In an anarchic international system, security is the only way to ensure survival of the states. In South Asia, security dilemma is prevailing characteristic. South Asia is the least integrated region in the world. Pakistan, being a security state, has a significant contribution in the security framework of the region. It is cashing the opportunities as well as facing challenges in the security dynamics. The role of Pakistan in regional security dynamics greatly crafts by many factors, including complex geographic milieu, internal security matters, and interest of great powers
From Pakistan’s inception in 1947 to till now, the territorial dispute over Kashmir and conflict over the distribution of water resources is bone of contention between two nuclear armed states. They fought more than four wars which made the land of South Asia unfit to harvest the plant of peace. The rivalry of India and Pakistan always sabotages peace processes and exacerbates the security dimension in the region. The involvement of intelligence agency of India in the cross-border terrorism in Pakistan by supporting TTP and many other militant outfits brings the two nuclear‑weapon states at the edge of war. Recently, the military crisis on May 7, 2025 in which India launched an airstrike and hit various targets iin Pakistan by claiming that it targeted anti‑India militant groups. In response, the Pakistani aircraft shot down 6 to 7 Indian warplanes of India. These episodes of use of force make security situation of the region volatile and fragile The harsh relations of India and Pakistan make South Asia insecure region
Another security driven element of the region is the porous western border of 2640 km with Afghanistan. Pakistan and Afghanistan have also experienced us and downs in their ties. In 1950s, border skirmishes erupted over Durant line because the Afghan government. from very first day to til now, is refusing to accept the Durant line as a international border. During cold war, Pakistan opened its border and supported Mujaheddin with the will of America against USSR. Pakistan extended its diplomatic support to the Taliban government in Kabul in 1990s. These all efforts are made to establish cordial relations with the Muslim country.
The tragic incident of 9/11 brought paradigm shift not only in regional security sphere but also in international security structure. At that movement Pakistan’s shifted its security policy and joined hands with the USA in waging the Global War on Terror. America fought the longest war in the history but did not get any desired outcomes. Due to the partnership in this war, Pakistan became victim of internal terrorism. It is still burning in the menace of terrorism. Currently, the cross border infiltration, targeting civilian and armed forces, and providing safe havens for anti-Pakistan militant groups are conspicuous measures taken by DE-facto regime in Afghanistan with the support of India to destabilize Pakistan. These are the precedents of hard ties between them, but Pakistan is flexible enough to do diplomatic efforts for its stability, for instance the facilitation of Doha Talk between the Afghan Taliban and the USA. In the result, a big major breakthrough took place and the USA left the Kabul throne for the Taliban in 2021.Once again, the swift withdrawal of the USA pushed the region in the quagmire of terrorism like heinous attacks of terrorist in KPK and Baluchistan in Pakistan and New Delhi in India. These events create security vacuum in South Asia.
Despite hostile environment in two fronts of Pakistan, it has sustained cordial bond with China. The flagship project of CPEC reflects the height of their friendship. The desire of both countries to expand the horizons of CPEC to Afghanistan is a sign of regionalism.
The membership of Pakistan in SAARC, SCO, and other regional organizations also depicts Pakistan’s role in the peace and security of the region.
In a nutshell, Pakistan is performing parallel role in keeping peace and creating insecurity due to hostile neighbors in South Asia. Pakistan ties with China absolutely play a central role in maintaining balance of power in the region.
“You can change friends but not neighbors” ( Atal Bihari Vajpayee)
Email:mehak.bsir001142@student.iiu.pk
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.