Pakistan’s National Security Policy (NSP), unveiled in 2022, marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to national security. Traditionally focused on military and defense, the NSP now adopts a more comprehensive framework, emphasizing economic security, human security, and non-traditional threats.

Below is a review of the policy’s strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for improvement.

Strengths of the NSP

1. Comprehensive Approach:

– The NSP expands the definition of national security beyond military concerns to include economic stability, food security, climate change, and public health. This holistic approach aligns with modern security paradigms.

2. Economic Security as a Priority:

– The policy identifies economic stability as the core of national security, recognizing that economic vulnerabilities can undermine sovereignty and resilience. It emphasizes the need for sustainable growth, job creation, and reducing external debt.

3. Focus on Human Security:

– By addressing issues like poverty, education, and healthcare, the NSP acknowledges that the well-being of citizens is integral to national security. This shift reflects a people-centric approach.

4. Regional Connectivity:

– The NSP highlights the importance of regional connectivity, particularly through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to enhance economic and strategic ties.

5. Non-Traditional Threats:

– The policy addresses emerging challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and cyber threats, which are critical for Pakistan’s long-term security Weaknesses and Challenges

1. Implementation Challenges:

– While the NSP outlines ambitious goals, its success depends on effective implementation. Pakistan’s history of policy fragmentation and bureaucratic inefficiencies could hinder progress.

2. Overemphasis on Traditional Threats:

– Despite its broader focus, the NSP still prioritizes traditional threats like India and Afghanistan. This could divert attention and resources from non-traditional challenges.

3. Economic Dependence:

– The policy does not adequately address Pakistan’s reliance on external financial assistance, which undermines its economic sovereignty.

4. Internal Security Issues:

– While the NSP mentions internal security, it lacks a detailed strategy to address terrorism, sectarian violence, and political instability.

5. Climate Change Mitigation:

– Although climate change is recognized as a threat, the policy lacks concrete measures to mitigate its impact, such as investment in renewable energy and disaster management.

Suggestions for Improvement

1. Strengthen Institutional Capacity:

– Establish a dedicated implementation body to oversee the NSP’s execution, ensuring coordination

among federal and provincial governments.

2. Economic Reforms:

– Focus on reducing reliance on external debt by promoting domestic industries, improving tax

collection, and attracting foreign investment.

3. Internal Security Strategy:

– Develop a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy that addresses root causes such as poverty,

radicalization, and weak governance.

4. Climate Action Plan:

– Integrate climate change mitigation into national development plans, with specific targets for renewable energy adoption and water resource management.

5. Regional Diplomacy:

– Enhance diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts with India and Afghanistan, reducing the focus on traditional threats and fostering regional stability.

6. Public Awareness and Participation:

– Engage civil society, academia, and the private sector in the implementation of the NSP to ensure inclusivity and public support.

7. Cybersecurity Framework:

– Develop a robust cybersecurity strategy to protect critical infrastructure and counter cyber threats. 

Own Analysis

Pakistan’s NSP represents a paradigm shift in its security thinking, moving from a narrow military focus to a broader, more inclusive framework. However, the policy’s success hinges on its implementation, which requires political will, institutional reform, and public support. While the emphasis on economic security is commendable, the policy must address internal challenges such as governance, corruption, and political instability to achieve its objectives.

Additionally, Pakistan must balance its traditional security concerns with emerging threats like climate change and cyber warfare to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.

In conclusion, the NSP is a step in the right direction, but its effectiveness will depend on Pakistan’s ability to translate its vision into actionable and sustainable policies.

Linking Pakistan’s National Security Policy (NSP) with the Current Security Situation. Pakistan’s current security situation is complex, with a mix of traditional and non-traditional threats. The

National Security Policy (NSP), unveiled in 2022, provides a framework to address these challenges, but its relevance and effectiveness must be assessed in light of recent developments. Below is an analysis of how the NSP aligns with Pakistan’s current security dynamics. 

Traditional Security Threats

Current Situation:

– India-Pakistan Tensions: Relations with India remain strained, particularly over Kashmir. Ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and India’s revocation of Article 370 in 2019 continue to fuel tensions.

– Afghanistan Instability: The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan has created uncertainty, with concerns about cross-border terrorism, refugee influxes, and the potential for militant groups to regroup.

NSP Link:

– The NSP emphasizes the need for peaceful coexistence with India and Afghanistan while

maintaining a strong defense posture. However, the policy’s success in reducing traditional threats depends on diplomatic engagement and confidence-building measures, which have seen limited progress.

Suggestions

– Strengthen diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions with India, particularly on Kashmir.

– Enhance border security and intelligence-sharing with Afghanistan to prevent cross-border militancy.

2. Economic Security 

Current Situation:

– Pakistan faces a severe economic crisis, with high inflation, dwindling foreign reserves, and a growing debt burden. The country is heavily reliant on external financial assistance from institutions like the IMF and friendly nations like China and Saudi Arabia.

NSP Link:

– The NSP identifies economic security as the cornerstone of national security, emphasizing self

reliance, sustainable growth, and reducing external debt. However, the current economic situation highlights the gap between policy goals and ground realities.

Suggestions:

– Implement structural reforms to improve tax collection, reduce corruption, and promote exports.

– Diversify economic partnerships to reduce dependence on a few countries or institutions.

3. Internal Security

Current Situation:

– Terrorism: Groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatists continue to pose significant threats. Recent attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan underscore the

persistent challenge of militancy. 

– Political Instability

Political polarization and governance issues have weakened state institutions, creating an environment conducive to unrest.

NSP Link:

– The NSP acknowledges internal security challenges but lacks a detailed strategy to address them. It emphasizes the need for counter-terrorism efforts and good governance but does not provide a clear roadmap.

Suggestions:

– Develop a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy that addresses root causes such as poverty, radicalization, and weak governance.- Strengthen law enforcement agencies and improve coordination between federal and provincial authorities.

4. Non-Traditional Threats

Current Situation:

– Climate Change: Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, with frequent floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The 2022 floods, which affected 33 million people, highlighted the urgent need for climate resilience.

– Water Scarcity: Rapid population growth and poor water management have exacerbated water shortages, threatening agriculture and livelihoods.

– Cybersecurity: Increasing digitization has exposed Pakistan to cyber threats, including attacks on critical infrastructure and financial systems.

NSP Link:

– The NSP recognizes non-traditional threats like climate change, water scarcity, and cyber threats as critical to national security. However, the policy lacks concrete measures to address these challenges.

Suggestions:

– Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster management systems.

– Develop a national water policy to improve water management and conservation.

– Establish a robust cybersecurity framework to protect critical infrastructure and data.

5. Regional Connectivity
   Current Situation:

– Pakistan’s regional connectivity initiatives, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), face challenges due to security concerns, political instability, and delays in implementation. NSP Link:- The NSP highlights the importance of regional connectivity for economic growth and strategic stability. However, the current security situation and governance issues have hindered progress.

Suggestions:

– Enhance security for CPEC projects to attract foreign investment.

– Improve governance and transparency to ensure timely implementation of connectivity projects.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s current security situation underscores the relevance of the NSP’s comprehensive approach, which addresses both traditional and non-traditional threats.

However, the policy’s effectiveness depends on its implementation, which requires political will,

institutional reform, and public support. To address the current challenges, Pakistan must prioritize economic stability, internal security, and climate resilience while fostering regional cooperation and diplomacy. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, Pakistan can achieve its national security objectives and ensure long-term stability and prosperity.