Pakistan has formulated its first ever National Internal Security Policy (NISP) to protect national interests by addressing critical security issues as well as concerns of the nation.

It is based upon principles of mutual inclusiveness and integration of all national efforts and includes three elements viz, (i) dialogue with all stakeholders, (ii) isolation of terrorists from their support systems, (iii) enhancing deterrence and capacity of the security apparatus to neutralise the threats to internal security of Pakistan. This requires integrated efforts through an institutionalised monitoring framework under democratic leadership to elicit support and cooperation of local and international stakeholders.

The policy said that global terrorism and armed conflict in Afghanistan have changed the internal security paradigm of Pakistan. Pakistan’s economy has suffered a loss of more than $ 78 billion in last 10 years only. More than 50,000 Pakistanis, including civilian, armed forces and law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) personnel, were affected or sacrificed their lives. This challenges the resolve and resilience of people of Pakistan for peace.

The internal security environment is dominated by non-traditional threats of extremism, sectarianism, terrorism and militancy. In present form, the internal security apparatus is inadequately equipped and enormously strained to tackle these threats. This elucidates the dire need for a comprehensive and inclusive response plan, as no single state agency is capable of dealing with such threats on its own.

In its scope it said that it is critical to define the composite picture concerning threats to the national security, NISP essentially remains focused on internal security, (NIS) paradigm. However, this would be incomplete without identifying its linkages with the external diplomatic initiatives and various other dimensions of human security, in some parts of the country hostile networks have also challenged the writ of the state. Nonetheless, national security apparatus including the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is dealing with this situation under political oversight. Other, relevant state institutions will address social, economic, environmental and external security aspects.

The policy vision is to create a safe environment where life, property, civil liberties and socio-economic rights of the citizens are protected and the people of Pakistan are able to live and prosper in harmony, freedom, respect and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.

Pakistan is facing serious traditional and non-traditional threats of violent extremism, sectarianism, terrorism and militancy. This has adversely affected economic stability and social harmony and continues to instil a sense of insecurity among the people at large.

The widespread spectrum of internal threats is a critical impediment to economic development and social cohesion. Traditionally, the entire internal security apparatus acts in a reactive rather than proactive manner.