ISLAMABAD, March 17 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said it was time for Pakistan to get stronghold of national security by expanding its domain to key areas including climate change, economic stability and food security, besides focusing on military strength.
Addressing at the launch of first annual Islamabad Security Dialogue, the Prime Minister stressed the need for addressing the challenges of several non-traditional security threats confronting the general population.
“A secure State is where common people own it and believe that they have stakes in it,” he said, pointing that the goals of national security could not be achieved in an environment with handful of affluent and a sea of poor populace.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the country’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies for making the nation feel secure in tough situations particularly in the wake of 9/11.
He termed food security a big challenge for Pakistan in the coming decades and expressed concern over the unprecedented situation of importing of 4 million ton wheat in a year.
In April, he said, the government would launch a comprehensive strategy to address availability of food through accurate mapping of exact demand.
The Prime Minister on the occasion launched the National Security Advisory Portal which will take onboard thinktanks, intellectuals and security experts to give input on matters related to national security.
PM’s Special Assistant on National Security Dr Moeed Yousaf said the first ever Islamabad Security Dialogue was in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision who had pointed out about the gap between strategic thinkers and the government’s policy-makers.
He said National Security Division had developed strategies focusing on leveraging Pakistan’s economic footprint and also stressing upon a cultural shift to promote the country’s soft image abroad.
