Topic 31: Non-Traditional Security Threats In Pakistan: Role Of Non-State Actors

1) Introduction
a. Non-traditional security threats are the challenges that arise primarily out of nonmilitary
sources.
b. Non-State Actor is an individual or organization that has a significant political influence
but is not allied to any particular country/state.
2) Non-Traditional Security Threats In Pakistan:
a. Climate change:

i. most fundamental one

ii. frequent extreme weather events and changes in temperature and
precipitation.
iii. produces floods, droughts, cyclones and increased sea levels.
iv. Pakistan is in top 10 countries facing adverse climate change.
b. Increased population:

i. disturbs economy and environment burdening society.

c. Food scarcity
d. Water scarcity:
i. due to increased pressure of population and urbanization
ii. decreased level of precipitation.
e. Resource scarcity
f. infectious diseases
g. poverty
h. deteriorating economic conditions.
3) Positive Non-State Actors
a. NGOs
b. multinational corporations
c. international media
4) Negative Non-State Actors
a. violent non-state actors
b. religious groups
c. international media
5) Role Of Non-State Actors
a. dual role to play
b. Generate a non-traditional threat by manipulating the market dynamics and playing
with the intricacies of stock exchanges.
c. Play a role in mitigating the effects of some of the non-traditional challenges.
 d. Could act as a constructive or destructive agent
6) Conclusion (Rudaina Ali)

Q1. Define non-state actors. ‘Non-state actors are posing more threat to Pakistan’s national security
than threats from external state actors.’ Argue in favour or against. 2018

The first duty of a government is to maintain law and order, so that the life, property and religious
beliefs of its subjects are fully protected by the state” Quaid e Azam Muhmmad Ali Jinnah [1]

Background

Since the World War II, the idea of nation-sate emerged as the strongest political entity, state was
started being seen as ultimate authority and which, according to Max Weber, had monopoly over the
use of force. This claim, however, did not go unchallenged. Right from there, international as well as
domestic politics have been strongly affected and shaped by Non State Actors (NSAs) as entities that
participate or act in international organizations. They have long influenced the political structure of a
state by using violence, mobilized masses by invoking social norms, and accordingly claimed the
distribution of wealth. They increasingly challenge the traditional state system and underlying structure
of international politics.

Definition

 Non-State Actors can be defined as organizations or individuals that have significant political
clout but are not legally associated with a state
 According to Pearlman and Cunningham, non- state actors are define as “ an organized political
actor not directly connected to the state but pursing aims that affect vital state interests
(Pearlman & Cunningham, 2011)

TYPES

There is a wide variety of Non State Actors such as warlords, Private military corporations (PMCs)
criminal and terrorist networks, organized crime groups both domestic and transnational youth gangs,
multinational corporations, and the United Nations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to name
just a few.

These Non- State actors may be based on the foundations of religion, ethnicity, business interests, and
many others, but the point which is common in them is that they pressurize the state with different
tactics to change its policy.

Pakistan facing asymmetrical threats by non–state actors

(Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat said as chief guest on
the occasion of National Day that) Pakistan today is faced with asymmetrical threats posed by non-
state actors as they were acting today in Karachi under state patronage being used as a proxy by
neighbor country.

This double talk and double speak will have to end and finish. Pakistan had condemned terrorism in all
its forms not only within Pakistan but in region and beyond.
War on our Western borders has hit us for last 17 years. Pakistan had suffered economic losses in excess
of 123 billion US dollars direct and 500 billion dollars indirect since 2001. Pakistan armed forces have
fought valiantly against extremists and terrorists. As part of the National Action Plan (NAP) Pakistan
armed forces have conducted successful operations Zarb-e-Azb and Rad-ul-Fasad.

These operations have successfully targeted the terrorists and their hideouts and they fled the
neighboring countries.

Terrorism:

at present, the gravest problem that pakistan is facing is terrorism. it has become a sour tooth for
federation and a nightmare for the people of pakistan. becoming a partner of the us in the war against
terrorism has made pakistan suffer a lot.

The 9/11 was only one terrorist incident in the us territory but inside pakistan numbers of such incidents
have been observed, which deteriorated the law and order situation in the country. no part of the
country is safe due to bombing and suicide attacks of terrorism.

Pakistan’s troubled economic conditions, fluid political setting and perilous security circumstances
present serious challenges to its security. besides military security, the problem of terrorism has
branched out numerous issues which are equally serious.

Pakistan, as a nation has failed to share its soft image to the global community, it has to bear much
pressure from the world community and organizations to pursue a more direct policy in order to curtail
terrorism from the grass root levels.

Pakistan’s domestic trade and economic activity as well as foreign investment trend has been widely
declined due to the internal instability and frequent terrorist attacks from different terrorist wings, both
indigenous and infiltrated.

no part of the country is safe due to bombing and suicide attacks of terrorism. feeling insecurity from
terrorism and the worst kind of law and order situation, the intelligentsia of the country is moving in
search of a better and safe future to western countries. Talibanization promoted the culture of terrorism
in pakistan that includes ambushes on armed forces by tehrik-etalibanpakistan (ttp); targeted killing of
religious, political and civil society figure;, scholars and doctors; blowing up schools; offices of ngos;
bridges; suicide attacks in mosques and other important places. so far more than 50,000 pakistani have
lost their lives in different incidents of terrorism including 5,000 soldiers

Role o! Non-State Actors*Entities (

They could generate a nontraditional threat; say by manipulating the market dynamics and playing with
the intricacies of stock exchanges. An individual coming home on vacation from a distant county could
inadvertently be a carrier of a locally uncommon virus that could erupt in to an epidemic,against which
the recipient country has little or no countering capacity. "high seas piracy is another nontraditional
threat whereby only a handful group of pirates could radiates a sense of insecurity over a wide area. Ln
the other hand, non state actors, both individuals and entities, also have a role to play in mitigating the
effects of some of the non traditional challenges.
domestic and international non governmental organi2ations ?(GLs often networ) with thestate=gover
nmental structures and create synergy in disaster management. <any philanthropicindividuals
and entities with various politico religious leanings have traditionally acted as an extended arm of the
government organi2ations li)es (ational 8isaster <anagement Authority (8<A , 7ivil 8efence, and /ed
7rescent %ociety. "owever, if left to themselves, such entitiesare unable to carry out even handed and
large scale activities, mainly due to capacity issues. &f allowed to operate for a long time some entities
could also trigger non traditional threats of other types through their doctrinal beliefs, practices and
cultural incompatibility.

NON STATE ACTORS:

the country is also fighting a directionless war against a wide definition of terrorists. These are stateless
groups from TTP to Daesh to sectarian killers to armed assets of political parties.

Justice Qazi’s Quetta Commission Report is an indictment how some sectarian groups

belonging to Punjab operate with abandon in Balochistan and affect the Pakistan-Iran region.

These groups are in hibernation in Punjab but continue operating elsewhere. By

KulbashanYadez’s and Ehsanullah Ehsan’s own admissions, they enjoy Indian patronage and

funding. Recently more than 13 Indians died in Eastern Afghanistan due to a US MOAB attack.

Though Indian media branded them as ISIS recruits, intelligence information suggests they were RAW
trainers whose patrons AjitDoval and Prime Minster Modi have sworn to smite Pakistan. It is no wonder
that same elements were used against Pakistan to kick start a new wave of Pakistan-Iran acrimony

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Essay On The Internal Threat Is More Dangerous Than External Threat (Plz Evaluate)

The Internal Threat Is More

Dangerous Than External Threat
To Pakistan
OUTLINE:
 Introduction

 Internal Threats To Pakistan

• Political Instability
• Weak Judiciary
• Feudalism
• Provincialism
• Extremism, Terrorism and Target Killings
• Energy Crisis
• Water Shortage
• Poverty
• Unemployment
• Illiteracy
• Corruption
• Overpopulation

 External Threats To Pakistan

• India
• Afghanistan
• US
• Globalization

 Critical Analysis

 Suggestions

 Conclusion

Essay
Pakistan was established in 1947. Since its inception it has been surrounded by countless
internal as well as external problems. All these problems seem to have become fate of our
country. Problems like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, provincialism, Baluchistan issue,
extremism, terrorism etc. are now posing a great threat to our existence. Despite being
rich in natural resources we still are unable to utilize them fully and fairly. Due to
underutilization of these vast resources, we are still a way behind in the race of
development. Not only internal problems have kept Pakistan engaged but also external
problems have always been a bolt from blue for our country. It is a fact that every
country is facing problems in one form or the other. But in the case of Pakistan, owing to
mismanagement, problems have been becoming incurable. It is mainly due to the
mishandling of the internal issues. Our country is losing its true image. This has resulted
in foreign interventions into our national affairs and has undermined our progress.

The present era is the age of low intensity conflicts rather than conventional wars. So, it is
extremely important to understand our internal dynamics, challenges and threats such as
national integration, ethnicity, sectarianism, drug mafia, political system, bad economic
conditions and economic disparities, and geographic vulnerabilities. The main internal
fronts which are directly affecting the foreign policy of Pakistan are the followings;

Political stability is one of the biggest threats that Pakistan has from the very
beginning. No government so far could have been able to complete its term. The
incompetence of our leaders has always provided the army a golden chance to topple the
elected governments. Every military ruler has seized the power with countless promises to
the masses. But with the passage of time, they only prolonged their rule and served their
vested interests.

Furthermore, judiciary has also been instrumental in providing a legal cover to the
military rule in the country. It has always supported the undemocratic steps taken by the
dictators under the “Doctrine of necessity”. Such a weak and incompetent judiciary has
never allowed the democracy to flourish on our soil. So the absence of democracy has
given birth to numerous other problems/threats.

Feudalism is another threat to Pakistan’s stability. It has never allowed a sincere

leadership to come to the scene. Theses voracious feudal lords have always tried to
achieve their covert interests in the garb of politics. In every general election, the poor
masses are forced by the feudal lords to cast votes according to their will. The
suppression of the voice of the poor masses has been proving detrimental to our society.

Moreover, when the issues are left unresolved they become incurable with the passage of
time. Provincial hatred is the result of such negligence. This hatred has caused the
separation of East Pakistan. Centre has always been reluctant to give provinces the full
autonomy and right over their national resources. Sheer inequality and mismanagement
of the natural resources has flared up the feelings of provincialism. With the elapse of
time these feelings are sowing the seeds of secession.

Provincialism has further resulted in regionalism. Lack of nationalism is another serious

threat to our national integrity. Nationalism is a great binding force but here everyone
instead of thinking himself as a Pakistani considers as Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, Pathan
etc. Such individuality and bitterness among the masses is weakening our country to its
roots.

Religious differences such as Shia vs. Sunni are further adding fuel to the fire. Religious
extremism that took its roots in Pakistan after the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 is
proving venomous for Pakistan. This religious extremism took a new shape of terrorism
after 9/11. After the incident of 9/11 suicide bombing in Pakistan has become a norm of
the day. Target killing is another menace which is claiming hundreds of innocent lives
daily.

Energy crisis is further adding to the problems of Pakistan. Energy crisis is not less than
a threat. It has proved a bolt from blue for our economy. Energy keeps the wheel of the
economy going on. Uninterrupted supply of electricity has become a day dream for the
masses. Every sector of life has been affected by the starvation of energy in the country.
Industrial sector has got a serious blow. Closure of industries and businesses is a grave
threat to our survival. Our economy is suffering so seriously. In the wake of such
conditions, the investors are reluctant to invest in our country/investors were already
reluctant to invest in our crisis ridden country and energy crisis has prevented them
further. Energy crisis is largely due to the mismanagement of water resources.

Water shortage is another setback to our country. Being agricultural, our country largely
depends on canal water for irrigation. But the mismanagement of water resources and
Indian hegemony has caused the shortage. The role of Indus River System Authority
(IRSA) has also been dismal in this regard. Furthermore, the decreasing capacity of
existing dams like Tarbela and Mangla Dams due to sedimentation is also making the
conditions worse.

Energy crisis coupled with water crisis has severely affected the industrial and agricultural
sector. People engaged in both these sectors are being left unemployed. Unemployment is
leading to poverty. Poverty is a sort of curse which is making life miserable. Despite
being agricultural country of ours, we are still facing food shortage. People are unable to
make their both ends meet.

Youth makes the major portion of our population but unfortunately it is largely
unemployed. The unemployment rate touches the 12 % mark. There are many reasons
of unemployment like influx of machinery that has replaced manpower, lack of new
industries and defective education system. Unemployment is causing brain-drain. While
the others who are unable to find any job at all indulge in nefarious activities and rate of
crimes increases.

Illiteracy is not less than a curse for a society. Education has been the most neglected
sector in Pakistan. The fact that 50% of children do not complete their primary education
testifies this fact. Uneducated adults are burden on national exchequer. Economy prospers
in educated society. On the contrary, illiterate society closes the doors of prosperity.
Unemployment, poverty, sectarianism, population explosion, crimes, terrorism etc. are, in
one way or the other linked to illiteracy. It is also a threat to our country’s survival in this
globalized world.

Corruption is another major threat. It has assumed the shape of a fashion in our society.
It has firmly entrenched its roots in our society. It has become the part of each and every
department of government. From clerical staff to higher officers and bureaucrats, all are
involved in corruption of one kind or the other. It is weakening the roots of our system. A
weak system full of ills is itself is a biggest threat to the survival of the country.

Growing population is becoming headache for our nation. Weak economy of ours is
proving failure to cater to the needs of the growing number of people. There is a great
increase in economic disparity among the masses. The poor are becoming poorer, and the
rich are getting richer and richer day by day. Problems like illiteracy, unemployment,
poverty are rendering the growing population a grave threat to our country.
Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable states in the world. It is bordered with
Afghanistan, Iran, China and India. To the south is the Arabian Sea, a gate way to CARS
through Gwadar port. Pakistan’s domestic politics remains intimately linked to political
relations with Pakistan’s neighbours. The geographical shape and the distributions of its
population complicate the defence problem. Pakistan’s security is gravely threatened in
recent era as compared to previous threats. There are a large number of issues which are
a constant threat to the security of Pakistan. These include environment, narcotic
trafficking, terrorism, disarmament, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,
human rights, gender issue etc.

The creation of India and Pakistan gave birth to many thorny issues/problems between
the neighbouring countries. Kashmir issue remains at the top of the list. Other issues like
water issue, Siachen, Sir Creek, Afghanistan are now lingering over the years. Terrorism
and security are the other emerging issues. Both the countries have fought three wars.
Due to trust deficit, both the countries have remained at loggerheads with each other.
India has remained the most threatening neighbour for Pakistan. The borders with India
are always in great risks of escalation. There is always a possibility of nuclear war which
can place Pakistan in a hopeless strategic position. The threat from India today is an
internal as well as ranging from failed governance, mismanagement of the country’s
economy to the war against terrorism.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have much in common. But the relations between these two
countries, bound by historical and geographical links, have not been peaceful but rather
have been marked by hostility since 1947. Problems like Durand line, demand of
Pashtoonistan, soviet invasion, smuggling of arms, migration of Afghans have been the
biggest dilemma for Pakistan’s security. Refugees have also been threat for the law and
order situation. Furthermore, it has given birth to the Taliban ideology in Pakistan, which
has far-reaching consequences on Pakistan’s sovereignty. In addition to all this the
incident of 9/11 also left its indelible impacts and gave rise to terrorism which has become
the biggest threat to Pakistan’s survival.

After the incident of 9/11, The US launched a so-called war on terror. Since then,
Pakistan has been US ally in this war. This war has played havoc with Pakistan. It has
claimed the lives of 35,000 innocent people and soldiers. US’ frequent unilateral actions
through drones in Pakistan’s territory are a grave threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Pakistan’s involvement in war on terror has given the US a free licence to interfere in
Pakistan’s matters. Such involvement in internal issues and policies of Pakistan is giving
rise to anti-Americanism among the masses. A national consensus seems to be emerging
against American involvement and attacks.

In addition to all these, the wave of economic liberalization and globalization has
weakened the traditional authority and control of the state in policy making options even
on important matters and issues of vital interest.

More than sixty years have elapsed but these sixty years and more have seen little peace.
Our country has witnessed many an issues like political, social, linguistic, cultural, identity
related and many more. The disturbances created by these issues are assuming greater
menace than external threats. Today, we have diplomacy and different international
platforms to cope with external threats. But coping with internal disturbances is
becoming far more difficult. In the case of Pakistan, the internal issues have become
more difficult to tackle with owing to lack of competent leadership. In turn, these issues
have kept our country internally engaged and also asserted negative influence on the
nation.

It is a fact that there are many hurdles in running the country. But sincere leadership with
proper management can do wonders. It is never too late to act. What is needed is the
proper implementation of policies. Here are some suggestions to climb out of internal
problems.

• There should be balance between all the institutions of the country. All institutions must
work within the boundary of their limit. It will ensure the proper functioning of the
governmental machinery.

• The centre and the federating units must develop good relation. All the thorny issues
between them should be resolved with the sincerity of purpose. Grievances of the
provinces must be redressed on priority basis.

• Equal distribution of natural resources must be ensured. Provinces must be given right
and due share over their natural resources.

• Justice is indispensible to good governance. Access to cheap and quick justice should be
made possible for everyone. Dispensation of justice must be irrespective of class, creed
and religion.

• Economic policies must be revised. They must be reformed to meet the demands of the
poor masses. Agricultural and industrial sectors must be revolutionized to attract
investment and boost the economy.

• Cut-down of extra expenditure by down-sizing the administrative setup is the dire need
of the hour. It would be greatly helpful in reducing debt burden from our country.

• All the institutions responsible for maintaining accountability should be authorized.

Legislation must be enacted to improve accountability. It must be started from the top.
Everyone, no matter how powerful is he, must be brought to book.

• Anti-corruption courts be established. All the cases of corruption must be decided on

priority basis to check the wheel of corruption.

• Media should be made free. Freedom of media is the real essence of good governance.
Media is called the fourth pillar of the state and is instrumental in ensuring good
governance.

It can be concluded that Pakistan is trapped in numerous internal problems. All the
problems are interlinked to one another. They have formed a vicious circle and appear
again and again in one form or the other. Every government has always ignored them
considering as minor. This sheer negligence from the part of our government, whether
democratic or doctorial, has turned these issues into a grave threat. They have now
become the biggest challenge for our country. In the wake of these challenges, Pakistan’s
survival is at stake. Trapped in the shackles of internal problems our country has been
unable to promote its fair image on external front. It is proving fatal and undermining our
stance on internal level. Time is ripe now to address internal issues on priority basis
before they go out of control. These issue, challenges and threats must seriously be
considered by our policy makers. Policies, to tackle them, be made and implemented with
 the sincerity of purpose. Collective efforts are required on all fronts. The whole nation
must join hands in hands to face them. No issue can be resolved in an overnight. A
sustained effort and toil is needed in order to uproot these problems. Our intelligentsia,
scholars, writers, champions, and educated strata can be instrumental in this regard. A
strong Pakistan should be our first priority. If we have to make certain hard decisions for
its accomplishment no one should hesitate to lead and pull the trigger. Indeed, Pakistan
comes first even before our personal vested interests
Despite a 29% decline in terrorist attacks in Pakistan last year, the outlawed TTP, its splinters groups
and ISIS’s Khurasan chapter remained the most potent threat to the country’s security, said a report
by Pakistan Institute for Peace and Studies (PIPS).

At least 595 people were killed in the acts of terrorism around the country in 2018, the report said,
adding that about 38% were killed in five lethal attacks, which were claimed by ISIS in Balochistan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the report, 354 people were killed in Balochistan, which is 59% of the total toll.