National Command Authority (Pakistan)

National Command Authority (NCA)
مقتدرہِ قومی کمان
Agency overview
Formed2 February 2000 (24 years ago) (2000-02-02)[1]
Preceding agency
  • None
TypeNuclear command and control
JurisdictionGovernment of Pakistan
HeadquartersIslamabad, Pakistan
EmployeesClassified
Agency executive

The National Command Authority (NCA) is the authority responsible for safeguarding the national security of Pakistan through command, control and operational decisions regarding Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme.[2]

With Prime Minister of Pakistan being its Chairperson, the NCA maintains and enhances the control and operational effectiveness of Pakistan's nuclear weapons stockpile and serves as a policy institute regarding weapons of mass destruction in Pakistan.[2]

Established in 2000 along with its paramilitary unit, Strategic Plans Division Force, the NCA was a direct successor to the Air Force Strategic Command which was established by the then-Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Anwar Shamim in 1983.[3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Dawn1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Dawn was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference FAS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).