Abstract

This study is based on the dimensions of national security. It will discover different dimensions of the national security of Pakistan. National security is an iportant aspect for any state so in this research, we will find out the internal and external dimensions of security. Contemporary democracy perspectives will also be discussed in it. Pakistan has fought a war on terror in its own state. The war in Afghanistan affected Pakistan's security so also faced its consequences. This research paper is an attempt to highlight the issues lying in Pakistan's security and will also focus on Pakistan's government initiatives to counter-terrorism.

Key Words

Security, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Immigration, Detention, War

Introduction

In a globalized world, no nation is home alone; effective National security must incorporate international capacities along the continuum of operations, from deterrence/prevention to response/consequence management. This research sets out to understand the dimensions of national security. No country on the planet can succeed without a guide unmistakably characterizing with respect to what they are and what they need to be. The dynamic countries that live in the present and think and plan for the future have the least security dangers (Farooqi, 2003). In spite of current emergencies, Pakistan has huge possibilities to play an essential job in the universal comity. Given its area what's more, capacity to impact territorial and additional local soundness, Paul Kennedy thinks about Pakistan as one of the world's vital states. Pakistan's area offers open doors and goes up against a host of difficulties (Sehgal, 2015).

National security is generally characterized as the capacity of a state to shield its kin from inward and outer dangers by applying all accessible national power possibilities. In the 21st century, the financial measurement overshadows all different variables. Because of the changing character of the security idea, the definition may likewise incorporate different drivers, the way equal countries would contend with one another paying little heed to their area on the globe. As indicated by another methodology, national security is rethought as "the capacity of government to ensure its kin and national interests by utilizing financial, military and political means manufactured and bolstered by human capital furnished with most progressive learning on the whole statecraft. The way to deal with national security is plainly grounded in a lot of guiding principles. Vital culture assumes a critical job in characterizing and seeing dangers and proposing security mechanical assembly which fluctuates from country to country and area to locale. All states have center interests which by and large spin around security/success however by and large tradable, as one nation may appoint more noteworthy significance to one over different as clarified by Irfan Hussain (Hussain, 2010).

Remotely, the key security situations around Pakistan are a long way from attractive. As a result of the continuous war on terror in the district, its economy is sinking, compelling it to depend on the United States (US) and other cash-loaning associations for financial help. This reliance has come about in finish loss of financial sway and adaptability. Pakistan is in a geopolitical which is just somewhat of its own creation. Some Western onlookers opine that Pakistan is, "best case scenario a hesitant supporter of the US objectives and even from a pessimistic standpoint a potential long haul enemy. This is the sort of vital relationship that the US and Pakistan right now enjoy (Zaidi, 2011).




Contemporary Security Perspective

Political Stability, Democracy, and Good Governance

Contemporary diagram of national legislative issues ventures Pakistan as a nation changing into a possibly steady vote-based system with revitalized vote-based and state organizations. A procedure in which political gatherings and state establishments are at the same time conspiring and clashing to change the formal majority rule government, rehearsed since the beginning, into an increasingly participatory majority rules system. The continuous attitudinal and basic change, happening under various weights at the basic dimension, goes for changing the current two-layered administration into a three-layered framework i.e. bureaucratic, common, and neighborhood governments to address the lopsidedness, made by statistic development. This procedure, if effectively finished, shows an open door for more prominent political dependability, routine with regards to a participatory vote-based system, and arrangement of a more noteworthy voice to the general population in the plan and execution of measures identified with human security. Then again, if the procedure is captured or bypassed by coordinating business as usual in exchange for capacity at the grassroots level, it will just risk national security over the long haul (Khokhar, 2015).

Today, the commonwealth in Pakistan is politically cognizant and wants a superior future for themselves and their future ages. They bolster the vote vote-based system as an essential political plan and anticipate that political pioneers will convey particularly on the tally of good administration. Since the discussion between more areas or nearby governments has, for the present, settled for the last mentioned, in this way, founding and operationalizing neighborhood governments involves substantive authoritative and managerial arrangements other than the lead of free and reasonable neighborhood government elections.3 Efficacious laws, what's more, a portion of money-related assets through commonplace back commission grants for such governments will encourage their viability. The transformative procedure embraced coupled with basic devolution of intensity, will be untidy and may show an image of some level of need for control. However, the majority rules system in its transformative stage is generally problematic and disordered in nature. Time, steadiness, what's more, and consistency in overseeing the change to its consistent end is fundamental while establishing institutional measures to anticipate abuse of intensity will incite long-term political solidness and security of the nation (Khokhar 2015).

In the contemporary landscape of Pakistan, the trajectory of political stability, democracy, and good governance holds significant implications for national security. The evolving political dynamics underscore a transition towards a potentially more stable democracy with revitalized democratic and state institutions. This ongoing process involves a delicate interplay between political parties and state institutions, both collaborating and conflicting, in reshaping the traditional democratic framework towards a more participatory system. At the heart of this transformation is the endeavor to address the inherent imbalance within the existing governance structure. The shift towards a three-tiered system comprising bureaucratic, provincial, and local governments aims to mitigate the disparities exacerbated by demographic growth. This restructuring, if successfully implemented, presents an opportunity for greater political stability, the practice of participatory democracy, and enhanced citizen engagement in policymaking and implementation, particularly in matters related to human security. However, the success of this process hinges on effective execution and safeguards against potential pitfalls. Any attempt to bypass or subvert the process in favor of maintaining the status quo risks jeopardizing national security in the long run. The establishment and operationalization of local governments necessitate comprehensive legislative and administrative preparations, alongside the conduct of free and fair elections (Hussain, 2010).

Efforts to empower local governments must be complemented by robust legal frameworks and equitable allocation of financial resources through provincial fiscal commission grants. While the transformative process may appear chaotic and disruptive in its initial stages, it reflects the inherent nature of democracy in transition. The key lies in ensuring temporal, procedural, and institutional consistency to steer the transformation towards its desired outcome. Furthermore, instituting measures to prevent the abuse of power and ensure accountability is paramount for fostering long-term political stability and security. While transitions in democratic governance are inherently prone to challenges and uncertainties, a concerted focus on institution-building and democratic norms will bolster the resilience of Pakistan's political landscape (Sattar, 2011).

Today, the Pakistani populace is increasingly politically aware and invested in shaping a better future for themselves and future generations. The demand for democracy as the primary political agenda underscores the expectations from political leaders to deliver on the promise of good governance. As the discourse gravitates towards empowering local governments, the imperative lies in navigating the intricacies of institutional reform while upholding democratic principles and ensuring inclusive participation. The ongoing transformation towards political stability, democracy, and good governance represents a critical juncture in Pakistan's journey towards enhancing national security. By fostering inclusive governance structures, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting citizen participation, Pakistan can mitigate internal vulnerabilities and bolster its resilience against external threats, thereby paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future (Zaidi, 2011).

Security Challenges: External Factors

The geo-strategic location provides great opportunities to Pakistan being the energy corridor located at the mouth of the oil-rich Gulf region as well as a gateway to landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian States (CAS). Its over 1000 km coastline with mineral-rich exclusive economic zone (EEZ), is generally termed as the "Fifth Province" of Pakistan. However, as occasionally said, one may change his friends but can't neighbor. Unfortunately, hostile environments prevail all around Pakistan. India remains a primary threat to its solidarity and sovereignty (Sehgal, 2015).

India's upward defense budget indicates its intentions in changed regional security environments. The allocation of $200 billion over the next two decades and its decision to acquire state-of-the-art technology primarily from Pakistan including an anti-ballistic missile system (ABM) will thus create a serious conventional imbalance in the region. Its Cold Start strategy further adds to the security problems for Pakistan. Similarly, it is also bent on acquiring huge naval capability to enhance its "strategic reach and out-of-area capabilities" to protect its interests against China. The lethal combination of India's conventional military based on the concept of the "Cold Start" strategy, duly supported by naval forces and reinforced by its second-strike nuclear capability brings serious security challenges for Pakistan (Sattar 2011).

While on the Western front, Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan remained underneath the safe place on one or the other appearance. Unfortunately, since the late 1970s, Pakistan has been in a condition of war from "inside" and along its Afghanistan outskirts. There is no obvious sign that the US would succeed, the security circumstance in Afghanistan is eccentric and a long way from attractive, as is the security condition in Pakistan also, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and FATA.

With respect to Iran, till the late 1970s, the two nations appreciated great, kind relations that went base low amid the 1990s at the point when the two sides stayed occupied with Afghanistan through intermediary war. From that point forward, the relations between them didn't enhance past certain dimensions as Iran kept on considering Pakistan as the US partner. Fear-based oppressor acts by nonstate on-screen characters (NSAs) and fear-based oppressor associations crosswise over the Iran-Pakistan fringe and Pakistan's incidental explanations on the Iranian atomic program likewise contribute towards trust insufficiency between the two nations. Iran's tendency towards India is seen contrarily in Pakistan (Farooqi, 2003).

Pakistan’s Internal Security Issues

Pakistan acquired unsupportive local security dimensions and its geological also, regulatory division of the sub-landmass, which further contributed to its customary security challenges. In the present circumstance, Pakistan is confronting a substantial number of issues, which are steady dangers to security, including conditions, opiate dealing, psychological oppression, separatist developments, demilitarization, expansion of weapons of mass decimation, human rights, and gender issues. In the post-'9/11' situation, Pakistan stood up to the inward, non-conventional security danger by the Jehadi psychological oppressors other than the customary interior security dangers of ethnic fear-mongering, patriot psychological oppression, and sectarianism. Psychological oppression can be portrayed as a nontraditional type of viciousness or a political message through rough acts that symbolize a battle against the foundation (Afzal, Iqbal, and Inayat 2012).

Pakistan paid substantial costs because of its association in post - 'the 9/11' US-Afghan war, at first Pakistan, upheld the Taliban, but later it was pushed to settle on an antiTaliban procedure to overthrow the universal network. The unexpected Pakistan's approach bothered the radical Taliban-Jihadies and turned their rough tone towards Pakistan. "Despite the fact that Musharraf exhibited shrewdness by supporting the U.S. war on Terror against Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan, the nation keeps on being gotten in an exceptionally unpredictable snare of psychological militant activity."9/11 was just a single fear-based oppressor episode in the U.S. region yet inside Pakistan a number of such occurrences have been watched, which disintegrated the peace of the nation. No piece of the nation is sheltered because of besieging and suicide assaults"(Javaid n.d.).The developing interior fear-based oppression dangers influenced and changed the outside strategy of Pakistan and acquired exceptional aggravation security structure of the state. Despite the fact that fear-based oppression was not another wonder for Pakistan but rather the force and assorted variety of vicious demonstrations have been expanded after the second Afghan war. Regardless of Pakistan's endeavors with the universal network to check fear-based oppression, around six million Pakistani minds have been moved to protected and anchored puts as Canada, Australia, America, England, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa because of the uncertain conditions and the savagery of psychological warfare, it likewise harmed the social and monetary action of the state (Afzal, Iqbal, & Inayat, 2012).




Comprehensive Measures to Combat Terrorism and Violence in Pakistan

The issue of terrorism and violence is a significant concern for nations across the globe, and Pakistan is no exception. Over the years, Pakistan has been grappling with various forms of extremism and terrorism, which have not only posed threats to its national security but also hindered its socio-economic development. In response to these challenges, the government of Pakistan has initiated a range of measures aimed at preventing and countering terrorism and violence. This essay explores these measures in detail, highlighting their significance and impact on Pakistan's efforts to promote peace and stability within its borders and beyond (Hussain, 2010).




Cooperation with the International Coalition

One of the key strategies adopted by the government of Pakistan to combat terrorism is cooperation with the international coalition. Recognizing the transnational nature of terrorism, Pakistan has actively engaged with other countries and international organizations to curb the spread of extremist ideologies and dismantle terrorist networks. Through intelligence sharing, joint military operations, and diplomatic efforts, Pakistan has contributed to global counter-terrorism initiatives, aligning its efforts with those of the international community to address common security challenges (Javaid, n.d.).

Immigration Control Measures

To mitigate the risk of terrorist infiltration and control the movement of potential extremists, Pakistan has implemented stringent immigration control measures. This includes enhanced border security, rigorous screening procedures at airports and entry points, and the implementation of advanced biometric systems to track and monitor individuals of interest. By strengthening its border management capabilities, Pakistan aims to prevent the cross-border flow of terrorists and disrupt their operational networks (Afzal, Iqbal, & Inayat, 2012).




Action against Extremist Organizations

Another crucial aspect of Pakistan's counter-terrorism strategy is the action taken against fanatical and extremist organizations and groups operating within its territory. Through targeted military operations, law enforcement actions, and legal measures, the government has cracked down on terrorist outfits, dismantling their infrastructure and apprehending their operatives. By disrupting the activities of extremist groups, Pakistan seeks to undermine their ability to carry out terrorist attacks and sow discord in society (Hussain, 2010).




Detention of Jihadi Leaders

In a bid to disrupt the leadership and command structure of jihadist organizations, Pakistan has pursued the detention of prominent jihadi leaders. By apprehending key figures involved in planning and orchestrating terrorist activities, the government aims to weaken the operational capabilities of these groups and prevent them from regrouping. However, it is essential to ensure that detention measures adhere to due process and respect human rights principles to maintain the rule of law and prevent radicalization in prisons (Hussain, 2010).




Banning Jihadi Organizations

In addition to targeting individual leaders, Pakistan has also taken steps to outlaw entire jihadi organizations deemed a threat to national security. By proscribing these groups and their affiliated entities, the government aims to curb their financing, recruitment, and propaganda activities. However, the effectiveness of such bans relies on robust enforcement mechanisms, including asset freezes, legal sanctions, and international cooperation to prevent the resurgence of banned outfits under different aliases (Sattar, 2011).




Reformation and Regulation of Madrassas

Madrassas, or religious seminaries, have long been identified as potential breeding grounds for extremism due to their unregulated nature and ideological indoctrination. To address this challenge, Pakistan has embarked on a comprehensive program of madrassa reformation and regulation. This initiative encompasses several key components, including the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the opening of madrassas, mandatory registration requirements, a review of their syllabus to promote a more moderate and inclusive curriculum, and restrictions on the enrollment of foreign students (Zaidi, 2011).

The issuance of NOCs serves as a regulatory mechanism to ensure that new madrassas adhere to certain standards and guidelines set forth by the government. By subjecting madrassas to registration requirements, authorities can exercise greater oversight and accountability over their operations, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation by extremist elements. Additionally, the review of madrassa syllabi aims to promote a balanced and comprehensive religious education that emphasizes tolerance, critical thinking, and respect for diversity. Furthermore, the government has implemented measures to curb the influence of foreign funding and ideological interference in madrassas, particularly those associated with extremist ideologies. By restricting the number of foreign students attending madrassas, Pakistan seeks to mitigate the risk of external radicalization and ensure that educational institutions remain focused on their primary mandate of imparting religious and secular knowledge within a framework of national unity and cohesion (Farooqi, 2003).

Regulation of Mosques

In parallel with efforts to reform and regulate madrassas, Pakistan has also prioritized the regulation of mosques, which serve as important centers of religious and communal life. Through a series of regulatory measures, the government aims to prevent mosques from being exploited for extremist activities and political agendas. This includes requiring NOCs for the opening of new mosques to ensure proper zoning and compliance with building codes, as well as prohibiting political activities within mosque premises to maintain their sanctity as places of worship. Additionally, the government has imposed restrictions on the use of loudspeakers in mosques, limiting their usage to the call to prayer (Azan) and prohibiting the dissemination of inflammatory or provocative messages that incite violence or promote sectarianism. By enforcing these regulations, Pakistan seeks to uphold the principle of religious freedom while safeguarding public order and social harmony (Hussain, 2010).

Pakistan has implemented a multifaceted approach to combat terrorism and violence, encompassing cooperation with the international community, immigration control measures, action against extremist organizations, detention of jihadi leaders, banning of jihadi organizations, and reformation and regulation of madrassas and mosques. While these measures represent significant strides in Pakistan's efforts to address the root causes of extremism and promote peace and stability, they must be complemented by sustained political will, institutional capacity building, and inclusive governance to achieve lasting success in countering terrorism and fostering social cohesion.(Khalid and Kamal 2015).

Conclusion

In the tumultuous landscape of global geopolitics, few nations grapple with the multifaceted challenges to their national security as intensely as Pakistan. Positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, with a history marked by regional conflicts, internal strife, and geopolitical rivalries, Pakistan's journey towards ensuring its security has been fraught with complexities. Pakistan's external security challenges have been historically rooted in its tumultuous relationship with India, its neighbor to the east. The lingering Kashmir conflict, border disputes, and periodic escalations have necessitated a robust defense apparatus and diplomatic maneuvering to safeguard Pakistan's territorial integrity. Moreover, the rise of non-state actors and terrorist organizations operating from across the border has added another layer of complexity to Pakistan's security calculus. The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks catapulted Pakistan into the epicenter of the global War on Terror. With the United States leading military operations in neighboring Afghanistan, Pakistan found itself coerced into a delicate balancing act. On one hand, it faced pressure from the U.S. to align its interests with the coalition forces; on the other hand, it confronted internal dynamics fueled by extremist ideologies and militant outfits sympathetic to the Afghan Taliban.

Beyond external threats, Pakistan grapples with a plethora of internal challenges that undermine its security fabric. Socio-economic disparities, ethno-political tensions, and governance deficiencies have created fertile ground for radicalization and insurgency. The presence of militant groups within its borders, often operating with impunity, poses a persistent threat to Pakistan's stability and cohesion. Despite the daunting challenges, Pakistan has demonstrated resilience and determination in combating terrorism. Through a combination of military offensives, intelligence operations, and socio-economic reforms, the Pakistani government has made significant strides in dismantling terrorist networks and restoring law and order in conflict-affected regions. Operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad have underscored Pakistan's commitment to eradicating extremism and fostering a secure environment for its citizens. In tandem with its domestic efforts, Pakistan has actively engaged with the international community to address security concerns and promote regional stability. Bilateral dialogues, multilateral forums, and strategic partnerships have provided avenues for constructive engagement and conflict resolution. Moreover, Pakistan's role as a frontline state in the War on Terror has positioned it as a key player in shaping the future of the region's security architecture. Looking ahead, Pakistan faces a myriad of strategic imperatives in safeguarding its national security. Enhancing border management, fostering socio-economic development, and strengthening institutional capacities are paramount to addressing the root causes of insecurity. Moreover, fostering inclusive governance, promoting inter-provincial harmony, and countering extremist narratives are indispensable for building resilience against internal threats. To conclude, Pakistan's journey towards ensuring its national security is a complex tapestry woven with geopolitical intricacies, internal dynamics, and external pressures. While the challenges remain formidable, Pakistan's resilience, determination, and strategic foresight have enabled it to navigate through turbulent waters. By addressing the multifaceted dimensions of security, Pakistan stands poised to emerge as a stable, prosperous, and resilient nation in the global arena.

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