In the 75 years history of Pakistan, the PTI government unveiled the first-ever national security policy whose core focus is on economic and human security. Pakistan’s first-ever national security policy was launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan on January 14, 2022. Years of consultations to consensus building on national security policy. It’s a comprehensive policy that covers both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
National security policy seeks to shift the focus away from the military to a citizen-centric framework and aims to have economic security as its core because without stable economic security of Pakistan is impossible.
PM Imran khan congratulated the national security division for leading the effort. “Approval of Pakistan’s first national security policy is a major achievement for the government and citizens of Pakistan. we have formally placed our people and economy at the core of national security.”
The policy articulates a citizen-centric ‘comprehensive National Security’ framework for Pakistan whose ultimate purpose is to ensure the safety, security, dignity, and prosperity of our people. It recognizes both traditional and non-traditional security aspects that impinge on our national security. The Policy places economic security at the core of comprehensive national security, emphasizing a geo-economic vision to supplement the focus on geo-strategy, and recognizes that sustainable and inclusive economic growth is needed to expand our national resource pie. This will in turn allow greater availability of resources to strengthen traditional and human security. Appreciating this symbiotic relationship between economic, traditional, and human security allows the articulation of holistic policy actions that will prepare Pakistan to optimize national security outcomes in the coming decades.
The national security division (NSD) is responsible for the monitoring and implementation of national security policy. Effective and efficient implementation will require a well-coordinated, collaborative, and integrated holistic approach.NSP (2022-2026) is formed for five years but it will be evolving document because of the global fluidity and changing dynamics. Under the guidance of the National security committee(NSC) and in collaboration with the office of the national security advisor, NSD will review and recommend updates to the policy on yearly basis, when a major event that has far-reaching consequences for Pakistan’s security or when a new government is formed.
National security policy addresses national cohesion, securing our economic future, defense and territorial integrity, internal security, foreign policy in the changing world, and human security.
National cohesion:
Pakistan is committed to safeguarding its sovereignty in all its manifestations by ensuring national cohesion and harmony, preserving territorial integrity enhancing economic independence, and ensuring the writ of the state. Our guiding principle for national cohesion and harmony will remain ‘unity in diversity”. Pakistan is multi-faceted, rich, and diverse in culture and ethnicities. To promote national cohesion and harmony by fostering patriotism through national values and ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity by ensuring minorities’ rights and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, caste, creed, religion, and social standing. Ensuring unity and stability through strengthening the federal nature of Pakistan’s structure by adhering to democratic principles. Ensure cooperation between provinces and between the federation and federating units providing effective delivery of public services to bolster the state-citizen contract through good governance, devolution of power, transparency, and accountability including e-governance.
Securing our economic future:
Economic security is the core of national security. Achieve economic security and sovereignty through sustainable growth, inclusive development, and financial solvency. The economic security dimensions focus primarily on reducing three challenges.
1:External imbalance:
To tackle external imbalance long-term sustainability depends in large part on Pakistan’s ability to correct its current account deficit. This will be achieved through export lead growth and export-oriented foreign direct investment enabled by the ease of doing business as well as increasing foreign remittances.
2:Vertical inequalities:
To vertical inequalities between rich and poor, the most vulnerable citizens will continue to be provided direct support to ensure their social security. Programs like EHSAAS and panagah and other social security initiatives will ensure economic development and promote equity.
3:Horizantal inequalities:
Disparities among different regions affect livelihood and create a sense of deprivation which is ignited by sub-nationalism and it’s a threat to security. Incentivizing underdeveloped areas and regions like south Balochistan, Sindh, ex FATA and all those regions which are underdeveloped will ensure quality living standards.
Promoting such an education system that provides affordable quality education that is globally competitive and focused on knowledge creation, marketable skills, and science and technology.
The economic policies of Pakistan are shifted from geo-strategic to geo-economic location for trade and connectivity. Providing economic bases to others to prioritize equitable development initiatives that focus on uplifting our most vulnerable citizens and our least developed areas. Focusing on increasing productivity, regional connectivity, tech innovations, and improved and sustainable renewable energy sector is Pakistan’s priority.
Defense and territorial integrity:
The security of our land, air, and sea borders along with space and cyber domains is paramount. Pakistan is pursuing open and secure borders concerning ease of movement, economic activity, and linkages with overall plans for economic connectivity. The robust response of Pakistan’s military, paramilitary, and law enforcement agencies in the war on terror is commendable. Pakistan is committed to defending its territorial integrity in response to any military misadventure. Requisite conventional capabilities will be ensured through astute investment in constant modernization of our armed forces, indigenization of defense production, battlefield awareness, electronic warfare, and force multipliers will be prioritized.
Maritime security will remain critically important as the Indian ocean is fast becoming a space for contestation. Multi-directional challenges in maritime domains include cyber intrusion and surveillance of our sea lines of communications along the Indian Ocean among others. Protection of our economic zones, freedom of navigation, and protection against piracy will remain critically important.
In the age of information, the security and surveillance of communications and cyberspace are crucial aspects of defense. Cyber attacks and cyber warfare pose a new dimension to our security challenges. Investment in cyber security is essential for our cyber security to cope with emerging challenges. Hybrid warfare and disinformation against Pakistan from states and its proxies as well as from non-states. Pakistan will adopt a whole-of-nation and holistic approach to secure Pakistan through hybrid warfare. Ensure the security and privacy of government and citizens’ data while engaging effectively with the international technology ecosystem to secure the national interest of Pakistan.
Internal Security:
A stable and secure Pakistan where citizens enjoy constitutional privileges and are protected against terrorism, extremism, violent sub-nationalism, sectarianism, and organized crime.
Terrorism undermines the stability and national harmony of society. Pakistan pursues a policy of zero tolerance for terrorist groups. Pakistan fought a successful war against terrorism which is lauded by the international community. Pakistan strengthens its law enforcement agencies to eradicate terrorism. Ensure writ of the state in all parts of the country to guarantee the security of life and property of all citizens. Extremism and sectarianism pose a threat to our security because due to diverse ethnicities and sects, it’s ignited and exploited by agencies. Cooperation of clerics from all schools of thought will be elicited to expand de-radicalization programs and promote united a narrative against extremism. Pakistan has been declared poppy-free international standing. Organized crimes and their nexus with politics business and violence threaten the safety of our metropolitan cities and destroy the young demographic. Fighting these menaces with commitment is necessary to protect our citizens and ensure a safe environment for investment and business. And upholding the rule of law to provide everyone an equal opportunity for making Pakistan great.
Foreign policy in the changing world:
A balanced and adequately resourced foreign policy that reduces conflicts while protecting and advancing national interests through political and economic diplomacy. Pakistan adopts a proactive and self-confident policy approach to the world. Pakistan will not indulge in any camp politics, Pakistan believes in multilateralism. Pakistan will adopt economic diplomacy to offer economic bases to the world as geo-economic is the core of our policy. A broad-based relationship with global powers through a pragmatic and unapologetic approach based on shared convergence on strategic and economic interests. A just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a vital national security interest of Pakistan. Pakistan remains steadfast in its moral, diplomatic, political, and legal support to the people of Kashmir until they achieve their right to self-determination guaranteed by the international community as per United Nations Security Council(UNSC) resolutions.
Pakistan always stands for peace and stability in the region and the world. Pakistan wants peaceful and progressive relations based on bilateral and multilateral interests with its neighbors. minimize the potential threat, maintain diversified foreign policy options, and enhance the role of economic diplomacy in our foreign policy initiative Pakistan to improve coordination among relevant institutions on strategic communication for a united and cohesive external-facing national narrative aimed at depicting Pakistan’s reality and countering the false propaganda against Pakistan.
Human security:
Pakistan’s youth is the future of our country. Equipping them with the necessary tools and environment for their productive contribution to the nation will help leapfrog Pakistan into the future. Achieve progress towards SDGs by providing affordable healthcare, ensuring population management, promoting sustainable agriculture, equal participation of all genders, and climate-resilient development. Over half the population is below 30 years. This large demographic is both an opportunity and a challenge. A dedicated focus on youth is essential for our future progress. Pakistan’s youth bulge can help the country achieve exponential economic progress if its potential is galvanized and concentrated in productive endeavors. Developmental agenda by ensuring population management, urban planning, and equitable development of smaller cities to decrease migration towards urban cities. Health security is important for Pakistan’s security. Pakistan needs a healthy population to ensure a productive workforce.
The health sector will be empowered by a focus on surveillance of disease outbreaks, preventive healthcare, expansion, and advocacy for path-breaking “Sehat sahulat” health insurance programs to eradicate malnutrition and stunting and the introduction of technology-based policy reforms that can increase health coverage for our citizens. Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and water stress. Pakistan ranks third among the countries facing acute water shortages. Pakistan relies on surface water and annual monsoon rainfall, both of which are endangered by global warming. Pakistan’s efforts in climate change have been recognized globally. Pakistan is committed to reducing 50 percent of emissions by 2030 subject to international grant finance. Water management through building dams and mitigating climate effects to save our glaciers.
With women comprising half of Pakistan’s population, no security policy can be successful unless it adopts a gender lens to achieve peace and security. Women must be included in the decision-making process. Equally providing women and transgender persons a safe environment at home, in public spaces, and at the workplace are priorities for the country.
Pakistan is an agricultural country, agriculture remains the largest contributor to Pakistan’s gross domestic product. Feeding Pakistan’s food basket is essential. Investment in the agriculture sector through the introduction of modern farming techniques and corporate agriculture will help increase productivity and exports. Strict implementation of the national food security policy in 2018 remains critical to institutionalizing food security in the country. Promote sustainable agriculture with high yields to ensure adequate availability of affordable food.
Conclusion:
Pakistan is poised to take advantage of its geo-economically pivotal location to operate as a production, trade, investment, and connectivity hub for our region to bolster and strengthen our economy. The foremost aim of our military capability and foreign policy will remain peace and stability in the region and beyond based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. Pakistan aims to advance its vital national security interest through a whole of national approach that synergizes collective efforts toward the attainment of a prosperous and secure country that is at peace with itself and others. By embracing a comprehensive national security vision, we will forge an even more secure and prosperous Pakistan where all citizens can live with security and dignity.
