National Security Council (NSC) Pakistan

The NSC is a federal institutional and consultative body chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. It serves as a principal forum mandated to consider national security and foreign policy matters, bringing together senior national security advisers and Cabinet ministers.

Here’s a summary of the key points:

Origins: The concept of the NSC was first conceived in 1969 under President Yahya Khan. Its initial functions were to advise and assist the president and prime minister on national security and foreign policies.
Re-creation by Pervez Musharraf: The NSC was re-created by President Pervez Musharraf in April 2004 under the National Security Council Act. However, despite remaining a statutory body, the NSC has not been active since 2008.
Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC): Since 2008, the role and purpose of the NSC have been taken over by the Defence Committee of the Cabinet. The DCC is fulfilling the functions that were originally assigned to the NSC.
National Security Advisers: The first National Security Adviser was Tariq Aziz, appointed in 2004, succeeded by Major-General (retired) Mahmud Durrani in 2008. However, no new NSC adviser has been appointed since Durrani’s removal by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani in 2009.
Abandonment by PPP Government: The government of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) officially abandoned the NSC. Confirmations from the Parliament supported this decision, and the functions of the NSC were transferred to the Defence Cabinet Committee in 2009.
Revival under Nawaz Sharif: The NSC was revived under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership. It is mentioned that Sharif presides over NSC meetings during emergencies, such as hostilities between India and Pakistan or events related to insurgency.

The National Security Council in Pakistan has undergone periods of activity and inactivity, with its functions temporarily assumed by the Defence Committee of the Cabinet. The details highlight the shifting dynamics and changes in the role of the NSC in response to different political administrations and security situations.

Structure

The structure of a National Security Council (NSC) can vary from country to country, as each nation tailors its national security apparatus to suit its specific needs and constitutional framework. However, there are some common elements that are often found in the structure of a National Security Council. Here is a Structure of the Pakistan National Security Council:

Ex-Officio members and permanent officials	Public office and Statutory

Chairman of the National Security Council:	Prime Minister of Pakistan
Secretary:	Federal Secretary National Security Division
Advisor:	National Security Advisor
Military Advisor:	Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
Intelligence Advisor:	DG Inter-Services Intelligence DG Intelligence Bureau
Statutory Attendees:	Minister of Defence Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Interior Minister of Finance Minister of Law and Justice
Military Attendees:	Chief of Army Staff Chief of Air Staff Chief of Navy Staff
Additional Attendees:	Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Defence Secretary of Pakistan Interior Secretary of Pakistan Finance Secretary of Pakistan Attorney General of Pakistan Ambassador to the United Nations Leader of the Opposition

The routine cabinet-level meetings of the NSC typically address the following agenda, with invitations extended to members of the listed authorities.

National Command Authority (NCA)
Cabinet Committee on National Security (C2NS)
Economic Coordination Committee (ECC)
Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB)
Executive Committee of the Space Research Council (ECSRC)

National Command Authority (NCA)

The National Command Authority (NCA) in Pakistan is a significant governmental body responsible for overseeing and managing the nation’s nuclear capabilities. Here’s an overview of its key aspects:

Formation and Independence:
- The NCA was established in the year 2000.
- It operates as an independent federal agency under the Government of Pakistan.
Mission and Responsibility:
- The primary mission of the NCA is to safeguard national security through the military applications of nuclear science.
- It is entrusted with maintaining and enhancing control over Pakistan’s nuclear weapon stockpiles.
Leadership:
- The Chairperson of the NCA is the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
- This emphasizes the high-level political oversight over nuclear-related decisions.
Operational Effectiveness:
- The NCA works to ensure the operational effectiveness of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.
- This involves strategic planning, command and control, and continuous enhancement of the nation’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Paramilitary Unit:
- The NCA is associated with the Strategic Plans Division Force, which serves as its paramilitary unit.
- This paramilitary unit likely plays a role in supporting the NCA’s objectives related to nuclear security.
Policy Institute:
- Besides its operational role, the NCA also serves as a policy institute.
- It is involved in developing policies aimed at reducing the danger posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in Pakistan.
- This reflects a broader commitment to international non-proliferation efforts and security.
Historical Context:
- The NCA was established in 2000, and its formation coincided with the creation of the Strategic Plans Division Force.
- It can be seen as a direct successor to the Air Force Strategic Command, which was established in 1983 under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Anwar Shamim.

The National Command Authority in Pakistan is a key institution overseeing the country’s nuclear capabilities. Its responsibilities include ensuring the security and operational readiness of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, as well as contributing to international efforts to reduce the risk associated with weapons of mass destruction.

Cabinet Committee on National Security (CCNS or C2NS)

The Cabinet Committee on National Security (CCNS or C2NS) in Pakistan is a key federal institution and consultative forum that plays a crucial role in advising the Prime Minister on matters related to national security, geopolitics, geostrategy, and foreign policy.

Here’s an overview of its features and functions:

Historical Background:
- Originally known as the Defence Committee of Cabinet, it was established in 1976 under Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
- Over time, it evolved into the Cabinet Committee on National Security.
Primary Functions:
- The primary functions of the CCNS include advising and assisting the Prime Minister on issues related to national security, the threat of war, nuclear weapons politics, and challenges in geostrategic and foreign policies.
Decision-Making Role:
- The CCNS serves as the principal decision-making and consultative forum for the Prime Minister.
- It plays a central role in coordinating national security and geostrategic foreign policies among various government institutions and ministries.
Scope of Matters:
- Matters addressed by the CCNS encompass a wide range of issues, including those related to national security, potential military threats, nuclear weapons policies, and the geopolitical landscape.
Coordination and Consultation:
- The CCNS provides a platform for coordination and consultation among key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister’s chief military advisers, senior government advisers, and senior Cabinet ministers.
Counterpart to National Security Councils:
- The CCNS is recognized as a counterpart to the national security councils of many other nations.
- This emphasizes its role as a central body for strategic decision-making in matters of national security.
Evolution and Adaptation:
- The committee has evolved and adapted over the years to meet the changing dynamics of national security and foreign policy.

The Cabinet Committee on National Security is a significant institution in Pakistan’s governance structure. Its role in advising and coordinating matters related to national security and foreign policy highlights its importance in shaping the country’s strategic direction. The committee’s evolution from the Defence Committee of Cabinet underscores its responsiveness to the evolving security environment.

Economic Coordination Committee (ECC)

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in Pakistan is a significant federal institution and a consultative forum chaired by the Prime Minister. Here is a summary of its key features and historical development:

Establishment and Functions:
- Established in 1965 by President Ayub Khan, the ECC serves as a principal federal institution for economic decision-making.
- Its primary functions include finalizing executive economic decisions for the national economy and assisting the Prime Minister on economic security, geoeconomic policies, and financial endowment issues.
Leadership and Chairmanship:
- Originally chaired by the Finance Minister, the chairmanship was later transferred to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, particularly after the 1971 war with India.
- The Prime Minister serves as the chairman of the ECC and retains the executive authority on key economic policies.
Decision-Making Role:
- The ECC plays a crucial role in coordinating economic security and geoeconomic policies across various government institutions and ministries.
- It serves as the Prime Minister’s principal decision-making and consultative forum for economic matters.
Role in Nuclear Command and Control:
- Alongside its counterpart, the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC), the ECC has played a role in nuclear command and control since the 1980s.
- During emergency situations, such as the nuclear tests in May 1998 (Chagai-I and Chagai-II), the ECC, along with the DCC, held civil-military sessions with the Prime Minister and military leadership.
Chairmanship Evolution:
- The ECC’s chairmanship transitioned from the Finance Minister to the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1971 and was permanently handed over to the Prime Minister in 1993.
Importance of ECC Control:
- The ECC holds control over significant economic decisions and plays a key role in formulating and promulgating economic policies in the country.

The Economic Coordination Committee is a vital institution in Pakistan’s economic governance structure. It has evolved over time in terms of leadership and responsibilities, and it holds a critical position in coordinating economic policies and decision-making at the federal level. The ECC’s involvement in matters related to economic security, geoeconomic policies, and its role during critical events underscores its significance in the country’s governance framework.

Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB)

The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) in Pakistan has played a crucial role in promoting and facilitating the development of renewable energy in the country. Here’s a summary of its key features, mission, and recent developments:

Establishment and Objectives:
- Established in May 2003, AEDB is the sole representing agency of the Federal Government for promoting renewable energy.
- The main objective is to facilitate, promote, and encourage the development of renewable energy in Pakistan.
Mission:
- AEDB has a mission to introduce alternative and renewable energies (AREs) at an accelerated rate.
- It aims to implement policies, programs, and projects through the private sector in the field of ARE.
Administrative Control:
- Initially established with administrative control under the Federal Government, the AEDB’s control was transferred to the Ministry of Water and Power in 2006.
Government Mandate:
- Mandated to implement policies, programs, and projects through the private sector in the field of ARE.
- Assist and facilitate the development and generation of ARE for sustainable economic growth.
- Encourage technology transfer and develop an indigenous manufacturing base for ARE technology.
- Promote the provision of energy services based on ARE resources.
- Undertake ARE projects on a commercial scale.
2030 Targets:
- The Government of Pakistan has tasked AEDB with ensuring that 5% of the total national power generation capacity is generated through renewable energy technologies by 2030.
- Additionally, under the remote village electrification program, AEDB has been directed to electrify remote villages in Sindh and Balochistan provinces through ARE technologies.
Statutory Organization:
- The Federal Government established AEDB as a statutory organization in May 2010 through the AEDB Act. This act granted AEDB the authorities and responsibilities for the promotion and development of AREs.
Oversight:
- While AEDB is administered through the appointed chairman and chief executive officer, all policies and funding research are overseen by the Prime Minister.
Supreme Court Examination:
- The organization’s progress has been subject to examination in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, highlighting its significance and impact.
Merger with PPIB:
- On June 10, 2023, AEDB was merged with the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), signifying changes in the organizational structure.

The AEDB has been instrumental in advancing renewable energy initiatives in Pakistan, aligning with national goals for sustainable economic growth and reducing the country’s dependence on conventional energy sources.

Executive Committee of the Space Research Council (ECSRC)

The Executive Committee of the Space Research Council (ECSRC) in Pakistan was an executive and joint bureaucratic directorate established in 1981. Its primary role was to formulate and develop guidelines for the Pakistani space program and coordinate the financial management of the program. Here are key details about ECSRC:

Establishment and Mandate:
- Established in 1981, ECSRC was tasked with guiding and coordinating the financial aspects of the Pakistani space program.
Composition and Control:
- The committee operated under joint control, with key authorities including the Ministry of Finance led by Ghulam Ishaq Khan, the Ministry of Science led by Lieutenant-General Zahid Ali Akbar, and officials of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) led by Munir Ahmad Khan.
Legal Basis:
- ECSRC was established under the executive decree, “Ordinance No. XX” of 1981, issued by the President of Pakistan and published in the Gazette of Pakistan on 21 May 1989.
Meetings and Decision-Making:
- Approximately 13 meetings of ECSRC were held since its establishment.
- The committee, headed by the Finance minister, made financial decisions, including the establishment of the Flight Test Center on Sonmiani Beach and managing the financial and scientific development of the integrated space program.
Devolution and Transformation:
- The last meeting of ECSRC took place on 9 September 1999.
- In 2000, the committee was officially devolved, and its functions were transferred to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
Transfer to NCA:
- On 10 December 2000, the Ministry of Science issued an office order devolving and transferring ECSRC from SUPARCO to the National Command Authority (NCA).
- Personnel and members of ECSRC were replaced with the Development Control Committee (DCC) of the NCA.

The ECSRC played a significant role in the early years of Pakistan’s space program, focusing on formulating guidelines and managing finances. Its functions were later integrated into SUPARCO and NCA, marking a transition in the organizational structure and management of Pakistan’s space-related initiatives.

Functions

The Council functions as a platform for advising the President and the federal government on issues pertaining to national security, encompassing concerns related to the sovereignty, integrity, defense, and overall security of the State. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in crisis management. The Council is empowered to develop recommendations for the President and the federal government in these domains, providing valuable insights and strategic guidance.

Here’s a summary based on the information you’ve provided:

Major-General Ghulam Omar: Chief of National Security (25 March 1969 – 20 December 1971)
Mr. Mohammad Akbar Khan: Adviser for National Security (5 February 1976 – 28 March 1977)
General Tikka Khan: Minister of State for Defence and National Security (24 April 1977 – 5 July 1977)
Lieutenant General Ghulam Hassan Khan: Adviser on National Security (14 January 1978 – 5 July 1978)
Mr. Iqbal Akhund: Adviser to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs & National Security (4 December 1988 – 6 August 1990)
Major-General Mahmud Ali Durrani: Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security (15 April 2008 – 7 January 2009)
Sartaj Aziz: Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security (7 June 2013 – 21 October 2015)
Lieutenant-General Nasser Khan Janjua: National Security Adviser (22 October 2015 – 4 June 2018)
Mr. Abdullah Hussain Haroon: Federal Minister for National Security (Caretaker) (5 June 2018 – 27 June 2018)
Lieutenant General Naeem Khalid Lodhi: Federal Minister for National Security (Caretaker) (27 June 2018 – 18 August 2018)
Moeed Yusuf: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division & Strategic Policy Planning (24 December 2019 – 16 May 2021)
Moeed Yusuf: National Security Adviser (17 May 2021 – 3 April 2022)

This list outlines the individuals who have served in various capacities related to national security, including chief, adviser, minister, and special assistant. The information includes their names, designations, and terms of office.