Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that Pakistan’s security rests in the safety of its citizens as he launched the public version of the country’s “first-ever” National Security Policy 2022-2026 document.

The ceremony, which was held at the Prime Minister Office in Islamabad, was attended by federal ministers, National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf, parliamentarians, the chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Committee, all services chiefs, senior civil and military officials, members of academia, think tanks, media and civil society, according to an official handout.

“Any national security approach must prioritise national cohesion and the prosperity of people while guaranteeing fundamental rights and social justice without discrimination,” he said in his speech.

The premier explained the significance of his government’s initiative of producing the policy, saying it was a “major priority” of his government. The PM congratulated the team of the national security adviser for completing the task and forming a multi-dimensional policy. He also highlighted the importance of the policy’s “successful” implementation and announced that the National Security Committee (NSC) would regularly review progress.

PM Imran said the National Security Policy 2022-2026 centres on the government’s “vision, which believes that the security of Pakistan rests in the security of its citizens.”

He stressed the need for promoting delivery-based good governance in order to achieve the vast potential of the citizens.

He further said the foremost aim of the government’s foreign policy and military capability would remain peaceful in the region and beyond. “Our foreign policy will also focus much more on economic diplomacy going forward.”

PM Imran claimed that Pakistan's evolution took place in an insecure environment and as a result the country's national security was one-dimensional. He was of the view that such a mindset led Pakistan towards military security.

“Our armed forces are our pride and glue the nation together. Given the threats, we face in the region, and the growing threat of hybrid warfare, they will continue to receive even greater support and importance,” PM Imran said.

A country could not secure itself for long if its economy was not on track, he said, adding: "Security will be impacted if you have to go to the IMF after every break." PM blamed the lack of coordinated national security policy for such a situation.

"When you accept IMF conditions, somehow your security is compromised," PM Imran said and explained that security was meant by the governments had to put the burden on the people.

"The actual security of a nation is its people, who stand with the nation and safeguard the country as its stakeholders."

NSA Moeed Yusuf also spoke on the occasion and briefly explained the National Security Policy vision.

“The National Security Policy has taken a broad view of national security as both traditional and non-traditional issues impacted our security. While the National Security Policy is centred around economic security, the geo-strategic and geo-political imperatives also feature prominently to strengthen Pakistan security and standing in the world,” said Yusuf.

He highlighted how the document was finalised after “full civil-military consensus.”