Non-Traditional Security Threats in Pakistan from 2008 to 2024: An Analysis

This study examines non-traditional security threats in Pakistan between 2008 and 2024, with a focus on environmental, food, water, health, cyber, demographic, and energy security threats. While traditional security threats such as wars and terrorism are significant, this study highlights the growing importance of non-traditional threats caused by rapid socioeconomic developments, climate change, and advances in technology. Over the last decade and a half, Pakistan has faced significant challenges in managing these risks, which frequently conflict with and increase one another. Environmental degradation, water shortages, food insecurity, public health issues, and rising energy demand are all major concerns that threaten the country's long-term stability. Cyber-attacks, encouraged by the rise of the internet, have become an important concern, threatening both government systems and private data. Demographic changes, such as rapid growth in population, development, and migration, impose additional strain on existing assets and increase the risk of crises. The paper examines the implications of these challenges for Pakistan's national security and offers ideas for resolving them through coordinated policies and regional cooperation.