MODERN states, whether democratic, semi-democratic or autocratic, have created multiple institutions to not only run day-to-day affairs of the state efficiently but to also respond to crises and multiple threats to its safety and security and that of its citizens.

For example, disaster management authorities have emerged as specialised institutions primarily responsible for managing natural calamities such earthquakes, floods and pandemics. Apex committees have been created in Pakistan both at the federal and provincial levels headed by the prime minister and chief ministers respectively and including the senior-most military commanders of the relevant territory to take stock of the progress against terrorism, specifically the implementation of the National Action Plan. Meanwhile, the National Counter Terrorism Authority and CT departments serve as planning and operational arms. Pakistan has also created an elaborate security architecture consisting of the National Security Committee (NSC), headed by the prime minister and assisted by the National Security Division, as its administrative and analytical secretariat.

On another plane, the Senate, National Assembly and each of the provincial assemblies independently have a range of standing committees to review the performance of the executive and to exercise oversight on the policies and actions of government institutions falling under their jurisdiction.

Hostilities in our neighbourhood began on Feb 28 when the US and Israel attacked Iran, which not only retaliated against the former two states but also targeted Arab countries. This situation has created multiple challenges for us as our economy, energy security, supply chain and diaspora are all under threat in and around these countries. Although, fortunately, Pakistani territory is safe the fallout on the economy and energy supply is expected to be enormous with profound security implications. Probably this is one of the most serious international crises directly threatening our security and well-being.

During the past one month of the crisis, the NSC has not met even once.

So far, the government has managed the crisis well. Petroleum and diesel supplies at petrol pumps are normal. No panic buying has been witnessed and the government has partly absorbed the steep rise in petrol and diesel rates. A large number of Pakistani students and others in Iran have been safely evacuated. Not only has the crisis management been commendable, the government’s diplomatic initiative to mediate between the warring parties has earned it the international community’s admiration. Despite this good performance so far, it is important that the relevant institutions created for the very purpose should participate in the effort, and also be seen to be doing so in order to win public trust. Involving these institutions in the effort will provide a cushion to the government in the unlikely case that the crisis gets out of hand and a blame game begins.

The government recently convened a meeting under the chairmanship of the president to discuss possible steps to reduce energy consumption in view of the higher cost and challenges of shipping petrol and other products to Pakistan. The provinces were also represented. Wouldn’t it be better to have called a meeting of the NSC, inviting the chief ministers on special invitation? During the past one month of the crisis, the NSC — the premier decision-making body on security matters — has not met even once. In fact, the NSC did not meet in 2024-25 — before it convened when Iran was attacked in June 2025. It seems that the trend is to use ad hoc platforms instead of established institutions. It may be useful to not only reactivate the forum of NSC but also fill capacity gaps such as analytical staff and the advisory council as originally envisaged in the NSC blueprint in 2013.

The performance of parliament and its relevant standing committees in the context of the debate on the Middle East crisis may not have been ideal but time was devoted to deliberate on the subject in both Houses. The Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, opened the debate on March 2 and spoke for about half an hour. The Senate spent some four hours listening to a policy statement and an account of the government’s peacemaking efforts from Mr Ishaq Dar, the deputy prime minister-cum-foreign minister, on March 3, followed by speeches by 12 senators representing various parties. President Asif Ali Zardari devoted considerable time to the Middle East crisis while addressing a joint sitting of parliament on March 2. The National Assembly spent two days — March 2 and 3 — to discuss the crisis. Twenty-four members from both sides of the aisle participated. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar spoke on the government’s position and its mediation efforts.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, headed by Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, took the lead in convening a meeting of the committee on March 9 and receive a briefing from the foreign ministry on the crisis. Five legislators moved an adjournment motion on March 10 to invite the attention of the foreign minister regarding the safety, security and well-being of Pakistanis particularly students in Iran during the escalation of hostilities between Iran and the US. At least 10 standing committees — five in the Senate and five in the National Assembly — dealing with foreign affairs, defence, finance, energy and overseas Pakistanis are directly relevant to the ongoing crisis and it is important that these and other relevant committees regularly meet to contribute to discussions on the resolution of the crisis through effective oversight.

Apparently, none of the mainstream political parties convened a special session of their decision-making bodies, such as working committees or central executive bodies, to discuss the crisis. If an all-parties conference could not be convened because of peak level of confrontation between the government and PTI, at least individual parties should hold meetings to voice their position on this serious crisis.

The writer is president of the Pakistan-based think tank Pildat.

president@pildat.org

X: @ABMPildat

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2026

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