Скачать или смотреть Uncovering Pakistan's Evolving Security Strategy

*Headline:* Pakistan's Shifting Security Horizon

Good evening. **Pakistan is redefining its national security, articulating a strategy that reaches far beyond traditional military concerns**. The country's National Security Policy for 2022 to 2026 introduces a "Comprehensive National Security" concept with a significant focus on the citizen. This approach explicitly acknowledges that national security is shaped by a combination of both conventional and non-conventional challenges and opportunities.

Central to this new vision is **economic security**. Addressing economic challenges, such as external imbalance, is recognized as crucial, requiring measures to boost foreign currency inflows and manage budget deficits sustainably [Relevant to source, inferred from discussion of economic centrality]. Creating sufficient job opportunities for a growing workforce is also highlighted as essential [Inferred from economic growth need]. Historically, the economy has faced instability, partly due to reliance on geopolitical considerations rather than organic growth. Furthermore, the military's substantial economic interests are noted as a factor in the national landscape.

The policy also significantly elevates the importance of **human security**. This includes tackling pressing issues such as widespread poverty, preparedness for future pandemics, societal violence, increasing water scarcity, environmental degradation, and rapid population growth. Sources indicate that human insecurity in areas like hunger, underdevelopment, lack of educational opportunities, and discrimination has reached "catastrophic proportions". Overpopulation, in particular, is seen as a major contributor to economic, social, and demographic difficulties.

On the *internal security* front, the focus extends beyond terrorism to encompass deeper societal challenges. Terrorism is understood as a tool used to undermine societal cohesion, often linked to structural issues and feelings of deprivation. The nation faces internal peace challenges stemming from political unrest, social discord, economic instability, and deficiencies in the rule of law [Relevant to source, inferred from listing challenges]. An increase in societal violence, including crimes like homicide, robbery, and fraud, is linked to rising costs and inflation. The policy also acknowledges identity and cultural challenges, noting that disruptive external influences attempt to create divisions along racial, religious, and socioeconomic lines, threatening national cohesion. Sectarian and extremist organizations are explicitly identified as security challenges. The historical formation of national identity, partly defined as "Islamic not-India," and reliance on conservative religious elements have contributed to sectarian and fundamentalist divisions. Additionally, dissatisfaction among ethnic groups, including Pashtuns and Balochis, involving separatist movements, poses further challenges to internal stability.

Effective governance is seen as constrained by factors such as political apathy, a lack of leadership, and inadequate administration. The military's prominent role in running the country, with the civilian government providing a "veneer of democracy," is also noted.

Emerging risks include **cyber and information security**, with vulnerability arising from reliance on imported communication hardware and software, potentially allowing foreign agencies to monitor government communications.

This shift towards a broader security definition marks a clear change from Pakistan's historical emphasis primarily on military and defense. However, the success of this comprehensive approach in navigating the country's complex political landscape and ensuring consistent implementation across various government sectors remains a key challenge.