AI Driven Cyber Warfare Between China and India and Its Impact on Pakistan’s National Security

Abstract

This study examines the evolutionary role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber war between China and India from 2020 to 2025 and its implications for the national security of Pakistan. With the two regional powers integrating AI in its cyber strategies - distributing disinformation campaigns to autonomous defense systems - the threat scenario in southern Asia has become increasingly complex. Pakistan, geologically situated between these rivals, faces unique vulnerabilities due to its underdeveloped cyber security infrastructure and AI limited resources. While China and India advance AI -oriented cyber operations, Pakistan remains exposed to digital espionage, AI -enhanced psychological operations and critical infrastructure attacks. This research explores the strategic response of Pakistan, including the formation of the Pakistan Computer Response Team (PKCERT), the development of a national cyber security authority, and the launch of its first IA policy by 2025. Study applies realistic and neorealist structures, emphasizing state competition, survival and relative power. The literature review identifies significant gaps, including the lack of triangular analysis between China, India and Pakistan, limited AI integration into the national defense of Pakistan and the regional cyber security cooperation. The article concludes with political recommendations to improve Pakistan AI and cyber resilience, emphasizing the construction of domestic capacity, legal reforms and strategic alliances to ensure national security in the digital age.