- By: Capt Umar Farooq (R)
Pakistan is currently facing an exceptionally difficult situation on multiple fronts.
On one hand, groups like the BLA and TTP are ruthlessly targeting military personnel, law enforcement agencies, and civilians. Terrorists are now employing vehicle-borne IEDs and drones, escalating the threat.
On the other hand, internal unrest is growing. The Kashmir Action Committee and its supporters are on strike in Azad Kashmir. Meanwhile, PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami are planning long marches and protests in the coming weeks. Regular street crime and systemic corruption continue to weaken the country from within.
Economic pressure is crushing the middle and lower classes. Rising fuel prices, electricity and gas tariffs, and the cost of daily essentials are stripping citizens of their dignity and peace of mind.
Regionally, the situation is equally tense. India is reportedly planning aggressive moves against Pakistan. On our western border, the Iran–USA conflict and its aftermath are creating uncertainty and complex security challenges for Pakistan.
These are serious concerns that demand mature handling from both the state and its citizens. Every Pakistani must understand: protests, strikes, and shutdowns must not come at the cost of the nation’s stability and integrity.
If any political or religious leader incites followers to destroy public property or attack the military, the people must think long-term and refuse to follow such destructive instructions. If Pakistan remains safe, secure, and stable, grievances can be raised later and governments can be compelled to deliver justice and relief to the common citizen.
Our internal conflicts must be resolved internally, with wisdom and restraint. We must not allow rival countries or their agencies to exploit our divisions to weaken Pakistan.
Harmony, maturity, tolerance, and a non-confrontational attitude must prevail—both among the public and within government institutions—so we can build consensus to navigate this crisis.
The civilian government of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan’s establishment should immediately form a committee to engage with the Kashmir Action Committee and address their concerns peacefully.
We must all remember: we are all Pakistanis first. The dignity, security, and life of Pakistan and its people must be our top priority. Anger and grievances must be addressed with diplomacy and wisdom.
If any individual is confirmed to be in contact with hostile agencies like RAW, or is acting as a tool of foreign powers, they must be dealt with separately under the law.
Religious scholars in Friday sermons, teachers in schools, journalists, and intellectuals must actively promote unity and love among Pakistanis. Our enemies are working hard to sow hatred between provinces, political groups, and religious sects. We must defeat these malicious designs by strengthening our bonds.
Similarly, the BLA and TTP must be dealt with strategically. We must distinguish between hardened international terrorists and misguided, newly recruited youth. Both categories require different approaches. Scholars, intellectuals, and the media must work to guide misled youth back to the right path.
The supply of weapons, explosives, and drones to terrorists must be cut off at all costs. Intelligence agencies must remain vigilant and adopt a firm, comprehensive approach to uncover the full network of insurgents and their intentions. For those who refuse to surrender, decisive operations are necessary.
Motivational speakers should conduct sessions to promote calm, mature discourse in society and on social media. Aggression and abusive language online are fueling sectarian, ethnic, and social conflicts.
Schools, colleges, universities, and madrasas must instill tolerance and harmony. Corruption must be tackled seriously, and corrupt elements in politics and bureaucracy must be dealt with an iron hand.
Fuel, electricity, gas, CNG, and LPG prices must be brought to reasonable levels. Jirgas should be promoted in conflict-hit districts to de-escalate tensions.
Remember: a citizen burdened by poverty, frustrated by corruption, street crime, inflation, and uncertainty becomes an easy target for corrupt leaders and foreign agencies. Reduce these factors, and the average Pakistani will be a happier, more content, and satisfied citizen.
The wealthy and political leaders must work to ease the hardships of the common man.
Pakistan is at a critical juncture. Our enemies have divided us into countless groups and ideologies, each claiming to be the sole path of righteousness. This is not the Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam and the millions who sacrificed in 1947 envisioned—an unsafe, ideologically fractured nation.
I urge everyone: be mature, stay calm, and think of Pakistan first. Your personal interests come second. No politics, ideology, or protest should come at the cost of Pakistan.
Defeat the enemy’s designs. Promote Pakistan.