM-P's decision to support the joint opposition in the no-trust resolution against the prime minister.

A key ally of the PTI government in the Centre, the MQM-P has seven seats in the NA and after its decision to part ways with the government, the opposition has gathered the support of 177 MNAs, five more than the 172 required to gain a majority.

Yesterday, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) met PM Imran twice after which some ministers claimed that neither the premier had been asked to resign nor would he opt for it.

The 'threat letter' first surfaced on Sunday during PTI's public rally, where the PM brandished it as evidence of a "foreign conspiracy" to oust him, asking his party dissidents, as well as disgruntled allies, to change their minds and avoid becoming part of a "foreign plot" against him.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had told Dawn yesterday that PM Imran had decided to present the 'secret letter' during an in-camera session of the NA or a joint session of parliament, however, no date for when such a session would be called was given.

In a tweet, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar had stated: "If the parliamentary leaders from the government and the opposition side agree, the issue of the sensitive letter can be discussed at an in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security."




The National Assembly session will resume today at 4pm after a recess of three days, with debate on the no-trust resolution on the agenda. Voting on the resolution is expected to take place on April 3.

The letter​

In the PTI's public meeting in Islamabad on Sunday, the premier had pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and waved it at the crowd, claiming it was evidence of an "international conspiracy" being hatched to topple his government.

"Foreign funding is being used to change the government. Money is coming from abroad and people inside the country are being used. Some of them are unaware they are being used and some are intentionally using this money against us," he had alleged.

In a joint press conference on Tuesday, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar and Information Minister Chaudhry said the prime minister had agreed to present the letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.

"If someone has doubts, the prime minister says if necessary, and for the people's satisfaction, he is ready to present the letter to the chief justice of the SC, as he enjoys a good reputation," Umar said, adding that only three to four people, including him, had seen the letter.

"The letter has been shared with the top civil and military leadership and only two or three cabinet members," he added.