A two hours panel discussion on “Internal and External Determinants of National Security” was conducted in National Institute of Public Administration Lahore on Monday, 15^th December, 2025 for the participants of 45^th MCMC. The session brought together two distinguished professionals to examine Pakistan’s national security challenges through the lenses of governance, citizen security, and strategic environment. The discussion began with a talk by Mr. Ihsan Ghani, former Inspector General of Police and a leading expert on internal security and counterterrorism. Mr. Ghani emphasized that national security is an evolving and comprehensive concept, extending beyond territorial defense, and now included human security, economic stability, governance quality, and effective state-citizen relations. Drawing upon Pakistan’s National Security Policy (2022-2026), he highlighted that insecurity is both a cause and consequence of weak governance and poor public service delivery. He noted that terrorism, extremism, political instability, and institutional fragility create a vicious cycle that undermines state capacity. While acknowledging the gains achieved through tactical and kinetic counterterrorism measures, he stressed that sustainable security requires inclusive policymaking, institutional reform, and evidence-based governance rather than legislation without consultation.

Following this, Lt. Gen. (R) Haroon Aslam, former Corps Commander, examined the external determinants of national security. He outlined Pakistan’s regional and global security environment, focusing on geopolitics, external military threats, hybrid warfare, economic vulnerabilities, and technological change. Gen. Aslam discussed the evolving nature of conflict, where cyber threats, information warfare, economic pressure, and proxy actors increasingly complement conventional military challenges. He highlighted regional dynamies involving India and Afghanistan, as well as the influence of extra-regional powers, and emphasized that technology has become both a force multiplier and a source of new dependencies. He noted that military capability and strategic preparedness must be supported by political stability, economic resilience, and public confidence in state institutions. Weak governance, inequality, and erosion of the rule of law can significantly dilute national security outcomes.

The session concluded with a standing ovation to the esteemed panelists by the faculty and participants.