Non-Traditional Maritime Threats in the Indian Ocean Region: A Rising Challenge for Pakistan’s National Security

Abstract

The evolving security architecture of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is increasingly shaped by non-traditional maritime threats that transcend conventional military paradigms. This paper examines the expanding scope of non-traditional maritime threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and their implications for Pakistan’s national security. Beyond conventional naval conflicts, threats such as piracy, maritime terrorism, smuggling (of narcotics, arms, and goods), illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, cyber-attacks on shipping and ports, and environmental risks (climate change, pollution, waste dumping) now dominate the maritime security agenda. These threats intersect with Pakistan’s strategic interests: protecting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) port at Gwadar, securing vital oil and trade sea-lanes (through the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Strait of Hormuz), and safeguarding the livelihoods of its coastal populations. We reviewed academic and policy literature on Indian Ocean security, and outlined a theoretical framework of non-traditional security, as well as analyzed the regional strategic context (energy and trade flows, great-power competition, and key chokepoints). Detailed sections assess each major threat category with recent data and cases (e.g., Somali piracy’s resurgence, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, illicit drug dhows in the Arabian Sea, Chinese IUU fishing off Pakistan, recent cyber intrusions at Karachi port). Case studies of Gwadar Port security (CPEC target of militant attack), Somali piracy (Pakistan Navy’s active role in CTF-151), and Red Sea disruptions (global rerouting of ships, coalition task forces) illustrate these dynamics. The analysis finds significant policy gaps—from an outdated 2002 National Maritime Policy to coordination deficits among Pakistan’s agencies—and recommends strategic remedies. These include crafting a comprehensive maritime strategy integrating security and blue-economy goals, enhancing surveillance and law enforcement (coast guard, satellite/AIS tracking), deepening regional cooperation (IORA, IONS, CMF), and building resilience to climate and pollution risks. Our findings underscore that non-traditional threats in the IOR are intensifying and spill into Pakistan’s economy, security, and governance. Only a holistic, well-resourced response can safeguard Pakistan’s maritime domain in the coming decade.