STRATEGIC FORCES-–NATIONAL COMMAND AUTHORITY
The National Command Authority controls all the nuclear weapons assets of Pakistan. The management and operational commands rests with the Strategic Forces Directorate. The directorate has a 25000-strong security force to protect the nuclear weapons sites and assets across the country.
The National Command Authority was set up on February 2, 2000. This supreme body now governs Pakistan’s nuclear command and control system, acting as the ultimate decision-maker on all matters related to the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
The NCA shoulders diverse responsibilities:
Formulating Nuclear Policy: It lays down the strategic guidelines governing the use and development of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.
Controlling Strategic Forces: The NCA exercises direct command and control over all nuclear forces and related organizations, ensuring their operational readiness.
Deployment and Coordination: It oversees the deployment of strategic forces and coordinates the activities of various organizations involved in nuclear research, development, and production.
Arms Control and Disarmament: The NCA engages in international negotiations on arms control and disarmament measures to maintain regional and global stability.
Export Controls: It enforces export control regulations to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and sensitive materials.
Safeguarding Assets and Sites: Ensuring the safety and security of nuclear assets and facilities is a crucial responsibility undertaken by the NCA.
The National Command Authority (NCA) operates through two key committees, each responsible for a distinct yet crucial aspect of Pakistan’s nuclear program:
- Employment Control Committee (ECC):
Leadership: Chaired by the Prime Minister with the Foreign Minister as Deputy Chairperson.
Members: Includes Defence Minister, Interior Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), Service Chiefs, Director-General of Strategic Plans Division (Secretary), National Security Advisor (NSA), and other technical advisors.
Responsibilities:
Peacetime Policymaking: Formulates and reviews nuclear policy, including doctrines, employment scenarios, and command protocols.
Wartime Deployment: Authorizes the deployment and use of nuclear forces based on defined criteria.
Strategic Doctrine: Makes recommendations on evolving nuclear doctrine and establishing the hierarchy of command for nuclear weapons authorization.
Command and Control: Establishes guidelines for a robust and secure command and control system to prevent accidental or unauthorized use.
- Development Control Committee (DCC):
Leadership: Similar to ECC, chaired by the Prime Minister with CJCSC as Deputy Chairperson.
Members: Service Chiefs, Director-General of Strategic Plans Division, representatives from strategic organizations, and members of the scientific community.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Asset Development: Oversees the development and production of nuclear weapons and related technologies.
Technical Control: Exercises technical, financial, and administrative control over all organizations involved in the nuclear weapons program.
Program Management: Monitors and guides the development of strategic weapons programs, ensuring efficiency and adherence to established standards.
Read about the Strategic Plans Division