Pakistan’s National Security Policy: Old Paradigm with New Packaging?

On 14 January, Prime Minister Imran Khan launched Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) 2022-2026. The public version is described as a citizen-centric policy framework, placing economic security at its core in hopes to improve trade ties with its neighbours, especially with India. The document expresses Pakistan’s interest in pursuing peace with India, giving rise to questions on whether there will be a paradigm shift in Islamabad’s strategic operations. What remains to be seen is the potential of this document in addressing Pakistan’s domestic issues as well as its implications on the future relations between India-Pakistan and the subcontinent at large.