ENERGY AND NATIONAL SECURITY OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Pakistan faces a myriad of internal and external challenges posing threats to its national security. In the modern era, all economic vistas are highly dependent on energy, hence energy security has become a vital factor that influences a state’s economy, foreign
policy and security policy. Pakistan’s active participation in Belt and Road Initiatives has further accentuated the energy needs of Pakistan. Despite having diverse unexplored domestic energy resources, Pakistan relies heavily on foreign energy supplies which put
huge burden on its fragile economy. Inadequate policy measures, global and domestic energy politics, short term planning, lack of political will and unsustainable energy mix are major grey areas in the energy security of Pakistan. This article explores the reasons
of energy shortfall in Pakistan as well as requirements of energy vis-à-vis their impact on the national security, stability and economic development of the country.