NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY OF PAKISTAN 2022

• Security of Pakistan rests in the security of its citizens.

• Symbiotic relationship between economic, human, and traditional security is
now imperative for Pakistan’s long-term development.
• Means of expanding economic resources such that Pakistan can
simultaneously strengthen its traditional and non-traditional security.
• The most prudent approach is to keep economic security at the core, and
judiciously transfer the dividends of a strong economy to further strengthen our defence
and human security.
• The Policy conveys a clear and bold vision, emphasising a geo-economic
paradigm that supplements our geo-strategic approach, laying down a broad
roadmap on how to actualise the chosen path.
• It recognises 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, emphasising a geo-economic vision to supplement the focus on geo-strategy,
and recognises that sustainable and inclusive economic growth is needed to expand our
national resource pie. (repetition of imp of economy….is there a crisis sit ?)
• Pakistan’s location at the cross-roads of historic confluence and regional
flashpoints provides unique opportunities amidst global competition for power.

Chapter 1: National Security Framework

• Vison. Pakistan is envisioned as an Islamic welfare state, internationally relevant

and aligned with universal principles of justice, equality, and tolerance .
• Our guiding principle for national cohesion and harmony will remain ‘unity in
diversity’.
• It recognises the interconnectedness of traditional and non-traditional
elements of national security and proposes a whole-of-government approach to
charting a cohesive, unified, and responsive security policy for the coming decades.
• Traditional security imperatives have been compounded by emerging non-
traditional security challenges.
• Terrorism and growing conventional force differential in the region have
heightened threat perceptions
• Enhancing economic independence, and ensuring the writ of the state.
• Territorial integrity in land, air, and sea, as well as the space and cyber
domains will be achieved through defence, deterrence, astute diplomacy, and the
building of robust space and cyber capabilities.
• Economic security as the core element of national security.
• Reduce external economic dependency,
• Recognising that traditional and non-traditional aspects of national security must
be linked through a symbiotic relationship.
• The imperative of further enhancing economic security in the medium term
to ensure comprehensive security in the long term.
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• Pakistan’s national security challenges into opportunities requires a whole- of-

government approach where all organs of the state work in close coordination to
tackle increasingly complex and cross-cutting issues.
• Breaking silos and moving towards inter-departmental synergy
• Pursing vital national security interests unapologetically will be a
cornerstone of our approach ( repeated a No of times)
• Pragmatic approach that privileges national interests over emotive policy
making.
• fluid global environment, fast-changing geo-political realities will inevitably
throw up new opportunities and challenges.
• Identify and capitalise on these opportunities and mitigate any threats. (Pt
repeated…What is the opportunity they are looking at)
• The country can ill-afford policy reversals or changing interest in the
implementation of agreed major policy directions.

Chapter 2: National Cohesion

• Divisive discourse around ethnic, religious, and social differences is a

concern, exacerbated by disruptive external support that aims to undermine national
cohesion and incite disharmony on issues of identity.
• Socio-economic inequalities make cohesion more challenging by exacerbating
societal fault lines.
• Greater effort to further address socio-economic inequalities between the
haves and have-nots is essential for fostering national cohesion.
• Existing division of responsibilities between provincial and local governments can
be improved through more empowered and responsive governance at district and lower
levels.
• Ensure harmony among federating units and the territories of Gilgit-Baltistan
and Azad Jammu and Kashmir through prudent policy
• The economic security dimension of the National Security Policy focuses
primarily on reducing three challenges for national security emanating from the
economic sphere: external imbalance, vertical inequalities, and horizontal
inequalities……Main concern

Chapter 3: Securing our Economic future

External Imbalance
• This imbalance emanates from consistently higher foreign exchange outflows as
compared to inflows.
• Long-term sustainability depends in large part on Pakistan’s ability to correct its
current account deficit.
• The first axis of inequity is socio-economic inequality manifested in the gap
between the rich and the poor. Such inequality, which can be a result of market forces
or inequitable economic policies, can have a disruptive effect by way of social
unrest and political instability. Equitable economic development is therefore a
national security priority
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• Policies designed to promote equity will enhance social cohesion and reduce
internal conflicts in the long term, while automatically strengthening the human security
pillar of comprehensive national security.
• Removing disparities in economic development between various regions of
the country is also a key national security priority.
• Disparities in prosperity and opportunity between regions have been used by
sub-nationalist elements to generate a narrative of grievance based on under-
development in their regions.
• These inequalities have also precipitated growing migration to urban centres,
created imbalances in local economies, and directly affected livelihoods.
• Pakistan’s economic resilience is demonstrated by a positive growth trajectory
and vibrant economy despite political uncertainty and security challenges
• As Pakistan supplements its geo-strategic focus with an added emphasis on geo-
economics, it envisions itself as a melting pot of global economic interests offering
economic bases to its partner countries for development partnerships…(Repeated a No
of times in the document)
• Pakistan’s prized geo-economic location provides a unique opportunity
through north-south and east-west connectivity for South and Central Asia, the Middle
East, and Africa.
• Westward connectivity is also a significant driver for Pakistan’s continued
push for regional peace and stability in Afghanistan, which is ever more important given
that eastward connectivity is held hostage to India’s regressive approach.
• The China Pakistan Economic Corridor and other connectivity initiatives
provide an opportunity to expand our export and industrial base while building
rewarding economic relationships in our wider region.
• Equally, Pakistan’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone and coastline present
unexplored opportunities for trade connectivity, natural resource exploration, and
wealth generation
• Sustained fiscal deficits have resulted in mounting public debt
• Public debt remains at a sustainable level while increasing the government’s
ability to generate revenues through a transparent, responsive, and progressive tax
regime.
• Circular debt remains a critical sectoral challenge.
• Together with prioritising investments in hydropower projects, the country’s share
of clean energy should reach 60 per cent by 2030.
• In the future, the country will maximise energy production based on indigenous
resources, including through a renewed focus on indigenous onshore and offshore
energy exploration.
• Increasing oil and gas storage capacity..(strategic reserve ?) to meet
emergency demand and provide a buffer against global energy market shocks is also
necessary.
• Many of the existing jobs in our region will become obsolete in the coming
three decades
• Ensuring employment at home and abroad for the labour force will depend
on their access to quality education and skills that prepare them for a competitive global
market.
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• To ensure that Pakistan is a net knowledge creator in AI and its related fields, a
dedicated effort towards supporting AI education, research initiatives, and start-ups will
be undertaken to build sufficient public and private capacity to take Pakistan into a
new technological era.
• A globally competitive workforce, especially in the skilled and semi-skilled
categories, will help create opportunities for citizens abroad.
• Pakistan is one of the most populous countries of the world and the second
largest manpower exporting country in South Asia – a region projected to house one-
fourth of all global labour by 2030.
• Increasing the sustainability of remittance inflows…( seems to be an imp
consideration)
• Channelise Pakistan’s geo-economic location for trade and
connectivity……..How?
• Prepare Pakistan for the Fourth Industrial Revolution as a knowledge creator.

Chapter 4: Securing Our Borders

• The security of our land, air, and sea borders along with space and cyber
domains is paramount.
• Pakistan is pursuing ‘open and secure borders’ with respect to ease of
movement, economic activity, and linkages with overall plans for economic connectivity.
• The recent war against terrorism has highlighted the role of military, paramilitary,
and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). LEAs have taken on an expanded role in
urban cities and far-flung rural areas……Release regular tps?..implications
• Focused attention will be given to the training and modernisation of our
paramilitary forces to meet requirements of border security in the coming decades.
• Equally, Pakistan will strengthen its aviation security protocols and expand
maritime surveillance of coastal areas by investing in new technologies to ensure
security of airspace and the sea.
• Pakistan’s airspace surveillance should be guaranteed by a network of assets,
and through robust communications and resilient command and control for
comprehensive air and maritime situational awareness….. Imp…How
• Special attention is required to manage lingering border disputes which
continue to pose security threats, particularly along the Line of Control and Working
Boundary where ceasefire violations by India threaten civilian lives and property
while endangering regional stability.
• Opportunities afforded by newly instituted border management initiatives
and fencing of the western border and merger of the erstwhile Federally Administered
Tribal Areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be capitalised (how) on while securing
hard-earned gains against terrorism.

Conventional Military Threats

• With a regressive and dangerous ideology gripping the collective conscience in

our immediate neighbourhood, the prospects of violent conflict have grown
immensely.
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• The possibility of use of force by the adversary as a deliberate policy choice

cannot be ruled out. 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 modernisation of our armed forces without embroiling in any
arms race.
• In addition, indigenisation of defence production, increased capabilities in
network centricity, battlefield awareness, electronic warfare capabilities, and other
force multipliers will be prioritised.
• Gains from economic security will allow additional resources to be allocated for
ensuring credibility of defence by acquiring capabilities in keeping with an expanding
threat spectrum.
Maritime Competition
• The Indian Ocean is fast becoming a space for contestation.
• The self-professed role of any one country as a so-called net-security provider in
the wider Indian Ocean would affect the region’s security and economic interests
negatively.
• Multi-directional challenges in the maritime domain include cyber
intrusion(??) and surveillance of our sea lines of communication along the Indian
Ocean, among others.
• This requires a renewed focus on strengthening Pakistan’s capabilities to meet
emerging challenges.
• Protection of our Exclusive Economic Zone, ensuring freedom of navigation, and
protection against piracy will remain critically important.

Strategic Stability

• Nuclear deterrence occupies a critical role in the security calculus of South Asia.
• Pakistan’s nuclear capability deters war through full spectrum deterrence
within the precincts of credible minimum nuclear deterrence in concert with our
conventional military capabilities and all elements of national power.
• The expansion of India’s nuclear triad, open-ended statements on nuclear
policy, and investments in and introduction of destabilising technologies disturb
the strategic balance in the region.
• Pakistan’s deterrence regime is vital for and aimed at regional peace.

Space Security

• With space-based applications and activities growing at an unprecedented

pace, space is emerging as a critical element of national power, one that is fast
developing as the new frontier of global contestation.
• Space-based technology is being used widely to enable safe communications,
guidance systems for stand-off weapons, advanced meteorology, navigation systems,
and surveillance of adversaries.
• Pakistan continues to maintain a policy against the militarisation of space at
international forums.
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• However, we remain cognizant of emerging uses of space and will continue to

invest in our national space program in national interest.
• Cyber space are crucial aspects of defence.
• With information and cyber warfare posing a new dimension to our security
challenges, instituting robust mechanisms to protect cyber space from malicious use are
essential tools for our security.
• In addition, investments in cyber security of critical infrastructure are
crucial for ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential services and the security of
privileged information.

Hybrid Warfare

• Hybrid warfare is an evolving concept with expanding and blurring

boundaries. It has found salience in the contemporary era due to technological and
information evolution.
• Apart from information and cyber warfare, disinformation, influence operations,
law fare, and economic coercion, among other hybrid warfare tools are increasingly
being applied.
• Hybrid threats against Pakistan originate from states and their proxies as well as
from non-state actors.

Chapter 5 : INTERNAL SECURITY

• A stable and secure Pakistan where citizens enjoy their constitutional privileges
and are protected against violence, extremism, and crime, and where rule of law is
upheld equally for all.

Terrorism

• Pakistan pursues a policy of zero tolerance for any groups involved in terrorist
activities on its soil.
• The employment of terrorism has become a preferred policy choice for hostile
actors in addition to soft intrusion through various non-kinetic means. Terrorism is
also being used to disrupt and delay development initiatives.
• Pakistan has been acknowledged globally for taking positive strides towards
creating a strong financial monitoring system to prevent terror financing.
• Continuing this positive trajectory by strengthening police forces and associated
counter-terrorism agencies, undertaking intelligence-based operations against all
terrorist groups, preventing any use of financial sources for terrorism, addressing
structural deficiencies and sense of deprivation in recruitment areas, and
promoting a pluralistic anti-terror narrative will remain priorities for continued
improvement in our internal security environment.

Violent Sub-Nationalisms

• Fringe violent sub-nationalist tendencies have been exploited by hostile

intelligence agencies that have provided support and sanctuary to subversive elements.
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• The ideological undercurrent for violent sub-nationalisms exploits socio-

economic disparities and governance gaps.
• Pakistan will adopt a four-pronged policy of engagement: separating
reconcilables from irreconcilables; cutting off recruitment; constricting financial
sources; and pursuing targeted socio-economic policies to address governance-
related concerns in regions where violent sub-nationalist elements operate.
• Extremism and radicalisation on the basis of ethnicity or religion pose a
challenge to our society.
• The exploitation and manipulation of ethnic, religious, and sectarian lines
through violent extremist ideologies cannot be allowed.
• Cooperation of religious scholars from every school of thought will be
elicited to expand de-radicalisation programmes and promote a united narrative
against extremism.

Chapter 6 : FOREIGN POLICY IN A CHANGING WORLD

Global Realignments

• International politics is in an extremely fluid state. Great power competition and

regional pivots are defining the race over resources and influence.
• Traditional regionalism that once provided an alternative mechanism for
cooperation is giving way to issue-based partnerships.
• The militarisation of the global commons is triggering a retreat of major
powers from arms control treaties, investments in new military technologies at a
pace not witnessed since the heyday of the Cold War, and renewed competition in
military domination.
• While conflict is not implausible, manifestation of major interstate frictions is
likely to remain below the threshold of war in most cases, resulting in the
persistence of a hybrid approach to conflict. .
• Innovation, technological advancement, capital accumulation, and a young
workforce in some parts of the world will define the future pivots of the global
economy.

Foreign Policy in an Evolving World Order

• Pakistan has adopted a dynamic and self-confident approach to a fast-changing

world order. This requires bolstering traditional political diplomacy while
refocusing our energies on engagement under new realities.
• Economic diplomacy in Pakistan’s context requires leveraging political
relations for economic gains while building new economic partnerships to in turn
support our political and strategic interests.
• As trade and economic connectivity gain importance in a more connected world,
Pakistan must ensure a greater focus on economic diplomacy with human
resource that has the right skill set to capitalise on economic opportunities
across the world.
• Our geo-economically pivotal location affords Pakistan the ability to offer itself as
a melting pot of regional and global economic interests through connectivity
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Projecting Pakistan’s Positive Reality

• Pakistan will emphasise its economic and human security-centric outlook

and reverse any unfair negativity attached to its image due to sustained
disinformation and influence operations by adversaries.
• A dedicated effort based on new and emerging trends in consumption of
information will reflect Pakistan’s reality as a responsible state that offers an
economic hub for regional and global activity while striving for peace within and
beyond its borders.

External Context

• Pakistan’s location at the cross-roads of historic confluence provides unique

opportunities amidst regional and global competition, especially as a hub for
connecting important economic and resource-rich regions.
• Historical, ethnic, and religious ties to Pakistan’s immediate west create
externalities wherein peace and stability have a positive influence on internal security.
• Towards the immediate east, bilateral ties have been stymied as a
consequence of the unresolved Kashmir dispute and India’s hegemonic designs.
• Pakistan remains committed to normalisation of relations with its neighbours
based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and a collective effort to find pathways for
conflict resolution with the belief that shared economic opportunities are cornerstones
for achieving prosperity in Pakistan and the region.

Jammu and Kashmir

• A just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a vital
national security interest for Pakistan.
• India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 2019 have been rejected by
the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
• Indian occupation forces continue to undertake human rights abuses and
oppression through war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal acts in IIOJK.
• In addition, India continues to create false propaganda around the Kashmiri
resistance to hide its illegal actions.
• 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

Afghanistan/China
• Afghanistan’s potential as a gateway for economic connectivity with Central
Asian states is a key driver for Pakistan’s support for peace in Afghanistan.
• Bilateral relations continue to expand based on trust and strategic convergence.
• China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) enjoys national consensus.
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India
• A just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains
at the core of our bilateral relationship.
• The rise of Hindutva-driven politics in India is deeply concerning and impacts
Pakistan’s immediate security.
• The political exploitation of a policy of belligerence towards Pakistan by India’s
leadership has led to the threat of military adventurism and non-contact warfare to
our immediate east.
• Attempts to impose one-sided solutions that can have far reaching negative
consequences for regional stability.
• India is also consistently engaged in an effort to spread disinformation
targeting Pakistan….(Seems to be impacting Pakistan)

Middle East
• Gulf countries are home to millions of Pakistanis and are an important source
of foreign investments and remittances.
• Pakistan’s deep brotherly ties with Saudi Arabia are reinforced by shared
interests and a multifaceted relationship in trade, investment, energy, defence, and
cultural domains.
• Pakistan is fully committed to the security and safety of the two holiest
sites of Islam. ….. Implications…..
• Pakistan is committed to further improving bilateral economic linkages and
defence cooperation with Turkey…Implications.

USA.
• Pakistan does not subscribe to ‘camp politics’.
• Cooperation with the United States will remain critical for regional peace and
stability. We seek to diversify this relationship through mutually beneficial
engagements.
• Communicating Pakistan’s concerns to policy makers in Washington while
seeking to broaden our partnership beyond a narrow counter-terrorism focus will be a
priority

UK/EU
• historical relationship with the United Kingdom based on mutual economic and
strategic interests and a large diaspora community. (Imp of diaspora…)
• Pakistan intends to build on these relationships by exploring new opportunities
for trade and investment with European Union countries.

CAR/Russia

• Pakistan’s geo-economic pivot is focused on enhancing trade and economic

ties through connectivity that links Central Asia to our warm waters.
• Pakistan is committed to reimagining its partnership with Russia in energy,
defence cooperation, and investment.
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• Russia, Central Asian countries, and Pakistan are also important partners in our
shared objectives of peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Africa/Latin America

• Pakistan also seeks to widen its economic outreach through the ‘Engage Africa’
initiative and build more extensive relationships with countries in Latin America and
elsewhere under its economic diplomacy initiative.

UN/SAARC/ASEAN

• Pakistan believes in an equitable and standards-based reform of multilateral

structures where exceptions are minimised and the collective interests of the Global
South are addressed.
• Pakistan also recognises the centrality of the UN in ensuring that the people of
Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to exercise their right to self-determination in
accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions.
• Unapologetic approach based on shared convergence on strategic and
economic interests…(Repeated)
• Minimise potential threats, maintain diversified foreign policy options, and
enhance the role of economic diplomacy in our foreign policy initiatives.
• 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. .. (Maj consideration… repeated)

Non Traditional Threats

• Over half the population is below the age of 30 years. This large youth
demographic is both an opportunity and a challenge.
• Pakistan is also one of the fastest urbanising countries in South Asia.
• Pakistan ranks third in the list of countries facing acute water shortage, with our
per capita water availability standing at 908 cubic meters in 2021, down from 1,500
cubic meters in 2009. Nearly 80 per cent of the Indus Water Basin originates outside
Pakistan, which makes access to transboundary watercourses a national security
imperative….(.Indus water treaty ? )
• Ensure a cohesive national response to looming water scarcity through improved
water storage capacity, sustainable water management, and protecting Pakistan’s
transboundary water rights.