Pakistan's National Command Authority (NCA) is the country's highest civilian and military body responsible for making decisions regarding the nuclear weapons program and strategic assets. The NCA meeting called by Shehbaz Sharif indicates strategic steps in response to tensions with India and Operation Sindoor.
However, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khwaja Asif stated that there was no scheduled NCA meeting following military action against India on Saturday morning. Earlier in the day, Pakistan's military mentioned that the Prime Minister had called an NCA meeting.
Established in February 2000 by Pakistan's National Security Council, its headquarters is in Islamabad. The authority plays a crucial role in Pakistan's defense policy and regional stability.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called an NCA meeting on May 9, 2025, significant amid rising tensions with India. Under Operation Sindoor, India dismantled terrorist hideouts on May 7 and destroyed Pakistan's HQ-9 air defense system in Lahore on May 8.
In response, Pakistan launched the Fateh-1 missile, neutralized by Indian air defense systems. In this context, the NCA meeting may have been convened to discuss Pakistan's nuclear and missile strategy and plan countermeasures.
Key Responsibilities of the NCA
Decide on nuclear and missile policy issues
Set policy for strategic nuclear forces and organizations
Oversee nuclear and missile programs
Source: aajtak
Chaired by Pakistan's Prime Minister, NCA members include
Foreign Minister: Ishaq Dar
Home Minister: Mohsin Raza Naqvi
Finance Minister: Muhammad Aurangzeb
Defense Minister: Khawaja Muhammad Asif
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee: General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
Army Chief: General Asim Munir
Navy Chief: Admiral Naveed Ashraf
Air Force Chief: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar
The NCA's decision-making process involves consensus or voting, where each member has one vote. The Strategic Plans Division (SPD) is responsible for implementing its policies, led by an officer of lieutenant general rank.
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Change in Chairmanship
Originally chaired by Pakistan's president, the NCA leadership was transferred to the Prime Minister in 2009 by then-President Asif Ali Zardari. According to Zahid Hussain, this shift might reflect intra-government or military tensions rather than a genuine restructuring of nuclear and missile policy.
Importance of the NCA
The NCA's primary objective is to maintain control over the use, development, and security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons and strategic missiles. The authority is responsible for the following...
Nuclear Policy: Setting policies for the use and deployment of nuclear weapons.
Missile Program: Overseeing the development and deployment of ballistic and cruise missiles.
Strategic Decisions: Making decisions regarding the use of nuclear weapons during wars or military crises.
Security and Control: Ensuring the safety of nuclear weapons and preventing unauthorized use.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, even though the NCA structure showcases significant civilian involvement, military leadership is likely dominant in nuclear decision-making during wartime or military crises.
