From Traditional Security to Human-Centered Security : Reframing National Policy Priorities

Abstract

Since inception Pakistan has been mired with internal as well as external challenges residing in state, economic and human security with a varied frequency. Over the years our development indices have declined instead of improving. Other than political polarisation and restive inner front the country faces a multitude of human security issues. Hence our National security Policy 2022-2026 (NSP 2022) aptly calls for shifting our focus to human security and geo-economics. It aims at enhancing Pakistan’s socioeconomic metrics. Its implementation is likely help alleviate people’s sufferings. ‘Empowering the disempowered’ as it says make Pakistan prosperous and strong. The major problem areas are; population growth at the rate of 2.4 percent over last two decades, intra-country migration in search of better opportunities have resulted into speedy urbanization of major cities of Pakistan.COVID-19 which severely affected the political and economic stability of the country worsening health security; climate vulnerability with over 140 extreme weather events in the country over past two decades have adversely impacted our agro-based economy accompanied by consequent challenges to food security and price hike in times of receding purchasing power of the people compounded further by illegal practices like hoarding and smuggling etc. Lack of water management is causing water stress as our per capita water availability is decreasing rapidly and stands at 908 cm in 2021. The paper aims to analyse the socio-economic disparities in Pakistan, especially pertaining to the human security in the back drop of the policy guidelines given in NSP 2022 and suggest appropriate measures accruing from the conclusion of this study.