Who Matters in Today’s Pakistan? Here are Those Shaping its Posture Against India

Pakistan’s response to rising tensions with India is shaped by many powerful actors, with the army chief and prime minister at the core, supported by numerous other institutions and individuals that collectively define its crisis posture. They are defined by their institutional context and current leadership. These stakeholders – individuals and institutions – collectively shape Pakistan’s response to the current crisis with India, each bringing distinct perspectives to and influence on its decision-making process.

Army Chief General Asim Munir

General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, wields significant influence over the country’s security and foreign policy, especially during crises with India. Munir’s recent statements on Kashmir have been belligerent, reinforcing the military’s traditional stance and signaling readiness to respond to any Indian military action.

The army’s credibility and morale are being tested amid rising public dissent and internal security challenges. Munir’s actions and rhetoric are closely watched both domestically and internationally, as the military remains the most powerful institution in Pakistan and a key player in shaping Islamabad’s approach to the India standoff.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is supposedly at the forefront of Pakistan’s response to the escalating crisis with India. He serves at the pleasure of the Pakistan army, as the most popular Pakistani politician, Imran Khan remains behind bars while Shehbaz’s elder brother, former PM Nawaz Sharif is pushed into semi-retirement. As the country’s chief executive, Sharif has convened emergency meetings of the National Security Committee and coordinated with cabinet ministers to formulate a unified stance.

He has appealed to the United Nations for intervention and urged restraint from all parties, while also rejecting India’s allegations linking Pakistan to the recent Kashmir attack. Sharif’s leadership is under close scrutiny, with domestic and international observers watching how he balances diplomatic outreach, and internal security, amid mounting public pressure for a robust response.

National Security Committee (NSC)

The National Security Committee, comprising top civilian and military leaders, is Pakistan’s principal decision-making body during national security crises. The NSC has met repeatedly since the Pahalgam attack, coordinating responses across diplomatic, military and intelligence domains. Its deliberations shape the government’s official stance, guide military deployments, and determine the scope of diplomatic engagement with India and international actors. The NSC’s role is crucial in ensuring a unified and coherent response to the rapidly evolving situation and in maintaining internal stability during external threats.

General Headquarters (GHQ) and Corps Commanders

The GHQ in Rawalpindi is the nerve center of Pakistan’s military operations and strategic planning. The Corps Commanders’ Conference, chaired by General Munir, is a critical forum where top military leaders assess threats, review the security landscape and decide on responses to Indian actions. These meetings set the military’s posture, coordinate deployments along the Line of Control and shape national security policy. The Corps Commanders’ collective influence ensures that the military’s institutional interests and perspectives dominate Pakistan’s crisis response, often eclipsing civilian inputs.

National Command Authority (NCA) and Strategic Plans Division (SPD)

Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is controlled by the National Command Authority, chaired by the prime minister but with strong military representation, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chiefs of the army, air force, and navy, the DG ISI and key cabinet ministers. The NCA is responsible for all policy, deployment, and employment decisions regarding nuclear weapons.

Its secretariat, the Strategic Plans Division, is headed by a senior military officer (currently Lt. General Yusuf Jamal) and manages the operational security, deployment and technical oversight of Pakistan’s nuclear forces. In practice, while civilian leaders formally chair the NCA, the military – through the army chief, SPD, and Corps Commanders – retains decisive influence over nuclear policy and use, especially during crises.

Director-General, Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) Lt. General Muhammad Asim Malik

Lt. General Muhammad Asim Malik serves as DG ISI, as the head of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency and one of the country’s most powerful security figures. The ISI plays a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s security, foreign policy, and crisis response, especially in times of heightened tension with India.

It is deeply involved in intelligence assessments, covert operations and strategic planning, and its DG is a permanent member of the National Security Council and the National Command Authority (NCA), which oversees nuclear policy. The DG ISI’s influence often extends into domestic politics and civil-military relations, making this office a central player in any national crisis.

Finance Minister Muhammed Aurangazeb

Muhammed Aurangazeb, a former Pakistani banker as the finance minister plays a vital role in crisis management, especially given Pakistan’s economic vulnerabilities in recent years and its dependency on multilateral loans. Economic stability is crucial for sustaining military readiness and managing the fallout from diplomatic or military escalation.

As finance minister, Aurangazeb is responsible for ensuring resources for defence, managing international financial relations and reassuring markets and donors during periods of uncertainty. Economic constraints often limit Pakistan’s options in prolonged standoffs with India, making the finance minister’s input essential in shaping both the rhetoric and reality of the country’s response.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar

Pakistan’s foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who also serves as deputy prime minister, leads diplomatic outreach to allies, international organisations and the United Nations. His ministry coordinates with embassies and high commissions to build support, to counter India’s narrative and seek mediation or intervention from global powers.

Diplomats are tasked with explaining Pakistan’s position, lobbying for international restraint and managing the country’s much-damaged image abroad. Dar’s statements and engagements, such as recent calls with China, signal Pakistan’s approach and priorities to the world.

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