SINCE its inception, Pakistan has faced a persistent two-front challenge.
Some of our internal fault lines have repeatedly been exploited by external adversaries to destabilize the nation.
Unfortunately, certain elements within society, driven by personal gain, have aligned, wittingly or unwittingly, with hostile agendas, compromising national interests.
This convergence of internal weaknesses and external pressures has enabled a sustained campaign against Pakistan’s sovereignty, leading to the complex strategic dilemma we face today.
Internally, Pakistan faces a complex web of interconnected challenges, including persistent political instability that often draws the military into the political sphere, a fragile economy, and deep-rooted social issues such as poverty and inequality.
These problems are further compounded by mismanaged governance, and entrenched sectarian and ethnic divisions, all of which significantly hinder the country’s progress and development.
Regional and global rivalries, amid internal instability, have led the civilian government to increasingly depend on the military, blurring the line between civilian and military rule.
The military’s sustained influence in the political sphere is often reinforced by perceptions of its effectiveness in governance.
Exploitation of vulnerabilities in our security infrastructure by adversaries is driving a rapid and unpredictable shift in the security landscape.
Hybrid warfare, blending conventional and unconventional tactics, is becoming increasingly aggressive and widespread across the country.
As a veteran of nearly four decades in the Pakistan Army and ISI, I was privileged to hold key positions that offered deep insight into our nation’s strategic and security challenges.
Since retiring, my work in Dubai’s private security sector has enabled me to engage with global security experts, further expanding my perspective.
Given decades of my practical experience in countering national security threats, the current chaos, marked by an extremely fragile economy, worsening security, and poor governance, presents an increasingly bleak picture.
Our sympathizers abroad are also deeply concerned about the turmoil and its implications for our future.
To deal with evolving threats appropriately, we need to clearly understand the challenges we face, fix our internal systems, and shift from short-term solutions to long-term planning.
I am not a strategist, but as a Pakistani who understands how things usually work in the country, I believe that having a stable government with a clear and thoughtful long-term vision is the key.
This is the only way to keep the country stable and help it move forward.
Pakistan’s strategic commitment to democracy often clashes with the realities of its societal framework.
While democracy promises governance by and for the people, its success depends on alignment with the underlying social structure.
In Pakistan, where feudal elites and industrialists wield significant power, parliamentary democracy struggles to take root.
Key institutions are mostly undermined and democracy is increasingly manipulated to serve elite interests.
Ineffective governance and low public participation continue to stall democratic progress.
Deepening sectarian and ethnic divisions have fractured society, posing a serious threat to national unity.
Dragging the military in political affairs, pursuing personal agendas, has eroded democratic norms and negatively affected the military’s institutional image, which undeniably remains the center of gravity for national strength and cohesion.
Entrenched patterns continue to dominate.
Discredited political figures and groups retain influence through crafted narratives and covert tactics.
As power struggles and self-interest dominate the political landscape, public disillusionment grows, echoing the repeated failures of the past.
Some argue that transitioning to a system more reflective of Pakistan’s social realities might offer greater stability and effectiveness.
However, it is thought that the path to reform the system as a whole remains obstructed by entrenched interests resistant to change.
Nevertheless, key reforms are urgently needed to strengthen national governance.
Consolidating democratic institutions, ensuring good governance, and balancing civil-military relations are essential.
The manipulation of justice by a few lies at the root of societal ills.
Those entrusted with justice must deliver it impartially.
Greater investment in education, healthcare and social welfare is also critical to reducing poverty and inequality.
Pakistan’s economic challenges are partly rooted in its long-standing reliance on foreign aid.
This dependence has limited the country’s ability to make fully independent economic decisions.
During times of crisis, civilian governments often seek support from the military, bringing it into governance matters.
This has led to greater interaction between the military and international partners, sometimes giving the impression of military-led governance.
There is a widespread perception among the public that our response to problem-solving has been largely reactive and tactical, lacking a coherent long-term strategy.
Decisions are often driven by narrowly focused hypotheses influenced by vested interests, ultimately exacerbating the situation.
Thoughtful and responsible voices increasingly emphasize the urgent need to reorient our strategic approach.
Mere firefighting is no longer a viable option.
Addressing these challenges needs a long-term, unified strategy focused on security, good governance, economic stability and national unity.
It requires strong institutions, protection from foreign interference, and rebuilding trust between the state and citizens.
Civil society, political leaders, media, and the military must cooperate to resolve grievances, promote transparency, and uphold sovereignty and democracy.
A stronger democracy lays the foundation for improved governance, sustainable economic growth, social advancement and more robust international relations.
In today’s rapidly evolving global and regional landscape, formulating a balanced and strategic foreign policy presents a significant challenge.
However, through committed and inclusive reforms, Pakistan can chart a course toward a stable, prosperous and equitable future.
The path ahead is challenging, but the cost of inaction is far greater.
If left unaddressed, the current situation could evolve into deeper crises, making the state increasingly susceptible to both internal collapse and external aggression.
Pakistan’s stability and future depend on decisive leadership and an unwavering commitment to the national interests.
As the region faces complex geopolitical shifts, it’s essential that narratives about Pakistan reflect real-time information and on-the-ground realities.
For analysts, historians, and policymakers, understanding Pakistan’s military posture and strategic choices is key to fostering partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests.
—The writer is Security Professional, entrepreneur and author, based in Dubai, UAE.
