1. Internal Security & Counterterrorism Measures
The government continues to prioritize internal security, with operations underway against banned militant outfits in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Intelligence-based operations (IBOs) have intensified in response to a recent uptick in targeted attacks, particularly along the western border.
The military leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorism, with the Chief of Army Staff stating that any threat to national integrity will be met with “full force.” Civil-military coordination is being enhanced under the National Action Plan 2.0, and there is renewed focus on tightening border management and eliminating sleeper cells.
2. Afghan Border & Western Front
The situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains tense. Cross-border infiltration and militant movements continue to pose challenges. Pakistan has urged the interim Afghan government to prevent the use of Afghan soil by terrorist elements targeting Pakistani forces and civilians.
Border fencing efforts are ongoing, and several new border posts have been established. Diplomatic backchannels remain active, but progress is slow due to trust deficits and security realities on the ground.
3. India-Pakistan Relations
While there has been no formal dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi in recent months, backchannel contacts reportedly continue in an attempt to reduce LOC tensions. Both sides are maintaining a fragile ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control since February 2021, though incidents of surveillance drone activity and military build-up are occasionally reported.
Kashmir remains the central issue. Pakistan continues to raise concerns at international forums about human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir. However, the global response remains largely symbolic, with little pressure exerted on India.
4. China-Pakistan Strategic Cooperation
Pakistan’s partnership with China remains robust, with recent progress in the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Security around CPEC projects has been tightened following past attacks on Chinese nationals. A dedicated protection division continues to escort Chinese engineers and workers.
Strategic dialogue between Islamabad and Beijing has also included defense cooperation, joint military training, and cybersecurity collaborations. China remains a key partner for economic and military support amid shifting global alliances.
5. Relations with the US and Gulf States
Pakistan is cautiously rebuilding its relationship with the United States. Cooperation remains focused on counterterrorism, regional stability, and climate-related issues. However, the US has maintained a transactional posture, and strategic trust is still fragile post-Afghanistan withdrawal.
Meanwhile, ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have strengthened economically and diplomatically. Gulf countries are investing in Pakistan’s energy and agriculture sectors, and Pakistan continues to offer skilled labor and military training support in return.
Pakistan’s security strategy in 2025 is marked by proactive counterterrorism, cautious diplomacy, and strong reliance on regional allies like China and the Gulf states. While internal threats persist and regional relations remain complex, the overall direction is one of maintaining sovereignty, securing economic corridors, and ensuring regional balance through calculated diplomacy.
Public awareness, community engagement, and media responsibility remain key to supporting national efforts for a safer and more stable Pakistan.
