The National Security Policy 2022-2026 is Pakistan’s first national security policy document. It seeks to co-locate Pakistan in emerging global trends and identifies policy objectives and priority areas where Pakistan should invest its national resources to ensure the most beneficial outcomes.
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 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.
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.
The Neighbourhood
Afghanistan
Pakistan and Afghanistan share historical ties. Pakistan remains committed to facilitating and supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan in close collaboration with the international community through addressing economic, humanitarian, and security issues. 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.
China
Pakistan’s deep-rooted historic ties with China are driven by shared interests and mutual understanding. Bilateral relations continue to expand based on trust and strategic convergence. Pakistan will continue to strengthen this relationship across all areas of mutual engagement.
India
Pakistan, under its policy of peace at home and abroad, wishes to improve its relationship with 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.
Iran
Pakistan enjoys historical and religious ties with Iran. As neighbours, Pakistan and Iran continue to share interests in border management and regional peace and stability. Improving intelligence sharing and patrolling of border areas will have a positive effect on bilateral ties.
Rest of the world Middle East and West Asia
Pakistan shares deep fraternal and religious ties with all Gulf countries. The relationship is based on our historic trust, mutual cooperation, and long- standing economic ties. Gulf countries are home to millions of Pakistanis and are an important source of foreign investments and remittances. Pakistan is fully committed to the security and safety of the two holiest sites of Islam. Pakistan continues to support a just and equitable two-state solution acceptable to the Palestinians, in accordance with relevant United Nations (UN) and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) resolutions. Pakistan shares brotherly ties with Turkey, which are based on cultural, religious, and historic affinity.
Central Asia and Russia
Pakistan’s geo-economic pivot is focused on enhancing trade and economic ties through connectivity that links Central Asia to our warm waters. Under ‘Vision Central Asia’, Pakistan is working towards actualising agreements on energy and transit with the Central Asian Republics. Pakistan is committed to reimagining its partnership with Russia in energy, defence cooperation, and investment. The relationship is already witnessing a positive trajectory and Pakistan will continue to strive to maximise mutual gains. Russia, Central Asian countries, and Pakistan are also important partners in our shared objectives of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Other important Regions
In line with the foreign policy vision of our founder Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan continues to pursue mutually beneficial relationships with interested countries. Pakistan’s engagement with Africa, Asia-Pacific, Australia, and Latin America is premised on exploring opportunities for cooperation in bilateral trade, global connectivity, and shared challenges in the global commons including climate change, trade openness, energy security, poverty alleviation, and global security.
Conclusion
The world is witnessing a transformation in inter-state relations, major power competition and the struggle for influence and resources. Pakistan aims to advance its vital national security interests through a whole-of-nation approach that synergizes collective efforts towards the attainment of a prosperous and secure country that is at peace with itself and others.
With immeasurable power potential and a young and energetic demographic, our destiny is determined by our actions and limited only by our lack of imagination. In order to fulfill the vision of our forefathers and the aspirations of our citizens, we will march ahead with confidence in our national resolve and trust in our abilities.
Pakistan is poised to take advantage of its geo-economically pivotal location to operate as a production, trade and investment, and connectivity hub for our wider region to strengthen our economic security. Increased economic gains will continue to be transferred judiciously towards human welfare and ensuring a more robust defence and deterrence capability. 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.
The results of our collective efforts will be as great as the courage of our convictions and the sincerity of our purpose. By embracing a comprehensive national security vision, we will forge an even more secure and prosperous Pakistan where all citizens are able to live with security and dignity.