Pakistan's National Command Authority (NCA) is the highest civilian and military body responsible for decision-making on command, control, and operations regarding the nuclear weapons program and strategic assets. The meeting called by Shehbaz Sharif hints at strategic responses to tensions with India and Operation Sindoor.
However, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that no NCA meeting was scheduled following Saturday's military action against India. Earlier in the day, the military confirmed that the Prime Minister had called the authority's meeting.
Established in February 2000 by Pakistan's National Security Council, its headquarters is in Islamabad. This authority plays a vital role in Pakistan's defense policy and regional stability.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened the NCA meeting on May 9, 2025, significant due to rising tensions with India. Under Operation Sindoor, India destroyed terror camps on May 7 and targeted Pakistan's HQ-9 air defense system in Lahore on May 8.
In response, Pakistan launched the Fateh-1 missile, which was intercepted by Indian air defenses. Under these circumstances, the NCA meeting may have been convened to discuss Pakistan's nuclear and missile strategy and plan countermeasures.
Main Responsibilities of the NCA
Deciding on nuclear and missile policy issues
Setting policy for strategic nuclear forces and organizations
Monitoring nuclear and missile programs
Source: aajtak
The NCA is chaired by Pakistan's Prime Minister and includes the following members
Foreign Minister: Ishaq Dar
Interior Minister: Mohsin Raza Naqvi
Finance Minister: Muhammad Aurangzeb
Defense Minister: Khawaja Muhammad Asif
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee: General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
Army Chief: General Asim Munir
Naval Chief: Admiral Naveed Ashraf
Air Force Chief: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar
The decision-making process within the NCA involves consensus or voting, with each member having a vote. The Strategic Plans Division (SPD), led by an officer of Lieutenant General rank, is responsible for implementing its policies.
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Change in Chairmanship
Originally chaired by the President, in 2009, former President Asif Ali Zardari transferred the chairmanship to the Prime Minister. According to Zahid Hussain, this shift may have resulted from power struggles within the Pakistani government and tensions between the military and President Zardari, rather than an actual restructuring of nuclear and missile policy.
Significance of the NCA
The NCA's primary purpose is to oversee the use, development, and security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons and strategic missiles. This authority is responsible for...
Nuclear Policy: Determining policy for the deployment and use of nuclear weapons.
Missile Program: Overseeing the development and deployment of ballistic and cruise missiles.
Strategic Decision-Making: Making decisions on the use of nuclear weapons during war or military crisis.
Security and Control: Ensuring the safety of nuclear weapons and preventing unauthorized use.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, while the structure of the NCA suggests a significant role for civil authorities, military leadership is likely to have a dominant voice in nuclear decision-making during wartime or military crises.
