Exploring the nexus between Pakistan’s energy (in)security and foreign policymaking

Pakistan’s depleting natural gas reserves and rising energy demand have necessitated increased reliance on energy imports. Heavy reliance on energy imports has made energy security a central concern in its foreign policy. However, existing literature has largely overlooked this dimension. This study addresses this gap through multiple case studies of Pakistan’s engagement with energy-rich states in the Arabian Gulf and Central Asian, as well as Iran and Russia. The paper makes two main arguments. First, energy security has become a national security concern in Pakistan because energy shortages and rising costs threaten economic development, industrial productivity, and social stability. Second, energy security has shaped Pakistan’s foreign policy because of heavy reliance on imports, encouraging greater engagement with energy-producing states, particularly in the Gulf.