National Security Policy (Jan, 2022)

For 2022-26

Introduction:

National Security Policy is multi-pronged strategy for the future of Pakistan to ensure the
protection of its citizens and guard economic interests. The argument is that the nation of
Pakistan will be truly secure only if it has economic and human security alongside military
security. The NSP recognizes non-traditional security threats along with traditional security
threats. NSP have taken a citizen-centric approach to national security and placed a special
emphasis on economic security and social security. Key themes of NSP are

Background:

Since the country's inception, focus remained on military security and nothing was planned
beyond that. Traditionally, the threat to the Pakistani nation occurred at its borders,
emanating mostly from India. Hence, creating a robust military infrastructure
became a strategic imperative for Pakistan. Over time, threats to our national
security started to emerge not just from outside but also from within. The enemy could

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create conditions of political, economic or societal disorder, and thus achieve the same
purpose that it would have achieved by a direct attack but at a far lower cost. As per the
emerging threat, consensus between civil-military administration was reached upon, and
the first ever national security policy was announced on 14th Jan, 2022. The NSP
document is meant for a five-year period (2022-26) but it will be reviewed at the end of
every year. It has 110-pages 50-page short version is being published for the Public. Issues
like accountability, curriculum review, governance challenges, including
review of the 18th Constitution Amendment and future status of
Gilgit-Baltistan wasn’t publically published but shall remain classified.

Traditional vs Non-traditional security Concept:

“The traditional Security concept focuses on military security, while the new security
concept includes economic, social, environmental and cultural security dimensions besides
the narrow traditional military security, thus making it a comprehensive security concept.
Also, Traditional security concept addresses how to deal with the threat while the new
security concept stresses how the threat can be prevented from occurring.”

Excerpt from a book

“Coping with Global Environmental Change, Disasters and Security” by John Grin and others

 Examples of Non-Traditional Security Threats:

⮚ Climatic effects, like flash floods, heatwaves or drought could kill far more people
than a war would.
⮚ Infectious diseases and pandemics play havoc with a nation.
⮚ Natural disasters kill thousands.
⮚ Terrorism and violent extremism emanate from internal and external sources alike.
⮚ Disinformation campaigns demoralise a nation.
⮚ Economic coercion such as sanctions can build up serious economic pressures.

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 ⮚ Poverty, hunger and unbridled population growth are major hindrances to
sustainable development.
⮚ Cyber attacks can cripple the institutions of any state, far or near.

Key Points:
The NSP contains chapters on national cohesion (unity), economy, defence, internal
security, foreign policy and human security:

1) Foreign Policy Domain:

Equal emphasis on political and economic diplomacy, promoting peace in the
region will be top priority. Pakistan will not become part of bloc politics. Kashmir
dispute still at the core of bilateral relationship with India and Pakistan
will keep intact its moral, diplomatic, political, and legal support to the
people of Kashmir until they achieve their right to self-determination
guaranteed as per United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Pakistan
must work towards improving its ties with neighbouring states in order to minimise
the threats posed by them at the borders. Further, it has been noted that there is a
need for pro-active diplomacy aimed towards countering negative
impressions of Pakistan in the international community. The China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor is a project of national importance which will promote regional
connectivity and strengthen Pakistan’s economy. Pakistan will also strive for
broadening its ties with the US beyond the narrow concept of Counter-Terrorism
cooperation.

2) Traditional Security/Defence and Territorial Integrity:

In NSP, to ensure defence of Pakistan, the challenges posed by hybrid war and
threats to cyber security were highlighted in the policy to be tackled while also
enhancing conventional capabilities. Pakistan must work towards modernising its
military technology and safeguarding its nuclear weapons but Pakistan must avoid
engaging into an arms race. Special attention to the role of cyber security will begiven to
ensure ensuring territorial integrity.

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Border security is imperative for national security, public safety and economic success of
communities. Young Kim (South Korean Politician)

3) National Cohesion
The policy stresses upon the need for national cohesion in order to maintain security
from within through unity. The need to preserve our identity through fostering
patriotism and promoting unity amongst the various ethnic and religious groups has
been given great importance. The policy also suggests that the federal nature of Pakistan
must be strengthened and good governance must be ensured in order to make public
service responsive, which would in turn strengthen the bond between the state and
citizens. The concept of e-governance has been pointed out as a means through which
such a goal can be achieved.

"A house divided against itself cannot stand." Abraham Lincoln

4) Securing Our Economic Future

In a world where economic stability is equated with security, NSP 2022-26 has adequately
identified areas where Pakistan needs to work on. Economic growth through trade, as well as
capitalising upon the geo-economic location of Pakistan are a few areas mentioned in the
policy. Energy security through the promotion of sustainable energy resources has been
pointed out as well as the need to improve the access to quality of education, which would
serve to provide Pakistan with a skilled workforce. AI will also be focused.

5) Internal Security
Historically, the concept of security has been attached towards securing a state’s borders,
however NSP 2022-26 clearly indicates that Pakistan is cognizant of the threats from within. The
need to combat terrorism, sub-nationalism and organised crime has been argued for in the
policy. It has been suggested that the life and property of the citizen must be secure from such

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internal threats. It has also been suggested that the rule of law must be ensured through a
citizen focused justice system. Pakistan pursues a policy of zero tolerance for any groups
involved in terrorist activities on its soil

6) Human Security
In contrast to traditional security policies, NSP 2022-26 argues for the need of human
security as a means for national security. It has been suggested that the population must be
managed well in order to facilitate the improvement in quality of lives of citizens. In addition to
this, health security has been mentioned as a basic essential for security. Amid ongoing climate
change disasters, it has been pointed out that work must be done to control climate change
and ensure water security, as this could potentially prove to be far more threatening to human
life than any military threat. The need for food as well as gender security has also been given
special importance in this regard.

Current Scenario: Analyses

TTP resurgence, NSP is relevant as it focuses on internal security as well.

Economic challenges, water crisis, energy crisis, proactive foreign policy, as well
as traditional security are focused.

Article 256 of Constitution of Pakistan also prohibits private armies. “No private
organization capable of functioning as a military organization shall be formed, and any such
organization shall be illegal.

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Analysis of Strength and Weaknesses of NSP:

a)Strengths:

i. Non-Traditional Security Threats have been Identified

Climate change expert, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, argues

“ NSP has opened up space for the state apparatus to recognise non-traditional threats like
climate change and cyber warfare.”

Research indicates that Pakistan would face an acute water crisis by 2025.The need to focus on
human security as mentioned in NSP proves that the policy has been successful in identifying
such non-traditional threats.

Pakistan’s cyber space is under constant threat owing to advancements in IT made by our
neighbouring states. The cyber-attack on Iran’s petrol pumps in November 2021 (via Stuxnet
virus, created jointly by CIA and MOSSAD) illustrates how a lapse in cyber security can have
dire consequences for the security of a state. NSP 2022-26 adequately addresses this threat by
advocating the need for working on artificial intelligence in order to ensure the integrity and
defence of Pakistan’s cyber space.

Likewise, the rapid rise in population also poses a threat to the security and prosperity of
Pakistan, which would in turn threaten human security, which has been identified as a
challenged in NSP 2022-26.

ii. Identification of Economic Insecurity as a Threat

Singapore, under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, proved to the world its economic
strength despite being a city-state without much land or natural resources. It is unfortunate that
Pakistan ranks miserably low in most economic indicators. With mounting external debt,

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Pakistan’s economic sovereignty is clearly under attack. The emphasis upon securing the
economic future of Pakistan suggests that NSP has opened up the arena of defence along the
economy. NSP clearly points out that trade must be enhanced through capitalising upon the
geo-economic position of Pakistan, as well as working on securing the energy needs of Pakistan
in a sustainable manner. It has also been suggested that education security must be ensured
through better access to quality education, which would secure an bright economic future by
providing a work force equipped with the skills required to grow in the present world order.

iii. Relates Human Development with Security

The policy has been successful in relating the idea of human development with security.
For the first time ideas such as gender security and food security have been mentioned in a
national security policy. The core concept of national security is to ensure the safety and
well-being of the citizens of a state. There is no benefit of securing a state’s borders if the
safety and security of people within is at stake from internal threats. Such a citizen-centric
policy indicates that the aspirations and wishes of the common man are being respected. This
clearly reflects the idea that a state is as secure as its weakest member. Undoubtedly, the policy,
is an emboldening step that indicates a shift from the military-industrial complex of the
country from warfare to integrated welfare.

iv. Recognises Societal Factors as a Means towards Achieving Security

NSP 2022-26 has identified the role of society in security by dedicating an entire section to
national cohesion. The need to bridge gaps between ethnic and religious groups has been
elucidated in the policy document. Focused on eliminating sectariarian and sub-nationalism.

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 b) Weaknesses:
i- No Mechanism Provided for Entrenchment and Continuation of the Policy
As Political Scientist, Christopher Jaffrelot rightly points out, Pakistan has been prone to
instability and uncertainty ever since its inception, as illustrated through three coups and three
constitutions over a period of just five decades. With such dynamics in mind, it would be
difficult for any policy to see continuity. Likewise, the present NSP could face such potential
threats in times of uncertainty. NSP lacks a mechanism of entrenchment which would ensure
continuity of the policy, nor the policy empowers any state institution to ensure the continuity
of the policy.

ii- Lacks a Clear Roadmap Towards Achieving Targets and Goals

There seems to be no clear roadmap towards achieving such goals. Goals are identified but the
means to achieve them is clearly lacking. There must be a definitive path. Relevant state
institutions must be identified and assigned with tasks with a set timeline towards achieving the
goals ,similar to the manner in which the Single National Curriculum lays down a timeline.

iii- The Complexity of Non-Traditional Security Threats has not been Fully
Grasped

The concept of biological warfare, has not been mentioned as such in the policy. The outbreak
of COVID-19 exposed the nature of threats posed by viruses, which is evident when statistics are
taken into account

iv- Has Opened the Floodgates to a Range of Unanswered Questions

It is unclear as to who will assume the role of monitoring the progress of the policy. No specific
institution has been enshrined with the responsibility of ensuring the execution of the policy.
Furthermore, it is yet to be seen how the provinces will play their part in implementing the
policy. After the eighteenth amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, the provinces have
become far more powerful owing to the decentralisation of powers, which clearly suggests that
they would have to assume a key role in implementation of such polices. It is still unclear as to

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how the federation will deal with the provinces in this regard. With this the question of the
role of the Council of Common Interests emerges.

v- Fails to Empower Institutions in Addressing the Scourge of Climate

Change
Shortcomings can be observed in the manner in which it has failed to empower institutions to
combat this issue. At present, Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable state to the adverse
consequences of climate change. With the sword of climate change hanging over the entire
nation, it would not be wise to brush this issue under the carpet. In order to combat this
security threat, the policy could have enshrined certain institutions with powers required to
overcome the crisis.

Conclusion:

In short, it is indeed a commendable step for the state to release a national policy document for
the first time ever. The way in which the document has addressed non-traditional threats
alongside traditional security threats. The manner in which human development has been
mentioned is indeed remarkable as the state apparatus is recognising the role of micro-level
factors in ensuring wider security of the state. Though the strengths of the policy are indeed
praiseworthy, the weaknesses cannot be brushed aside. It is unfortunate that there seems to be
no roadmap towards achieving the goals in the policy and the absence of a timeline further
exacerbates matters. No mechanism has been devised to ensure the continuity of the policy,
which further adds to fears of the policy being unbound in times of political turmoil. Despite the
pressing nature of such issues, it would be unjust to claim that the recent policy has failed in
absolute terms. Every state policy is bound to face criticism; however this does not mean that
the state has failed. On the balance, it appears that the state has made a praiseworthy effort in
highlighting security challenges to Pakistan and has provided the institutions with a framework
within which matters of national security can be resolved.

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“Without education, we are weaker economically. Without economic power, we are weaker in
terms of national security. No great military power has ever remained so without great
economic power. “

-Jon Meacham (American Writer)

Thank You for Joining!

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