EMERGING THREAT OF FOOD INSECURITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL SECURITY OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

In recent years, food insecurity has become a critical concern for Pakistan’s national security. With a growing population, diminishing agricultural productivity and increasing vulnerability to climate change the situation of food security in Pakistan is becoming worsening. Currently, one-third of pregnant women suffer from malnourishment and 25 per cent newborn fall prey to stunted growth. Shockingly, over 30 per cent deaths in newborn caused by malnourishment. This dire situation act as a ticking time bomb for the social unrest and internal instability-a threat acknowledged in the National Security Policy (NSP). This study aims to analyze the critical role of food security in Pakistan’s national security, using qualitative methodology and both primary and secondary data. Moreover, the study employs Barry Buzan’s Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) to establish that food insecurity is a regional issue and should be addressed through the combined efforts of the actors in South Asia. The findings of the study show that unequal access to the food triggers social unrest and push individuals toward violence. Additionally, it demonstrates that food insecurity hinders economic stability and consequently, weakens overall security. This study recommends that conventional concept of security must be expanded to include human security as a corner stone to the overall security architecture.