THIS is with reference to the article ‘Missing NSC’ (Sept 7). Established in 2013, the National Security Committee (NSC) aimed at fostering consensus between civil and military establishments on national security issues. However, the division’s structure has been altered, rendering it ineffective, and the NSC is without a national security adviser since April 2022. To restore the NSC’s effect-iveness, some steps are needed to be taken urgently.

The national security adviser must be appointed and there should be restruc-turing of the division by appointing senior officers from the foreign service and police service. NSC meetings should be convened regularly, at least monthly, to address the ongoing security concerns and develop proactive strategies, not just in response to specific incidents.

As such, the Strategic Policy Planning Cell (SPPC) must be strengthened with additional researchers, tasking it to develop a comprehensive external national narrative, accurately reflecting Pakistan’s current and future directions.

By implementing these measures, the NSC can be revitalised to effectively address all national security challenges, and thereby ensure a safer Pakistan.

Zuhaib Odho
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2024