HYBRID WARFARE: A CASE STUDY OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Hybrid warfare poses a multifaceted and severe threat to Pakistan's security, combining conventional, irregular, and information warfare tactics that undermine a nation's sovereignty and stability. The study addresses critical questions concerning the nature, origin, and impact of hybrid warfare on Pakistan's security, as well as the country's response to this challenge. The study also delved into the perceptions of different international players on Hybrid Warfare. The research methodology involved a rigorous qualitative analysis of a vast and diverse range of relevant literature, including academic articles, government reports, and media sources, to gain a comprehensive understanding of hybrid warfare and its implications for Pakistan's security. The study employs the Diplomacy-Information-Military-Economy (DIME) framework to analyse the various dimensions of hybrid warfare. This analytical framework offers a systematic and comprehensive approach to examine the different elements of national power targeted by hybrid war, enabling a detailed comprehension of effective strategies to counter such threats. Policymakers can consider a range of responses across different domains, including diplomatic efforts, information operations, military actions, and economic measures, to counter hybrid warfare strategies effectively. The study provides a vital overview of the complexity of modern-day security challenges and proposes means for enhancing the responsiveness of the security sector, improving intelligence sharing, and creating synergy for cooperative action. A comprehensive approach is necessary given the multifaceted nature of hybrid warfare, which often involves multiple actors and tactics across various domains, making it a significant security challenge for Pakistan and many other countries worldwide