Pakistan's Nuclear Command and Control System:

In February 2000, Pakistan's military government led by General Pervez Musharraf announced the establishment of a National Command Authority (NCA) to manage Pakistan's nuclear forces. According to Pakistani government sources, the NCA is responsible for policy formulation and will "exercise employment and development control over all strategic forces and strategic organizations."

The NCA comprises an Employment Control Committee (ECC), a Development Control Committee (DCC), and a Strategic Plans Division (SPD).

The head of the Pakistani government chairs the ECC. Other members include the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, interior; the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee; the three service chiefs; the director-general of the SPD, and technical advisors as required.

The DCC controls the "development of strategic assets." The head of the Pakistani government also chairs the DCC. Other members include the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee; the three service chiefs; the director-general of the SPD; and representatives of strategic organizations and the scientific community.

The SPD acts as the secretariat for the NCA and is responsible for establishing a reliable command, control, communications, computer, and intelligence network. The SPD is located in the joint services headquarters and is led by a senior army officer.

Sources:

"National Command Authority Established," Associated Press of Pakistan, 3 February 2000