Editorial
2025 marked a defining year for Pakistan on both strategic and domestic fronts. The country successfully resisted aggression from a much larger adversary, disproving narratives linking Pakistan to terrorism. After the Pahalgam incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir, India launched strikes against Pakistan on May 7. Pakistan responded decisively through multi-domain integrated defence, downing seven Indian aircraft, including Rafales. Global observers, particularly in the West, questioned India’s reliability as a strategic partner, while Pakistan’s deterrence credibility soared.
Saudi Arabia strengthened its alliance with Pakistan through a mutual defence pact, while the US resumed engagement, exploring investments in minerals, oil, and gas. China also benefited, witnessing the operational effectiveness of its defence technology with Pakistan. Regionally, Iran, Bangladesh, and Central Asian Republics have further warmed to Islamabad, enhancing its diplomatic leverage. Yet Pakistan faces challenges, particularly a two-front threat from India-Taliban cooperation and potential covert attacks via proxies like TTP and BLA.
Domestically, economic indicators show promise: inflation easing, fiscal deficits reducing, and reserves rising. Digitisation of the economy is accelerating, and tax reforms are in progress. However, floods, unemployment, and weak local government devolution continue to test policymakers. Security remains precarious, though decisive action against radical groups like TLP signals zero tolerance for extremism.
In a turbulent global order where countries increasingly pursue self-reliance, Pakistan must strengthen political stability and economic resilience. Structural reforms, reduced bureaucratic red tape, and implementation of existing actionable reports are essential. The nation’s capacity to convert strategic victories into long-term economic and social stability will define its trajectory in the years ahead. The challenge is no longer identifying solutions—it is having the political will to implement them effectively.
