On 12^th October 2023, during a lecture discussion addressing to participants of 34^th SMC at National Institute of Management, Lahore, Mr. Ihsan Ghani, former National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), discussed “National Security of Pakistan- Internal and External Dynamics.

The guest speaker elaborated Pakistan’s national security and its historical positions. He noted inconsistencies in Pakistan’s external security and the absence of internal security measures. He mentioned Pakistan’s involvement in SEATO, CENTO, the Cold War, the Afghan war, and support of Arab states. He talked about changes in state strategy before and after 2012, setting up of which led to the first National Security Policy (NSP) and the setting up of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). The NSP’s key points were highlighted, including its national focus and economic stability. However, he mentioned that the NSP has not been fully implemented, and the future role of NACTA is uncertain. He stressed the need for a repositioning of Pakistan’s security policies, involving all stakeholders, with a focus on political stability and good governance.