In a globalized world security can no longer be studied in one dimensional fashion because threats become trans-national and states lose power to counter them with traditional methods. Human security is an important subject for the whole world, specifically Asia, as it deals with interactions among fields of social change such as conflict resolution, human rights and humanitarian assistance. We live in a world affected by devastating human challenges and catastrophes and natural disaster such as floods and drought. A section of world population is suffering as a result of inter and Intra state wars and civil strife like in Pakistan, Yemen and Afghanistan are suffering human security issues. Barry Buzan also is of idea that ‘The idea of security is easier to apply to things than to people’.
The concept of human security does not oust or replace the traditional security concept but both concepts represent different ideas to respond existing threats. The basic interest of traditional security is state sovereignty but the gravity of human security is individual sovereignty. Human security is not substitute to traditional security but it is rather compliment to traditional security. Basic question is that how safe and free are as individuals? It is not a new question but attracting policy makers and thinkers in the era of inter and intra state wars after the end of cold war more than ever. The implications of human security persist of such measurements which are taken for the prevention of major and minor human security issues. The broader aspect includes military and basic human rights securities and by narrowing down we can also implement the securities of racism, health and environment. Developing countries lack the implementation of these basic environmental securities such as corruption in police and other security providing institutes.
In order to provide human security a government can ensure its public the basic economic security by decreasing unemployment ratio or by providing house allowances to those who are not able to work. Economic security is one of the strongest objectives of human psychology. Food security implications are equally important. For example during the time of Covid 19 pandemic, grocery stores were out of supply due to the panic of a long breakdown of food supplies. In order to secure their food need people were rushed into the food items shopping. To provide food to everyone who needs, one can lessen the variety and increase the quantity of easily available food items. Imported items are usually expensive and not easily approachable in time of emergency.
Health security implications include better health facilities and proper supply of medicines. It also includes clean water facility. Moreover in time of a contagious disease, health facilities should be supervised by the government so that they do not lack any equipment such as testing kits, paramedical staff’s apparatuses and other tools. Implications of environmental security are very important. The proper strictness to follow the rules and regulations of a society should be implemented. Traffic rules, basic freedom of all citizens, security of their homes and accessories; all of these contribute to create a healthy environment.
Personal security leads to community’s security and in general it creates a secure environment where everybody knows their limits. The fear of punishment and accountability is important. Political security of human being is also very important because political instability can lead to chaos in a society. In a chaotic society, there is no regulation and thus there is no human security. It is important that the base of a state should be strong enough to control and regulate its public. In general, human security at every level is crucial for human psychology and growth. Even if a child does not feel secure in his home, his innate capabilities may distort or his mental and physical growth could be deeply affected. Same is the case with each human being in general.
Evolving nature of threats to humanity demands a new approach towards the concept security and gravity of security is not just state only but the people living within the state. Pakistan is facing a number of human security issues such as terrorism, extremism, women rights issues, natural disasters, economic hardships, power outages internal security, financial crunch, inflation, cyber-crime, devastation caused by natural catastrophes, and energy crisis. No concept of security is as broad and inclusive as human security which explains the quality of life of people of Pakistan.
National Internal Security Policy of Pakistan is inclusive to counter state security issues and human security issues. Through intervention in drivers of insecurity such as Youth alienation and frustration, cybercrime, exclusionary identity narratives, regional inequality, lack of Social justice and rule of law, health issues, lack of accountability and political inclusion.
Pakistan‘s traditional security approach needs to incorporate non-traditional security challenges. Human security issues in Pakistan are in dire need to suggest recommendations to resolve the challenges properly to make people of Pakistan free from all sorts of human security threats.
• At societal level there is need of social awareness and for this purpose in all universities there should be discipline of Human Security, seminars and social programs should be conducted for general public so that the people of Pakistan understand its severity.
• To ensure implementation of National Internal Security Policy that highlights human security issues, but these issues are in dire need to be at priority level as state security is important, so that human security should take vital position and should boost implementation of policies and make them functional.
• To resolve the challenge of energy crisis, water and food scarcity in the country, a comprehensive and collective approach in building new dams along with observing the demand and supply of energy, water and food is essentially needed.
• Pakistan’s institutions and people must adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward extremism, intolerance, violation of rule of law, violence and terrorism in every segment of society.
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