The Securitization of Energy Security: Non-Traditional Maritime Threats to Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

Indian Ocean Region (IOR) plays a significant role in Pakistan's economic security, with over 90% of the country's energy imports passing through this region. The energy security of Pakistan is a critical issue as threats in the sea lanes of communication of the region, including piracy, terrorism, and disruption, are evolving. This paper employs Securitization Theory to examine rapidly evolving non-traditional maritime threats to energy routes and their impact on the allocation of naval resources, as well as the institutional reforms necessary to bridge the implementation gap. The study uses a qualitative document-based analysis of Pakistani state statements, budget documents, and secondary literature from 2020 to 2026. The findings show that a wide range of non-traditional maritime threats are driving significant naval modernization; however, the implementation gap persists. Energy planning and maritime defense still operate in silos, and a proactive approach is required. The paper suggests establishing a Joint Maritime-Energy Security Council to strengthen institutional planning, while strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). It adds to the growing literature on non-conventional maritime security by indicating that securitization discourse in Pakistan has exceeded institutional securitization, and it provides an integrated blueprint that points to a way ahead in maritime-energy policy in Pakistan