ISLAMABAD, Jan 15, ( Asia Free Press): Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, on Friday, launched the public document of the country’s first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) 2022-2026.
The premier, addressed the launch ceremony of the NSP in the Federal Capital, saying that the country is now headed in the right direction.
Khan said national security was defined “in the right manner” in the first-ever NSP, Pakistan had a one-dimensional thought and that was “We only need military security”.
“The National Security Policy of 2022-2026 centres on my government’s vision, which believes that the security of Pakistan rests in the security of its citizens. This citizen-centric approach to national security prioritises national cohesion and the prosperity of people while guaranteeing fundamental rights and social justice without discrimination,” Khan added while praising his own led government and other independent institutions for this national interest work.
While appreciating armed forces for their tireless efforts Khan said, despite a persistent threat of terror to the country, the way that Pakistan’s security forces fought against terrorism, was commendable and acceptable.
PM Imran Khan noted that the biggest security of a state is its people. “When the people become stakeholders of the country, it becomes the greatest national security.”
Speaking at the occasion about the International Monetary Fund (IMF), PM Imran Khan said that a state’s security is compromised when it has to intermittently seek the support of the moneylender.
“We approach IMF under duress as in the end, only IMF is ready to help us and provide the cheapest loans. We have to abide by their conditions, and as a result, impose a burden on the people.” Khan claimed while talking about IMF loan policy.
Pakistan Adviser for National Security (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf said , the NSP has taken a broad view of national security as both traditional and non-traditional issues impacted our security.
“While the National Security Policy is centered around economic security, the geo-strategic and geo-political imperatives also feature prominently to strengthen Pakistan security and standing in the world.” NSA said, adding that this was a document finalised after complete civil-military consensus.
Earlier, the NSP was approved by the federal cabinet on December 28, a day after it processed in the National Security Committee (NSC).
The policy defines the direction the country should take in the coming years. Its makers are said to have taken a citizen-centric approach to national security and placed a special emphasis on economic security.
Opposition of the Khan-led government, mainly comprised of PML(N), PPP and JUI (F) have criticised the government for not taking their input during the formulation of the NSP.
