The national security challenge…Hassan Baig
The national security paradigm revolves around the security of the state. However, the concept of state security has undergone a significant transformation in the modern era.
Economic security has, to some extent, taken precedence over military strength in ensuring the stability of the state. A weak economy creates vulnerabilities that pose national security risks. Economic progress, prosperity and development depend largely on the style and system of governance.
There is no doubt that systems and institutions matter more than individuals, whether in politics or economics — be it a capitalist or socialist model. While it is the system that ultimately delivers, the role of individuals in leadership positions remains crucial in managing state affairs.
Countries like Pakistan suffer from systemic dysfunction, spanning from political institutions to economic structures, due to multiple factors. Many institutions are either non-functional or only partially operational in terms of efficiency, output, and delivery. Addressing these shortcomings requires serious national-level debate and decisive action to restore their full functionality. The political system, in particular, has been marred by malpractices. Strengthening political institutions — especially a functional parliament — is essential for making national-level decisions.
Economic planning must be guided by elected representatives to ensure the implementation of appropriate priorities through economic experts. There is an urgent need to overhaul these institutions to make them strong and fully functional, as their effectiveness is crucial to national security.
Pakistan has experienced a series of roller-coaster economic boom-and-bust cycles. The Bhutto regime of the 1970s proved disastrous in economic terms, as the nationalization of industry turned out to be a misguided decision. While the economy was on a progressive trajectory during General Ayub’s era, the political system grew increasingly fragile due to rising deprivation and the deepening divisions in what was then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. Since then, neither the economic nor the political system has developed to a level capable of ensuring Pakistan’s long-term security and stability. It was only in the late 1990s that Pakistan solidified its territorial integrity and national security by becoming a declared nuclear state, achieving strategic parity with India after its nuclear tests.
There is no doubt that Pakistan is a resource-rich country, endowed with abundant mineral reserves, agricultural potential, industrial capacity, and technological prospects. The country also has a promising youth population that needs to be properly guided and utilised. However, this youth bulge is a double-edged sword: it has the potential to either uplift or destabilise the nation. Many young people are disillusioned, particularly due to unemployment, job scarcity and a sense of political marginalisation.
The political leadership has failed to provide a proper platform for young Pakistanis to actively participate and contribute according to their potential. As a result, many are either seeking opportunities abroad or falling into destructive habits, such as drug abuse. There is an urgent need to put them on the right path by creating job opportunities and instilling in them a sense of hope and ownership for the greater cause of nation-building.
Terrorism is another significant threat to our security. This menace has undermined the security apparatus and, in fact, disrupted national strength at all levels. It has altered — and continues to have the potential to alter — the social fabric of our society. Economic planning has been rendered ineffective due to terrorism, as no investor would be willing to invest under such circumstances. This is precisely why foreign direct investment (FDI) has been on the decline.
The root causes of terrorism require a thorough and strategic response, addressing the problem at the grassroots level. Confidence-building measures on the domestic front, along with good neighbourly relations externally, would go a long way in tackling this issue. The political leadership must take charge of this process, as even the strongest institution — the armed forces — requires political backing.
Another threat to state security is the decision-making process itself. The three main pillars of the state — government, parliament and judiciary — are essential to governance. The fourth pillar, the media, has grown significantly in both size and influence, playing an increasingly important role in state institutions and decision-making today.
The constitution guarantees the independent functioning of all these institutions by clearly defining their roles and responsibilities. When these roles are violated, the consequences are often disastrous, affecting the entire nation. In Pakistan, institutional decision-making lacks coherence and continuity, primarily due to poor coordination and constitutional violations. Decisions are often made without considering the system of checks and balances enshrined in the constitution.
All stakeholders must be included in finalising the national security policy. In Pakistan’s case, these stakeholders include the federation, the federating units and the people of Pakistan. The 18th Amendment established a broad framework outlining the roles and responsibilities of the federation and its units without interference. However, the 26th Amendment has drawn criticism due to its shortcomings. Amendments made to serve specific individuals or political parties are usually detrimental and unsustainable. Such constitutional changes disrupt the entire decision-making process. The haste with which the 26th Amendment was passed is highly questionable. The government must revisit this amendment by engaging all stakeholders to ensure a more inclusive and balanced approach.
The lives of Pakistani citizens are at stake, as they face numerous challenges ranging from hunger to health hazards. Education is no longer a right but a privilege for regular people. The right to free speech and expression is at greater risk than ever before. Terrorism and violence have shattered the atmosphere of peace and security in the country. Foreign direct investment is at its lowest ebb — practically nonexistent. All these factors are contributing to the worsening poverty and inequality prevailing in the country today. Pakistan urgently needs a democratically elected, strong political government with a clear vision and economic strategy to navigate out of this crisis.
There should be a political reconciliation through fresh elections. A Charter of Economy, as emphasised in the past by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and political leaders like President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto, must be documented and signed without further delay. Imran Khan should also be taken on board, as he commands significant public support and popularity across the country. Only a strong Pakistan can ensure its security — weak states like Syria and Sudan have been unable to safeguard their sovereignty, and the suffering of their people is unimaginable. Pakistan must avoid such a fate at all costs.
The security of the state is the most crucial factor in shaping any national policy. The National Security Policy must encompass the entire decision-making process, considering economic stability, political dynamics, state institutions and the system of governance.
Effective statecraft involves taking care of the population through functional state institutions, particularly the government, parliament and judiciary. The media, as an equally important stakeholder in shaping society, must also be given due attention. Internal and external threats to the state can only be countered through citizen-centric policies devised by state institutions and stakeholders. Ultimately, the true stakeholders of Pakistan are its people.
Courtesy The News