National Security Council of Pakistan

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1 National Security Council of Pakistan BACKGROUND GUIDE CHAIR: Joe Reed Coy Sanchez-Sponsler

2 Dear Honorable Delegates, I have enjoyed being a part of the Model United Nations team at Stanford, always intrigued in anything concerning politics and power dynamics and regularly deprived of it as a chemical engineering student. Less academically speaking, I pursue string and vocal music as a cellist and bass and spend as much time as I can in the making of useful and/or beautiful things. As your Chair this conference and on the behalf of the rest of the PacMUN community and staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to PacMUN This year in particular, with a global joint-crisis format and intricate recent events to develop, we look forward to vibrant debate and conversation on the political world. Functioning as prominent contemporary political figures engaging in diplomacy and negotiations, you will have the opportunity to jointly craft the policy of the National Security Council of Pakistan, a highly influential institution welding the heavyweights of Pakistan s military and civil government leadership. Introduction to Committee The National Security Council of Pakistan (NSC) has had a tumultuous history as an agency since its conception under General Yahya Khan in Originally a part of the office of the President and Chief Martial Law Administrator, in 1984 the NSC s first legal mainstay, article 152A, was proposed as part of the Revival of the Constitution Order (RCO) to provide for military influence of the civil government. A large departure from the Pakistani military s previously apolitical stance, General Zia-ul-Haq s move drew criticism from major political factions, the NSC having been sharply curtailed in 1972 after Bhutto s civilian rise to power in A was later withdrawn to pass the rest of the RCO due to opposition. January 1997 saw the government of President Farooq Khan Leghari and Prime Minister Meraj Khalid found the Council for Defense and National Security, a 10-member organization similar to the NSC in function and form but eventually put to rest in 2007 under Nawaz Sharif s government. The NSC itself, however, was revived in October 1999 by the Musharraf government, and provided consultancy and input on a wide range of issues. After two restructurings, Musharraf moved to implant a constitutional framework for its continuation through the Legal Framework Order (LFO). Again, major political parties including the PPPP,

3 PML-N, MMA, etc voiced strong opposition and succeeded in preventing its introduction into the constitution, instead routing it through regular legislation, where it passed in The committee simulated is that outlined in the 2004 National Security Act (cited below under Suggested Resources), with several modifications to reflect de-facto and/or useful changes taken place. Responsibilities and Powers According to The National Security Council Act, 2004, There shall be established a National Security Council to serve as a forum for consultation on matters of national security including the sovereignty, integrity, defense, security of the State and crisis management. The Council shall formulate and make recommendations to the President and the Government In practice, the NSC also serves as a platform for intercommunication between civilian and military agencies, providing for political stability as well as the opportunity to create effective recommendations able to be swiftly implemented in times of crisis. According to the former article 152A, crises may be interpreted to include strategic matters pertaining to the sovereignty, integrity and security of the State; and the matters relating to democracy, governance and inter-provincial harmony. Sociopolitical Context The National Security Council remains unpopular today, resented by leading political parties and liberal politicians pointing to the fact that the NSC primarily takes on the oligarchic structure of high-ranking military retirees and elite civilian officials close to the military. Orations have done little to calm their fears that the council only provides legal cover for the continued expansion of military influence in civilian spheres. The NSC itself faces an internal threat of replacement by the Defense Committee of Cabinet (DCC) as parliament continues to favor increased influence and role of the DCC over the NSC. Consequently, tensions have grown between civilian and military sectors of government as the military resurged in mid-2017 after once again becoming dissatisfied with the civilian government s handling of varying issues such as the IS flag unfurling, increased firing across

4 the Kashmir Border, a lack of security around the Line of Control, and concerning ties between Afghanistan and Indian intelligence forces. Since the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif this July and the subsequent nomination of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the council has met twice to discuss progressing relations with Afghanistan, Operations Raddul Fasaad and Zarb e Azb, cease-fire violations at the Line of Control, and the successful completion of Operation Khyber-4. Topics in Committee Kashmir and the Line of Control The Kashmir Conflict stands as one of the most prominent yet numerous sociopolitical wounds to reflect post-colonial struggles shadowing the scythe of British imperialism in Southern Asia. Tensions between Pakistan and India over Kashmir first originated when the (then) Hindu prince of Kashmir hesitated over joining one of the two newly formed governments following the British Empire s retreat from the region in After three years of fighting and the Hindu Prince s protection from Kashmir s primarily Muslim population by the Indian government, the region was divided into both a western and (the larger of the two) an eastern segment along the Line of Control (LOC). Major conflicts again broke out in 1965 and 1999 along the LOC due to anti-indian protests in Kashmir, and clashes escalated again in late 2016 following the death of popular social media figure and anti-indian rebel Burhan Wani. Pakistan has a full and rightful claim to Kashmir, the intention and verbiage of the receding British Empire having been to delegate regions not under direct British control to either Pakistan or India according to religion. India, however, continues to verbally assert their own capability to handle their Muslim minority s demographic conflicts domestically despite the mass discrimination towards and dissatisfaction of Kashmir Muslims. Polls show from 73-95% of inhabitants either desire Pakistani rule or the right to

5 self-determination as promised in As recent violence and historical records show, India has proved incompetent at handling such a religious divide in an already divided country; Pakistan continues to ask for international involvement to aid peacekeeping efforts and facilitate the most obvious solution: the integration of Kashmir under Pakistani control. In the immediate timeline, Pakistan continues to bring deadly Indian violations of ceasefire agreements to international awareness, but grows frustrated at its lack of audience. India, meanwhile, continues to fabricate its own such stories to no greater acclaim. Operations Raddul Fasaad and Rajgal; International Terrorism Developed after an intense wave of terrorist attacks in Pakistan early last February, Operation Raddul Fasaad continues as an ongoing military sweep designed to eliminate all dormant and/or live terrorist threats across the country. It remains an ongoing effort despite over 200 raids and 600 suspects taken in the Punjab region alone. Operation Rajgal, better known as Khyber-IV, was recently declared a success, having destroyed at least two major terrorist strongholds in the Rajgal valley alone and suffered only two fatal casualties. (Pakistani high intelligence has kept state-sponsored anti-indian militant sects well informed of planned Army activities; they remain, and have been advised to maintain low profile through mid-november to avoid international speculation.) As discussed in this August s NSC meeting, the United States new administration has shifted face, mounting verbal pressure on Pakistan to address terrorism more effectively on domestic and international scales and ignoring the enormous contributions already made by its military and people. (Given the fragile political state of the United States federal executive, Pakistani leadership sees fit to continue with surface-level antiterrorist operations in the region, aggressively engaging Afghanistan in

6 hopes of collaboration while refusing to acknowledge the harboring of pro- Pakistani militant factions by ISI.) The Shanghai Cooperation Organization With Pakistan and India both having recently gained membership to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an economic and security collaborative group in eastern Eurasia, the international sphere waits to see if the facet will facilitate seeds of harmony or amplify cries of strife. Both countries have historically taken advantage of international stages to appeal their personal disputes. India s entrance appeared as a power move early this June by the Russian government, China opening the door to their long-time friend Pakistan to balance the act. Suggested Resources Rizvi, Hasan-Askari. National Security Council -- A debate on institutions and processes for decision-making on security issues. PDF. Pakistan Institute of Legal Development And Transparency - PILDAT, April "THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL ACT, 2004." The Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 Developed by Zain Sheikh. April 15, Accessed October 11, Blahnik, Tate. "A History of the Conflict between India and Pakistan with Intervention from the United Nations." EDGE Ethics of Development in a Global Environment. August 19, Accessed October 11,

7 Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform. "Introduction." China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Official Website Accessed October 12, Character List Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Prime Minister (Chair) Nasser Khan Janjua A former Army general, Nasser Khan Janjua was appointed to National Security Advisor in 2015 despite controversy due to the filling of the post by a freshly retired member of the military elite. Though political opposition warns of the increasing strength of the military, he has since proven capable in national security talks with India. Zubair Mehmood Hayat As Chairman Joint Chiefs of the Staff Committee, Hayat functions as both the highest ranking military officer in the Pakistani Defense forces and the primary military advisor to Pakistan. However, as Chairman, Hayat lacks any actual command over armed forces. Naveed Mukhtar Naveed Mukhtar took over the role of Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence after General Qamar Javed Bajwa gained control of the Army. Mukhtar s primary task (other than leading ISI) remains providing critical national security intelligence for the Pakistani government. Khawaja Muhammad Asif A full member of Parliament as well as the cabinet of the Prime Minister and the head of the Ministry of Defense, the minister of defense is considered one of the most influential posts in the PM s cabinet. Sartaj Aziz As Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Aziz also incorporates the role of Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and serves as a Federal Minister. Tariq Fatemi

8 Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and Minister of State, regularly represents Pakistan at international summits such as the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington as well as fulfilling core advising duties. Nisar Ali Khan Occupying the joint post of Minister of the Interior and Narcotics Control, Nisar Ali Khan oversees issues from immigration and gun licensing to poppy crop replacement in drug-furnishing areas of Pakistan. Ishaq Dar As Minister of Finance, Dar heads the Ministry of Finance, and serves on both the Prime Minister s Cabinet and Parliament as a member. Zahid Hamid Hamid has expressed interest in attempting to reign in the advancing political power of the military through structural civil means. However, they remain a loyal cabinet member and a patriot in their service heading the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Human Rights. Khurram Dastgir Dastgir s charge as the publicly appointed Minister of Commerce remains to promote national economic growth and commerce development. Qamar Javed Bajwa Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa handles all land-based military responsibilities, including military advising of the Prime Minister, defending Pakistani land borders, commanding operational, training, and logistic details, and enforcing martial law. Muhammad Zakaullah Chief of Navy Staff Muhammad Zakaullah provides military advising to the Prime Minister as well as commanding the full powers of the Navy, providing for costal defense, insuring strike capability, and securing the sea-borders of Pakistan. Sohail Aman In addition to providing military advising to the Prime Minister and safeguarding and commanding all aspects of the Pakistani Air Force, Chief of Air Force Staff Sohail Aman also provides final decision-making input regarding issues of National Security due to the importance of air support. Ashtar Ausaf Ali

9 As Attorney-General, Ashtar Ausaf Ali is the chief law officer and legal advisor of the Government of Pakistan, and, concerning the National Security Council, provides legal input, counsel, and/or defense. Maleeha Lodhi Maleeha Lodhi takes on the vital position of Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, advocating the plights and rights of Pakistan on the International scene and gauging the reactions of the international community to Pakistani National Security decisions. Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah Historically unopposed to boycotting National Security Council meetings, the office of Leader of the Opposition now held by Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah provides vital information on the political state of the country outside of the civil-military alliance formulated by the NSC. Barjees Tahir The Minister of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan plays the important role of watching over and advising on crises in the Kashmir region, the most volatile and militarized zone in Southern Asia. Bibliography Army Chiefs to Present. Army Chiefs to Present, Accessed 4 Sept Article: 152A National Security Council. The Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 Developed by Zain Sheikh, 12 Dec. 2009, pakistanconstitutionlaw.com/article-152a-national-securitycouncil/. Accessed 21 Sept Blahnik, Tate. A History of the Conflict between India and Pakistan with Intervention from the United Nations. EDGE Ethics of Development in a Global Environment, EDGE, 19 Aug. 1999, web.stanford.edu/class/e297c/war_peace/confrontation/hintervention.html.

10 Idrees, Mahmood. National Security Council huddle underway for policy response to Trump criticism. Daily Pakistan Global, Daily Pakistan Global, 24 Aug. 2017, en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/pm-abbasi-to-chair-meeting-of-national-securitycouncil-today/. Accessed 15 Sept Kashmir territories profile. BBC News, BBC, 3 Oct. 2017, Nelson, Louis. U.S. may sanction Pakistani officials with ties to terrorists, Trump official says. POLITICO, 2017 POLITICO LLC, 22 Aug. 2017, Accessed 15 Sept PAKISTAN AIR FORCE - Official website. PAKISTAN AIR FORCE - Official website, Accessed 4 Sept Pakistan Navy Official Website. Pakistan Navy Official Website, Accessed 4 Sept Pakistan's shadowy secret service, the ISI. BBC News, 2017 BBC, 3 May 2011, Peer, Basharat. Opinion Kashmir, and the Inheritance of Loss. The New York Times, The New York Times, 25 July 2016, PM Abbasi chairs meeting of National Security Council. Khyber News -Official Website, Khyber News, 16 Aug. 2017, khybernews.tv/pm-abbasi-chairs-meeting-national-securitycouncil/. Accessed 15 Sept RAWALPINDI. Operation Khyber-4 successfully completed: Army. Geo TV, 21 Aug. 2017,

11 Rizvi, Dr. Hasan-Askari. Naional Security Council - debate on Institutions and processes for decision making on security issues. Pakistan Institute of Legal Development And Transparency, Apr Singh, Rani. Kashmir: The World's Most Militarized Zone, Violence After Years Of Comparative Calm. Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 13 July 2016, Srinagar, Reuters in. Ten killed in Kashmir clashes as Indian forces regain control of police camp. The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 26 Aug. 2017, THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL ACT, The Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 Developed by Zain Sheikh, 15 Apr. 2010, pakistanconstitutionlaw.com/the-nationalsecurity-council-act-2004/. Accessed 3 Sept The World Factbook: PAKISTAN. Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 1 Aug. 2017, Accessed 3 Sept 上海合作组织 Шанхайская организация сотрудничестваthe Shanghai cooperation organisation. Press release on the outcome of the 12th meeting of the SCO National Security Council Secretaries SCO, SCO, 6 Apr. 2017, eng.sectsco.org/news/ / html. Accessed 15 Sept

MONITOR. Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan March 2017

MONITOR. Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan March 2017 MONITOR Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan In this Issue 1) ISPR Statement on NAP: A Change in Style? 2) PTI Chairman Mr. Imran Khan's Meeting with the COAS 3) Gen. (Retd.) Raheel Sharif's Joining of