Pakistan National Security: Threats from Emerging Technological Devices and Future Prospects

Abstract

National security has been described as the ability of a country to protect itself from internal and external threats and cater for the protection of its sovereignty and people. It can be an ability to defend country and nation to meet the needs necessary for its self-preservation and self-improvement including its people, economy, and institutions. It is a nation’s possession of control of its sovereignty and destiny. Thus, national security is not only something that merely protects people; it also involves providing safety, security, and freedom. After end of the Cold War and at the beginning of 21st Century, the concept of warfare has changed due to advancement in technology. The new environment has replaced the primitive pattern of warfare with advanced electronic devices which are dangerous and unpredictable. So, the new electronic instruments put countries in defensive position because modern devices are very effective and offensive to counter adversaries’ moves. In this situation, Pakistan is facing serious security challenges from Non-State Actors (NSA) and adversaries moves to destabilize country. Pakistan is facing alarming threats from emerging technologies, especially from India - as a strategic competitor. For this reason, advances in technologies, such as - computing, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing, warrant extra attention to anticipate the trajectories of emerging technologies, as well as to understand their implications for national security. Nonetheless, time has arrived that Pakistan must have a comprehensive national security policy to defend the country from strategic competitor in various emerging technological fields. It is necessary to focus on technologies which are critical to the country’s economic and military future, including enabling technologies. For this purpose, security establishment must take appropriate actions to compete adversary with effective measures, because Pakistan is perceived not to be an indispensable player, and desire radical actions for the socio-economic strength of the country.