The article analyzes the national defense doctrine of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and its role in ensuring the country’s national security. It reveals the historical, geopolitical, and military-political factors shaping Pakistan’s defense policy. Regional threats and challenges, particularly strategic rivalry with India, nuclear deterrence policy, and counter-terrorism issues, are examined within an appropriate analytical framework. The study provides a scholarly assessment of the close linkage between the defense doctrine and the national security strategy, highlights the role of military institutions in maintaining state stability, and emphasizes the significance of the power factor in foreign policy. Furthermore, the article explores the mechanisms for responding to traditional and non-traditional threats within Pakistan’s defense doctrine, the military-political decision-making system, and its impact on regional and international security. This research contributes to drawing important academic conclusions for understanding Pakistan’s national security concept and assessing the military-political balance in South Asia.

Pakistan’s defense doctrine, national security, military strategy, nuclear deterrence, South Asia, geopolitical rivalry, India-Pakistan relations, counter-terrorism, military-political policy, security strategy.

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