PAKISTAN’S national security has been a primary concern since its creation. The nation exists in a complex security environment due to its external threats and internal vulnerabilities, involving military, political, social and economic challenges. Some of them are the result of country’s past policies and practices. Others are the product of developments in the region and internationally, from time to time.
South Asia, with its complex history, regional diversity and disputed borders, faces some of the world’s most challenging security issues. Geopolitical shifts, changing power dynamics, the rise of non-state actors and increased access to technology as well as social resources have heightened global vulnerabilities and reshaped security landscapes. The Russian invasion of Afghanistan (1979-1989) and its aftermath notably altered international security norms, especially in South Asia, where Pakistan is deeply entangled in these critical security challenges.
Having been part of the security apparatus of Pakistan as an invisible warrior for decades during a period of extreme security turmoil in the region (1978-2010) and my present placement in Dubai, as part of private security industry with an effective outreach to security professionals globally keep me engaged and tangled with geo-political/strategic manoeuvrings at regional and international levels. Integrating my past experiences with my perception about the ongoing strategic manipulations creating multidimensional challenges for Pakistan remains the base for my security related research work.
After withdrawal of Allied Forces from Afghanistan, the growing US-India partnership and India’s pursuit of regional dominance are among the major factors shaping Pakistan’s national security. Increased Indian aggression in the western corridor, particularly targeting Pakistan-China collaborative projects, along with rising international pressure to destabilize Pakistan economically, politically and militarily, remain the key concerns.
As technology advances, external powers destabilize weaker states by exploiting their internal vulnerabilities, exploiting social, political, cultural and religious divisions through information warfare. Pakistan’s national security is also increasingly threatened by this new kind of warfare aimed at manipulation of its internal vulnerabilities. Pakistan’s complex internal security challenges are compounded by a dubious political culture under complete elite capture that shapes an illusion of democracy in the country. Civil-military relations – an intriguing story of misconceptions and mess ups is threatening country’s national security.
Reflecting on ongoing political turmoil and security crisis in the country, I see a direct link of many of our challenges to the conspiracies we faced during my time as an intelligence operative. Regional and global powers continue to manipulate their relations with Pakistan, capitalizing on its strategic position to further their own agendas only to be discarded once their objectives are met. Their focus always remains to erode Pakistan’s inherent strengths and limit its ability to act independently. Our internal vulnerabilities provide them with loopholes to exploit. The deliberate sowing of discord between key institutions and the apparent widening gap between the people and the military has been central to the conspiracies engineered by our adversaries, further destabilizing the nation. The situation in the country is becoming increasingly critical, with the changing international security landscape further aggravating the issue. In the light of the current challenges, I believe those who have witnessed the evolution of these conspiracies must come forward to share their experiences. Their insights are crucial for developing effective strategies to counter the multi-dimensional threats to our national security.
Understanding Pakistan’s security landscape from a realistic perspective is vital not only for the people within the country but also for the international community, fostering stronger relationships and cooperation based on ground realities. With this in mind, I have authored the book, ‘Caught in the Crossfire: The Inside Story of Pakistan’s Secret Services’ to highlight the intensity and nature of the challenges our defence forces face in safeguarding our national security.
In broader context, the narrative of my book is aimed at contributing to a deeper understanding of challenges and opportunities to promote a peaceful and just world, reducing all forms of violence and introducing strategies for maintaining peace and tranquillity. It also highlights the necessity to have effective and accountable institutions safeguarding national security and upholding the rule of law, particularly in developing countries.
On the external front, Pakistan faces the challenge of maintaining a balanced foreign policy, especially in a multipolar world. Its relationship with the West, particularly after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, highlights these complexities. The key to success lies in countering conspiracies with well thought-out bold strategic policies. The book calls on the international community to reconsider oversimplified views of Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional dynamics and the Pakistan Army’s role in shaping crucial historical events for regional peace and stability.
On the internal front, the book highlights the gravity of our prevailing domestic turmoil as seen by the international community. Our friends abroad feel equally worried about Pakistan’s future. Pakistanis living abroad feel scared and urge the authorities in the country for immediate remedial measures with long term solutions. The narrative presented in the book is purely my own assessment of the situation and does not represent the thinking of any of the institutions that I have been part of, while I was in Pakistan Army.
The book, published by Pen and Sword Books in August 2024, is gradually impacting all levels globally. It was selected for the Emirates Literature Festival-2025 held in Dubai last week and I had the honour of hosting a milestone conversation session on the theme of the book. The event attracted a diverse audience from around the globe, sparking a lively discussion on key security developments in South Asia, emerging regional trends and strategies to address security challenges as well as Pakistan’s evolving relations with the West and India. Active participation from India and Western countries was heartening. Effective media partnership by leading international media outlets was of great support in spreading my message about Pakistan, worldwide.
—The writer is Security Professional, entrepreneur and author, based in Dubai, UAE.
