Rethinking Pakistan’s security paradigm

Pakistan must shift focus from traditional security to address climate, economic, and social challenges.

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ISLAMABAD:

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, Pakistan’s approach to security remains steeped in conventional military priorities. While traditional security concerns such as sovereignty, territorial defense, and military preparedness are undeniably crucial, an over-reliance on these frameworks risks undermining the country's ability to address an array of emerging non-traditional threats that are equally pressing.

Historically, Pakistan’s security narrative has revolved around its rivalry with India, particularly over Kashmir. Decades of hostility, from the wars of 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999 to the ongoing tensions post-revocation of Article 370, have justified significant allocations of resources to military buildup. Nuclear deterrence, extensive defense budgets, and modernization of military infrastructure have remained cornerstones of Pakistan’s national strategy.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has added economic security to this framework, emphasizing the protection of trade routes and infrastructure.

However, this traditional security model, while essential, is insufficient in addressing Pakistan’s broader vulnerabilities. Non-traditional threats such as climate change, economic instability, water scarcity, cyber threats, and public health crises present existential risks that cannot be countered through military might alone.

The catastrophic floods of 2022 served as a stark reminder of the country’s environmental fragility. Millions were displaced, and the economic losses were staggering, yet national responses to climate resilience remain ad hoc at best. Similarly, the unchecked population growth, failing education systems, and widespread food insecurity paint a grim picture of Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape. These issues are compounded by weak governance and a lack of cohesive national policies aimed at long-term resilience.

Terrorism, once viewed as Pakistan’s foremost non-traditional security challenge, continues to haunt the nation. Despite military successes like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, the resurgence of extremism and the emergence of cyber warfare demand strategies that go beyond kinetic solutions. The economic toll of the war on terror, exceeding $200 billion, highlights the unsustainability of a solely militarized approach.

The fundamental issue lies in Pakistan’s inability—or unwillingness—to bridge the gap between traditional and non-traditional security frameworks. While policymakers and institutions prioritize defense against external threats, internal vulnerabilities are left to fester. This imbalance not only threatens Pakistan’s stability but also undermines its potential to emerge as a resilient state capable of meeting 21st-century challenges.

Pakistan’s geopolitical positioning is both a blessing and a curse. Its relations with China offer economic opportunities, but reliance on external partnerships cannot substitute for robust internal policy frameworks. The growing influence of India and the US in the region further complicates strategic calculations, but these external challenges should not overshadow domestic crises.

General Asim Munir’s assertion of Pakistan’s resolve to counter both traditional and non-traditional threats sends a clear message of intent. However, intent must translate into action, and action requires a paradigm shift. Pakistan must reallocate resources from its bloated defense budget to invest in education, climate resilience, and technological advancement. Policymakers must adopt a proactive, integrated approach that prioritizes sustainability alongside security.

The failure to address non-traditional threats is not merely a policy oversight; it is a structural flaw in Pakistan’s security doctrine. By clinging to an outdated framework, the country risks remaining trapped in a cycle of reactionary policies that fail to address root causes. A comprehensive security approach—one that equally prioritizes human development, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation—is not just desirable; it is essential for Pakistan’s survival in an interconnected world.

The road ahead demands political will, institutional reform, and a commitment to long-term thinking. Without these, Pakistan’s security narrative will remain incomplete, leaving the nation vulnerable to crises that no amount of military might can resolve. It is time for Pakistan to rethink its priorities and embrace a security paradigm that safeguards its people, environment, and future.

Shazia Mehboob is a PhD scholar and a visiting faculty member. She is also a freelance journalist and the founder of The PenPK.com. You can follow her on Twitter @thepenpk.