IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PAKISTAN AS A NON-TRADITIONAL SECURITY THREAT

Abstract

Climate change has developed as a non-traditional security threat with far-reaching global implications, yet international responses remain fragmented and inadequate. This article examines climate change as a critical security challenge for Pakistan, a country disproportionately vulnerable despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. The study first outlines the global dimensions of the climate crisis and gaps in response. It then assesses Pakistan’s specific exposure, highlighting impacts on water security, food systems, extreme weather events, and internal displacement, through case studies and their cascading effects on political stability, economic resilience, and national security. The analysis identifies key governance deficits at federal and provincial levels, including weak institutional coordination, policy implementation gaps, and insufficient climate financing. In response, the article proposes a renewed governance framework centered on institutional strengthening, inter-provincial coordination, and mainstreaming climate risk into security planning. Additional measures include capacity building of climate change institutions, scaling adaptation strategies for vulnerable sectors, and pursuing low-carbon mitigation pathways. Likewise, social sector reforms measures in the academic domain and climate change diplomacy have also been touched upon. The findings underscore that addressing climate change as a security threat in Pakistan requires moving beyond environmental ministries to a whole-of-government approach integrating security, development, and governance reforms.