Experts Discuss Hybrid Warfare's Impact on Pakistan's National Security

• •Hybrid warfare techniques are compressing decision-making timelines in South Asia.
• •Experts emphasize the need for stronger communication and verification mechanisms.
• •AI is playing a growing role in influence operations and information dissemination.

On September 29, 2026, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held a roundtable discussion on hybrid warfare and its implications for Pakistan's national security. Experts highlighted that hybrid warfare techniques have compressed decision-making timelines, complicating crisis management and strategic stability in South Asia. Air Commodore (Retd.) Khalid Banuri emphasized the intersection of cyber and information operations with strategic stability. Adeela Waqar from PKCERT discussed vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure due to increasing dependence on interconnected digital systems. Dr. Sumaira Kausar noted that artificial intelligence can accelerate the spread of both authentic and manipulated content, further compressing decision-making windows. Dr. Zahir Kazmi stressed that effective crisis management must be supported by resilience and credible capabilities. The roundtable aimed to enhance national preparedness against evolving hybrid threats.