Security threats

There is no denying the fact that Pakistan faces a complex array of modern challenges to its national security. It encompasses both traditional and non-traditional threats. Traditional security threats include terrorism and extremism, which continue to pose significant risks despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts. Non-traditional security threats are equally pressing. Economic insecurity, characterized by high inflation, unemployment, and a large informal economy, undermines national stability. These economic challenges are exacerbated by external debt and dependency on foreign aid. Climate change poses a severe threat, with Pakistan being highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which threaten food and water security, displace populations, and strain resources.

Cybersecurity is another critical area, with increasing reliance on digital infrastructure exposing the country to cyber threats, including espionage, hacking, and misinformation campaigns that can disrupt critical infrastructure and erode public trust in institutions. Health crises, as highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic, reveal vulnerabilities in the healthcare system that could similarly strain resources and impact national security. To address these multifaceted challenges, Pakistan’s National Security Policy (NSP) 2022-2026 calls for strengthening institutions, enhancing governance, and fostering inclusive development to build resilience against both traditional and non-traditional threats.

Umair Aslam Muhammadi

Karachi