CYBERSECURITY AND PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY: THREAT LANDSCAPE, POLICY GAPS AND STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES

Abstract

Rapid digital infrastructure growth in Pakistan has made the country more vulnerable to cyber threats, which now threaten its business sector(s) and government institutions. This study investigates Pakistan's escalating cybersecurity risks through an analysis of three essential theoretical models, which include securitisation theory, deterrence, and hybrid warfare. Qualitative thematic analysis
is used for policy documents, cyber incident reports, and academic literature to reveal governance weaknesses, legal framework deficiencies, and institutional capability shortfalls. Evidence indicates Pakistan operates in a complex cyber environment where advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware attacks, cyber-espionage, and disinformation operations persist. Findings reveal that India maintains its position as Pakistan's main external cyber threat actor through its growing offensive capabilities, which also receive support from Israeli partnerships. Sectoral analysis shows that Pakistan faces multiple challenges because of poor inter-agency coordination, insufficient CERT capabilities, excessive dependence on foreign technology, and inadequate legal protections that extend beyond the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. Current weaknesses in Pakistan's cybersecurity framework make it extremely difficult to stop or prevent sophisticated cyber-attacks and recover from them quickly. The paper suggests developing an
extensive national cybersecurity plan that combines denial-based deterrence with resilience enhancement strategies. It also advocates for creating a unified cybersecurity authority, implementing mandatory breach disclosure requirements, supporting local R&D initiatives, and developing cooperative cyber confidence-building initiatives with neighboring countries. Evidence also demonstrates that Pakistan faces economic damage, reputation loss, and strategic instability because of its unaddressed institutional problems during the current hybrid warfare escalation.