National Security and Defense

A Study of 2018 Manifestos of Pakistan’s Political1

D
efending geographical boundaries and
readiness to protect them in conventional
warfare has always been a prominent aspect
of national security. However, with emergence of
Fourth and Fifth generation warfare, national defense
and national security have become a broader subject
so much so that a well-coordinated strategy
encompassing almost all spheres of life becomes an
inevitable requirement of defense in the contemporary
world.
Along with focusing on conventional deterrence the
acquisition of nuclear weapons in 1998, and its
delivery system, Pakistan has achieved a
comprehensive nuclear deterrence, thereby averting
the chances of limited all out wars. Nevertheless, the
persistently tensed relations with India, wars in
Afghanistan continuing for the last two decades and
the presence of extra regional forces has given rise to
multiple challenges for Pakistan’s internal security in
the realm of hybrid and proxy wars.
Pakistan is the hard-hit victim of violence particularly
after 2006. Bomb blasts became frequent in the
northwest as well as major urban centers in the
country. 2 The security and law and order have thus
become a question of core importance in the national
politics. The country witnessed a relative calm after
military operations in the turbulent areas. However,
the strong network of militant organizations still made
its presence felt by periodically bombing public
places. After APS Peshawar attack, a comprehensive
National Action Plan (NAP), was chalked out with the
consensus of civil and military leadership to
completely eradicate the extremism.3 Since then, there
have been complaints of political leadership that the
plan isn’t followed in letter and spirit. The truth is,
militants still continue to successfully launch attacks,
though less frequently and more in peripheries, rather
than in core areas. The manifestos in the defense and
security perspectives are reasonably threats and
challenges oriented under the overall prevailing
environments. Following brief review highlights the
salient points.
• While addressing Defense and security the
political parties are unanimous on
strengthening, building and developing both
the conventional and unconventional
(nuclear) deterrence value of the armed forces
with a view to deter war. However, PTI is for
revisiting the need and quantum of
conventional forces in the presence of

1
This brief is part of a larger study being conducted at IPS to understand the national mood in light of the approach of various
Political Parties, participating in the elections 2018, on subjects of important issues related to the National Agenda.
2
Laura Roberts, “Pakistan: timeline of suicide bomb attacks 2007-2011”, The Telegraph, May 13 2011,
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8511518/Pakistan-timeline-of-suicide-bomb-attacks-2007-
2011.html
3
Azam Khan, “National Action Plan: ‘New criminal justice system’ proposed”, “The Express Tribune”, December 23, 2014.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/811001/national-action-plan-new-criminal-justice-system-proposed/

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 comprehensive nuclear deterrence. The party
also suggests restructuring of higher defense
organization into plenary council and
specialist group under the umbrella of
National Security Organization (NSO)
chaired by prime minister. Similarly, MQM
has said it will set up a unified command of
armed forces. (p.12). Whereas PML(N) is for
regionalization of peace and security through
a web of agreements with neighboring
countries and the strengthening of National
Security Committee (NSC).
• Majority of the parties give priority to the
resolution of Kashmir Issue according to the
spirit of UN resolutions. Mutahida Majlis e
Ammal (MMA) is for a rejuvenated and more
potent Islamic bloc and extension of help and
support to people of Kashmir, Palestine and
Rohingyas.4
• It is said that foreign policy is the exterior
façade and the outer most defense post of a
country. It is therefore quite logical that all the
political parties have laid various degrees of
emphasis on the need for an independent
foreign policy. The common grounds
amongst the manifestos are strengthening the
foreign ministry with experts in the fields of
diplomacy, international law, economy,
media and conflict resolution and
management. The structural changes be
brought to face and handle multi directional
and multi-dimensional challenges. All major
policy decisions and accords /regimes be
routed through parliament.
Peace through dialogue especially with
neighbors is yet another area of common
interests amongst the political parties.
Reciprocity and equality be the basis of
comprehensive strategic dialogue. PTI while
vows that to avoid arms race in the region, de-
weaponization, and denuclearization be
perused with India through a meaningful
strategic dialogue. Confidence building and
resolution of conflicts through dialogue has
also been emphasized in the same vein5.
4
A separate brief on Kashmir and relations with India covers specific details in this regard
5
A separate brief on the Foreign policy gives specific details of manifestos in this regard.
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Sovereignty of the country is a related subject
covered in manifestos. It has been indicated
that sovereignty will not be compromised for
the sake of security. Security apparatus be
more focused and physically poised towards
safeguarding the territorial integrity of the
country. Further, to safeguard sovereignty, a
multi directional policy be adopted to be
sovereign in decision making on the principle
of equality, mutual coexistence and non-
interference.
There seems a significant focus on internal security.
Along with that foreign policy, national sovereignty
and extremism have also been discussed under the
prism of security. They have tagged terrorism and
extremism as part of wide-ranging threat perception.
All parties while rejecting extremism have also shown
concerns regarding the root causes of extremism.
It is worth mentioning that PTI has proposed to build
an institution – A National Security Organization,
in which all stake holders can come together,
strategize and oversee a national security policy. PTI
(p.56) While PPP has said in its manifesto that it will
encourage provinces to establish their own counter
terrorism authority. (P.50)
• Emphasis has been laid on pro-active
implementation of National Action Plan
(NAP) and no use of own soil against other
countries. all of them have pledged to its
effective implementation, it seems like they
aren’t satisfied with the spirit with which it
has been followed. Political parties, especially
PPP and ANP have been complaining that
NAP hasn’t been followed in letter and spirit
and have vowed to implement it fully and
overseeing by the Parliament. While PML-N
has pledged to strengthen inter-institutional
dialogue. (p.62)
Effective implementation and
Parliamentary oversight of NAP.
(ANP-p.4)
enforce and fully implement NAP.
(PTI-p.56)
 effectively implement NAP. (MMA-
p.5 PPP-p.48)
• Emphasis has also been laid on capacity
building of NACTA, a body considered to be
vital for counter militancy operations and
policies. All major parties have pledged to
strengthen its capacity, empower and
revitalize it. PPP has intended to place it under
the authority of PM secretariat so that it can
work as coordination and command center for
all security agencies. Capacity building of
NACTA, strengthening it with integrated
intelligence coordination directorate, and
elevating its role to a secretariat level is a
common ground amongst the political
dispensation. ANP has promised to build the
capacity of NACTA as an important
institution for implementation of NAP. (p.5)
MQM has said that it will immediately
develop NACTA in consultation with Police,
bureaucracy and public representatives.
(p.12) PTI has stressed that there is a need to
overcome the NACTA logjam, and it will end
bureaucratic turf wars. (p.56) PML-N in its
manifesto has promised that it will empower
NACTA. (p.62) PPP intends for re-designing
and revitalizing NACTA, placing it under PM
secretariat. (p.49)
The role of security apparatus in fighting terrorism and
extremism is an essential element of internal security.
However, use of military instrument is not the only
option. It is to be defied with a plausible counter
narrative, identification and eradication of root causes,
establishment of writ of the state through rule of law.
• As indicated earlier, addressing the question
of militancy and extremism, some parties
have vowed to address the question at the root
cause level, i.e. eradicating the causes which
give birth to extremism and militancy, while
others have promised to take action against
those who refuse to lay arms. PPP has
promised in its manifesto that it will chalk out
a streamlined and cohesive National Security
Strategy, and uniformly apply it in all the
provinces. While MMA has pledged to
disrupt and uproot the spy networks of hostile
intelligence agencies, operating in the
country. (p.5). MQM states in its manifesto
says that weapon free Pakistan is a core part
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of their national security program. MQM has
also refered to a bill that it presented in 2011
to prevent sell, buying, smuggling and
exhibition of arms. PML- has vowed to
conduct research to understand the root
causes of extremism, to find solutions. (p.62)
Following excerpts present the specific
points.
MQM has promised addressing the
root causes of terrorism-poverty,
religious extremism, and unjust
policies. P.12
MQM has also vowed a complete
deweaponization of Pakistan. Stating
Weapons free Pakistan, their main
agenda regarding national security.
P.12
PPP says it will have Zero-tolerance
policy towards extremism. (P.48)
While PTI has promised to expose
links between active and passive
terrorist and win the latter to isolate
the hardcore elements. (p.56)
PTI says for a joint military-civilian
action against those who refuse to lay
arms when the passive extremists are
separated from the hardcore lot.
(p.56)
PML-N has said that it will take
initiative to rehabilitate and
mainstream recruits of militant
organizations through social welfare
programs. (p.62)
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Police is the
primary security force inside the country,
hence the most important civil force. There
are different proposals regarding the reforms
in Law Enforcement Agencies. ANP, as part
of the transformation of the local security
forces in the tribal region, has vowed to
transform them into local Police force. ANP
(p.5) Other parties have not given program
regarding the existing paramilitary force in
tribal area. There have been debates over the
political influence put upon the force by the
ruling parties and using it for political
interests. Another debate has been the use of
 armed forces’ personal for maintaining law
and order. ANP while discussing about the
check posts has promised that all check posts
will be handed over to the civilian Police
force, alongside enhancing their capacity.
(p.5) PPP has pledged to enhance the
autonomy, intelligence and capacity of police
force. And make police more alert, responsive
and effective. PPP (p.50) PPP has also said
that it will enhance coordination between
different institutions, to effectively identify
and target the criminals, and in this regard will
set-up Close interaction of NADRA with
Police. (p.50) MQM has pledged for ensuring
independence of LEAs from political control.
(p.12) It also promises that it will build a self-
reliant Police Service. MQM (p.13) PML-N
in its manifesto has mentioned that it will
reform the Police through smart policing and
community policing. PMLN (p.62
• Vibrant criminal investigation system and
judicial application of state laws are the soft
tools to erase extremism from the society. In
this context Speedy and just trial of
criminals involved in terrorist activities has
also remained an area of concern, because of
threats to the judiciary and security of
witnesses and prosecutors. Political parties
have also shed light on it. Realizing the
importance of the issue there are also
promises of developing prosecution and
judicial infrastructure. MQM says it will
bring meaningful changes in judicial and
prosecution system. (p.13) MMA promised
that it will ensure effective role of judiciary in
establishing law and order. (p.5) PML-N has
said that it will reorient Criminal prosecution
system to make it people centric. (p.62) PPP
has promised to strengthen infrastructure
related to prosecution and adjudicating
terrorists and extremist acts. PPP (p.49)
• The political parties’ manifestos are also
emphasizing on the need for safety and
security of all citizens. PPP, ANP and MQM
have largely dovetailed security with rule of
law, human rights, reemphasized writ of the
state and judicious use of force under the
overall civilian government supremacy. PPP
advocates establishment of provincial counter
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terrorism authorities, victim support program,
rehabilitation of displaced people, capacity
building of paramilitary forces and police-
besides revamping of criminal investigation
system and avoidance of injustice through
military courts. (PPP P.50) To them, forced
disappearance, extra judicial killings, torture,
confessions under duress and excessive use of
force amount to the negation of rule of law
and are counterproductive towards
eradicating the menace of militancy. (PPP.
P.49) At the human rights plinth PPP is for
abolishing death penalty and ANP is for
removal of military check posts, clearance of
mines and trial of criminals with due access to
fair trial. (ANP p.22) The conviction be
routed through due process of law.
Rehabilitation rather than execution will
mitigate grievances against the state and
reduce extremism.
While the above review suggests a reasonably close
understanding of the issues and approaches to be
adopted there are some other relevant security related
areas which have been either not addressed or have
very little indication by political parties in their
respective manifestos. The following aspects of
defense and security policy warrants due attention and
emphasis.
• There is a notion that certain institutions are
stronger than the constitution. The narrative
that army is the only institution that holds and
binds Pakistan together as a nation state
further reinforces this notion. It gives strength
to the idea that Pakistan comes first and then
its constitution. Whereas, in the modern
statecraft every institution is essential and
dedicated to perform its function within the
parameters in the constitution. There is a need
to revisit the existing state institutions and
make them efficient enough to perform their
functions. The country is run through these
energetic inputs and efforts of all state
institutions. The notion of institution versus
constitution is detrimental to the existence of
a modern nation state.
• The country is nowadays in the center of the
hybrid war with many of its facets fall in the
domain of gray zone. Cyber warfare, media
blitz, social media onslaught, hostile
 narratives, linear warfare, disinformation,
rumors and subtle mask propaganda are tools
of hybrid war at the disposal of enemy and
hostile intelligence agencies.
• An important target of the hybrid war is
Pakistani youth. Pakistan is a home to a huge
above 60% youth, 6 who are using smart
phones, internet and many such
tablets/devices. This bulging youth is a soft
target and their mindset, values, sense of
direction, culture social and religious
bondages can be manipulated, distorted and
shaped by subtle doses through social media7.
• Cyber-attacks on NADRA, stock market
banking system and networking of state and
private institution could lead to colossal loss
with dangerous consequences through data,
accounts and information manipulation. More
so the hackers can cause disruption in vital
national networking and penetrate otherwise
secure links and codes with a view to cause
chaos, disenchantment and social strife and
panic syndromes.
Looking at the political parties’ manifestos, it is
evident that political parties have consensus on the
vital elements of the national security and have
vowed to further enhance their capacity.
However, there have been instances in the past
when the core issues of national security were put
at stake because of some short-lived political
interests. Sometimes, an important decision
regarding security is kept in the backyard because
of the fear of losing political support. Therefore,
the test for the political parties is to put forward
and give top priority to national security, while
taking all stakeholders on board. The political or
institutional compulsions and vested interests be
set aside in the pursuance of overall objectives of
defense and security policy. War in any form or
manifestation is not a project or enterprise to be
outsourced to an institution, political party or
private contractors. The new adage is that defense
and security is a serious business and not to be left
alone to the generals or politicians but to the
nation state.

Prepared by:
Brig. (Retd) Said Nazir
Senior Research Associate
& Bakht Noor
Trainee Research Coordinator
Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad.

For queries:
Syed Nadeem Farhat
Senior Research Coordinator
nadeem@ips.net.pk | www.ips.org.pk

6
UNDP Pakistan,
http://www.pk.undp.org/content/pakistan/en/home/operations/projects/crisis_prevention_and_recovery/youth-
empowerment-programme.html
7
A separate brief discusses the agendas given for Youth. The points covered in the agendas are quite comprehensive vis a
vis economic and development aspects yet the dimension indicated here is largely missing.

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