Revisiting Climate Change as a Non-Traditional Security Threat to Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Climate change has been redefined as a non-traditional security (NTS) threat to Pakistan, emphasizing the interlinkages between socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities and national security. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, integrating primary data from various sources such as newspaper articles, policy documents, and INGO documents, along with secondary resources including peer-reviewed journal articles and books. Employing a deductive research strategy, the study focuses on understanding climate change as an NTS threat, aligning with the interpretive paradigm to gain an in-depth understanding of specific contexts and subjective experiences. Comparative analysis with the UK, US, and India suggests that legally binding targets and the alignment of climate policies with national security and development goals could strengthen Pakistan's response to climate-induced threats. Key findings highlight that climate change exacerbates existing issues such as overpopulation, water management challenges, and the impact of extreme weather events, contributing to socio-economic instability. The study critiques Pakistan's climate policies for their limited effectiveness, citing poor implementation, weak integration with security concerns, and insufficient financial resources. The research concludes that addressing these systemic constraints is crucial for improving the country's climate resilience and security