Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Pakistan military in a statement issued on Saturday, said that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a session of the National Command Authority (NCA). The decision to convene the high-level security body comes after a marked increase in hostilities between India and Pakistan, both of which are nuclear armed nations.
As is the case with most countries in the world, Pakistan also has a body responsible for strategic decisions and it’s aptly called the National Command Authority. It has both civilians and military leaders and is concerned with the Country's security especially concerning the nuclear arms of the Country.
Context: Escalating Military Action Along the Border
Following Pakistan’s launch of ‘Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos’ on the evening of 9th May, the NCA Meeting came into place. It was part of Pakistan’s response to the May 7 Operation Sindoor which sought to eliminate terrorist capability from within Pakistan’s borders.
In a further escalation, Pakistan allegedly attempted to bomb several Indian Cities, however Indian defensive measures defused the attempts. In response, India conducted precision bombing on several Pakistani airbases the night of May 9 and May 10.
Understanding the Pakistan's National Command Authority
The apex authority in Pakistan National Command Authority is the body charged with overseeing nuclear strategy. Prime Minister chairs the Authority and ensures the establishment of effective policies regardng control, command and the use of nuclear weapons.
The NCA safeguards a nation’s nuclear equipment by ensuring they remain secure, operationally ready, and protected from unauthorized access. It also supervises the construction and servicing of strategic components such as the nuclear delivery systems.
Composition of the National Command Authority
The NCA is managed by the Prime Minister and comprises top governmental and military officials. The essential members are:
Prime Minister of Pakistan (Chair)
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Defence
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force
This body maintains the highest level of military professionalism as it simultaneously commands the military operation theatre and the defence of Pakistan with nuclear options during peacetime and in heightened tensions.
