High-Level Meeting on National Security
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif chaired the National Action Plan (NAP) Apex Committee to address security threats and combat foreign social media propaganda. Key figures from the government and military participated, including Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and heads of intelligence agencies.
Attendees |
Key Participants |
Federal Ministers |
Representatives from various ministries |
Chief Ministers |
From all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan |
Army Chief |
General Syed Asim Munir |
Intelligence Agencies & FIA |
Senior officials and heads of intelligence agencies |
Emphasizing Political Consensus
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of political consensus and promoting a positive national narrative to address Pakistan’s challenges. The committee stressed that political stability is crucial for achieving national security.
Army’s Role in National Security
Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed the army’s commitment to protecting citizens and combating terrorism. The committee discussed reactivating NACTA and establishing centers to identify security threats.
Key Security Initiatives |
Details |
Reactivation of NACTA |
National Counter Terrorism Authority to be reactivated |
Threat Identification Centers |
Establishing new centers to identify and neutralize threats |
Tackling Terrorism and Extremism
Discussions focused on strategies to combat terrorism, religious extremism, and misinformation. In addition, the committee emphasized a coordinated approach to address these issues effectively.
Focus Areas |
Actions Proposed |
Counterterrorism Strategies |
Strengthen existing measures to combat terrorism |
Religious Extremism |
Implement programs to counter religious extremism |
Misinformation and Fake News |
Develop strategies to control misinformation on social media |
Security for Foreign Nationals
A report on enhanced security for foreign nationals, particularly Chinese nationals, was presented. The committee pledged to strengthen security measures to ensure their protection.
Foreign National Protection |
Security Measures |
Focus on Chinese Nationals |
Improved security protocols for Chinese nationals in Pakistan |
Combating Digital Terrorism
The committee agreed on taking strong action against digital terrorism and foreign social media propaganda. Consequently, a firm stance was adopted to counter fake news and online extremism.
Digital Security Measures |
Actions to Be Taken |
Combat Digital Terrorism |
Tighter regulations against digital terrorism |
Counter Fake News |
Strengthen policies to counter the spread of misinformation |
Strengthening Coordination Across Institutions
The meeting emphasized improved cooperation between federal and provincial governments and institutions. Moreover, a unified effort is essential to equip security forces for counterterrorism operations.
Cooperation Areas |
Proposed Actions |
Federal and Provincial Cooperation |
Enhanced coordination for resource and information sharing |
Institutional Support |
Improved inter-agency cooperation for effective counterterrorism |
Securing Capitals and Preventing Chaos
The committee affirmed its commitment to securing federal and provincial capitals. Additionally, it decided to prevent anyone from spreading chaos under the guise of protests. It also resolved to take strong measures against fake news.
Security Actions |
Key Decisions |
Securing Federal and Provincial Capitals |
Strengthen security to prevent chaos and protests |
Action Against Fake News |
Counter fake news and misinformation campaigns |
Clarification on November 26 Incident
Prime Minister Sharif clarified that he did not give any orders to open fire on protesters during the November 26 incident. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlighted the loss of lives during the protest.
Incident |
Details |
November 26 Protest Incident |
Clarification on no orders to open fire |
Casualties |
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emphasized the martyrdom of dozens |
Unified Effort for National Stability
The Apex Committee committed to a unified approach for ensuring national security, economic stability, and coordination between all institutions. Furthermore, the sacrifices made by the armed forces in combating terrorism were acknowledged.
Commitment Areas |
Actions and Acknowledgements |
National Security |
Unified efforts to protect the country’s security |
Economic Stability |
Collaborative actions to stabilize the national economy |
Armed Forces Sacrifices |
Acknowledgement of sacrifices made in the war on terrorism |