NSC Approves First National Security Policy

The National Security Committee (NSC) approved the “country’s first” National Security Policy, according to Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry.

“A meeting of the National Security Council has approved the country’s first National Security Policy,” Fawad tweeted.

The strategy will now be presented to the federal cabinet for final approval on Tuesday, according to the minister.

Following Fawad’s tweet, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that the consent was provided at the committee’s 36th meeting, which was headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf delivered the National Security Policy (NSP) 2022-2026 for approval to the NSC, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

While briefing the attendees on the policy’s main points, the NSA stated that Pakistan was moving toward a comprehensive national security framework. The “ultimate aim of national security was to safeguard the safety, security, and dignity of Pakistani citizens,” according to the framework.

“In order to ensure this citizen-centric approach to security, the NSP prioritized economic security.” “A stronger economy would generate more resources, which could then be wisely used to further strengthen military and human security,” the PMO added.

The meeting was informed that the strategy was produced “through a whole-of-government effort over the last seven years,” according to the premier’s office. It was created following “extensive consultations with federal government entities, all provinces, academia, and the corporate sector,” according to the statement.

“A detailed implementation framework was devised,” the PMO wrote, “under which the National Security Division will monitor progress in coordination with key ministries and departments.”

Following the release of the strategy, Prime Minister Imran Khan “emphasized that the country’s security” “rests in the security of its population” and expressed confidence that Pakistan is well prepared to face any domestic and external challenges.

“The policy must guide all organs of government to ensure that their efforts are synchronized with the general direction of the National Security Policy,” Prime Minister Imran added, calling the policy’s approval a “historic event.”

NSA Yusuf was also ordered to “give an implementation status report to the NSC every month,” according to the premier.

While approving the strategy, the NSC also praised the National Security Division and other government departments, according to the PMO.

“During the meeting, participants unanimously supported the revitalization of the Planning Committee and the extension of the NSC’s Advisory Board,” according to the PMO. It was also said that a public version of the paper would be issued in the near future.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Defense Minister Pervez Khattak, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Human Rights Minister Sheerin Mazari, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, all services chiefs, National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf, and senior civil and military officers were among those present at the meeting.