ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC), in its meeting held here Wednesday with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in chair, approved the constitution of a high-powered committee led by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to probe the issue of audio leaks.
The meeting which is the highest forum for coordination on security issues, was attended by ministers for defence, energy, information and broadcasting, interior, finance, human rights, planning, development and special initiatives, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, services chiefs, national security adviser and senior officers.
After consultation, the meeting also decided to prepare “Legal Framework” about cyber-security and in that respect directed the Ministry of Law and Justice for the preparation of legal framework.
The meeting agreed to review the security, safety and the protection of official communications in view of current changed environment of modern technology and cyberspace so as to check any interruption in the security system.
The heads of intelligence agencies (ISI, IB and others) gave a detailed briefing about the security of importance places including the PM House, cyberspace and other related aspect.
The meeting was told that investigations about the audios circulating on social media were underway. It was also told about the fool-proof security arrangements at PM House, after the identification of some aspects regarding security.
The meeting was apprised of emergency steps being taken to ensure the security of important places and buildings including the PM House and Ministries so as to avoid any such situation in future.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the high-level committee will be headed by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.
During the meeting today, the heads of the intelligence institutions gave a detailed briefing to the participants on the security of the PM’s house and other important places.
“The meeting was told that an investigation is being conducted on the issue of the audios circulating on social media. It was briefed about certain aspects related to the security of the Prime Minister’s House and the fool-proof arrangements taken to remedy them.”
The statement reads that the meeting’s participants were informed that emergency measures were being taken to ensure the security of the Prime Minister’s House and other important
places, buildings and ministries in order to “avoid any such situation in the future”.
Federal Cabinet meeting
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Flood Response and Coordination Center (NRFCC), the provincial disaster management authorities, provincial government and other relevant authorities for chalking out an immediate comprehensive strategy and taking of practical steps to drain out flood water from different districts of Sindh.
The prime minister chaired a meeting of the federal cabinet. The meeting was informed of the provision of additional water pumps by the government of France.
The prime minister and the cabinet expressed their gratitude to the French government and the French ambassador in Pakistan for the provision of pumps.
The prime minister also lauded Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety over the distribution of Rs50 billion among 2 million families under Prime Minister’s Flood Relief cash programme through Benazir Income Support Programme.
He further stressed that that cabinet should be apprised of the steps taken to resolve any future complaints during the distribution phase.
Moreover, the prime minister stressed that transparency was an important element of the flood relief cash programme which was being ensured by the federal government.
President, PM discuss country’s overall situation
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called on President Dr Arif Alvi here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday and discussed overall situation in the country.
“The overall situation of the country was discussed during the meeting,” the media wing of the President House said in a statement.
The meeting took place after the prime minister witnessed the oath-taking ceremony as President Alvi administered oath of office to Senator Ishaq Dar as federal minister.