Pak beyond crisis: A progressive state in the making

2026-01-30 - 01:26

FROM 2022 to 2024, a wave of disinformation has surrounded the state of Pakistan. Owing to economic pressures, political instability and the resulting uncertainty, a debate emerged in certain circles suggesting that Pakistan might be heading towards a crisis. This debate, however, had two distinct dimensions; (a) there has been a deliberate engineered narrative, devised to create confusion and chaos within Pakistani society with the objective of eroding public trust in the state and its institutions, (b) a casual and unintentional discourse, influenced by genuine economic challenges, social intolerance and political polarization. In both cases, these debates have generated despair, misperceptions and distrust, particularly among the youth. It is worth mentioning that such narratives were designed to cultivate pessimism, anger and alienation among the masses. In extreme situations, this frustration could have led to public unrest, chaos and distrust between the government and society. This environment could have provided fertile ground for external actors, including rival states and intelligence networks, which seek to exploit internal vulnerabilities. Historically, this has been a well-known strategy whereby hostile forces invest in social, political, ethnic and religious fault lines to weaken states from within and advance their own strategic interests. Pakistan has experienced several such phases in its history, shaped by both domestic misgovernance and external interference. However, in every instance, these challenges were overcome through the strong ideological foundations of the state and the resilience of its people. While it is undeniable that Pakistan faces serious challenges due to political imprudence, weak economic management and political intolerance, these issues reflect failures of governance, not failures of statehood. Indeed, historically, Pakistan’s ruling elite have often underperformed in managing economic and political affairs. However, the appropriate response is not to blame the state and its ideological basis, but to replace bad governance with good governance, institutional reform and responsible leadership. The crisis, therefore, lies in governance practices, not in the existence or viability of the Pakistani state. From the perspective of international law, a state is defined as an entity with a permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Pakistan fully satisfies all these criteria. It maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries of the world and is a recognized and responsible member of the international community. From the United Nations’ perspective, statehood is reinforced through membership in the UN system. Pakistan became a member of the United Nations shortly after its independence in 1947 and has since adhered to international treaties, norms and obligations. It has actively contributed to global peace through UN peacekeeping missions and continues to play a constructive role in international diplomacy. In recent years, particularly since the assumption of military command by Field Marshal Asim Munir in November 2022, Pakistan has witnessed renewed institutional stability and strategic coherence. Political stability gradually returned with the establishment of a workable political setup in March 2024. Simultaneously, there has been visible progress in economic indicators, including improved fiscal management, controlled inflation and renewed investor confidence. Socially, Pakistan has experienced increasing cohesion over the past three years, with growing public awareness about national challenges and responsibilities. The youth, in particular, have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, especially in emerging sectors such as information technology, digital entrepreneurship and education. Historically, Pakistan has fulfilled all operational dimensions of a sovereign state for over seventy-eight years. Despite inheriting severe structural disadvantages at independence in 1947, including the denial of its rightful share of financial and military assets, Pakistan survived and consolidated itself as the most viable and progressive nation state. It successfully defended its territorial integrity and gradually built political, economic and military institutions. In 1998, Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power, establishing strategic deterrence and ensuring regional balance in South Asia. This achievement transformed Pakistan into a significant strategic actor and strengthened its national security architecture. The successful deterrence posture remains a cornerstone of regional stability. More recently, Pakistan demonstrated its defensive and strategic capabilities in May 2025, when it responded effectively to Indian military aggression. The decisive military response, including the downing of Indian fighter aircraft, reinforced Pakistan’s deterrence and prevented further escalation, thereby contributing to stability in South Asia and surrounding regions. The ongoing economic and political challenges should be understood as temporary phases, not permanent conditions. Pakistan’s structural fundamentals; its population, geography, institutions, military capacity and economic potential are strong and progressive. With sustained reforms, political maturity and institutional accountability, Pakistan is well positioned to overcome these challenges. Pakistan today stands as a modern, progressive and viable state. Its geostrategic location connects South Asia with Central Asia, the Middle East and China. Its economic potential, particularly under regional connectivity initiatives, offers long-term prospects for growth and development. Its professional armed forces ensure territorial security, while its resilient population constitutes one of the most dynamic and productive human resources in the developing world. In essence, Pakistan is a modern and progressive state, heading towards further development and progression in all fields; political, economic, social and strategic. The political leadership of Pakistan needs to show magnanimity and political maturity to reform the state through better governance system. The challenge, facing the state of Pakistan is not survival, but governance system. With the positive leadership and progressive policies, Pakistan’s future remains not only secure, but promising and progressive. Indeed, Pakistan has to be viewed beyond economic predicaments as a progressive modern state in the making. — The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad. (drmkedu@gmail.com)