Pakistan stands today at a delicate yet decisive juncture in its history. On one hand, the country grapples with political turbulence, economic pressures, internal security challenges, and complex foreign relations. On the other hand, there are ambitious claims of progress, policy initiatives, and renewed hopes of economic recovery. The critical question remains: will these aspirations translate into reality, or will they remain elusive dreams?
Politics: A Search for Stability or a Battle for Power?
The political temperature in the country has once again reached a boiling point. Since the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, what the opposition terms as “public unrest” has evolved into a more organized protest movement. The “Free Imran Khan” campaign now echoes from Lahore and Faisalabad to Peshawar and Karachi. While the government has announced the formation of a new federal constabulary, the opposition sees it as an assault on civil liberties.
Economy: Numbers that Shine or Ground Realities that Bite?
The government claims that Pakistan’s economy is on the road to recovery. A successful IMF deal, rising foreign exchange reserves, a partially strengthened rupee, declining inflation, and an optimistic stock market all paint a hopeful picture. But do these indicators truly reflect the situation on the ground?
By March 2025, Pakistan’s total debt had surged to PKR 76 trillion, while the GDP growth rate remained stuck around 2.7%. Industrial output continues to decline, energy prices are on the rise, and investor confidence remains fragile due to prevailing uncertainty.
Initiatives like “Uraan Pakistan” may be attractive in theory, but their success is deeply linked to sustained political and administrative stability—something still missing from the current landscape.
Internal Security: A New Force or Old Strategy in a New Bottle?
The government recently announced the creation of the Federal Constabulary, aimed at maintaining law and order nationwide. While this may appear to be a strong step to curb protests, tackle terrorism, and ensure civic peace, the real question is: will this be a short-term show of force or the beginning of a long-term strategy based on justice and reconciliation?
In regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Sindh, challenges such as political unrest, separatist tendencies, and the crisis of missing persons cannot be solved through force alone. Transparent dialogue, constitutional adherence, and inclusive governance are essential for true national unity.
Foreign Policy: Between Possibilities and Perils
Pakistan recently took over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council, a notable diplomatic milestone, and has tried to draw global attention back to the Kashmir issue. However, tensions with India remain high, with incidents like the closure of airspace underscoring the friction.
Relying on the United States remains uncertain, as American support often appears conditional and self-serving. Meanwhile, traditional allies such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey maintain steady relations, though ties with Europe continue to show signs of chilliness. What Pakistan needs now is a balanced foreign policy that protects its economic and security interests without compromising national sovereignty.
Conclusion: A Dream or Reality?
The people of Pakistan have consistently shown resilience, sacrifice, and hope in the face of every crisis. They still believe in the possibility of a new dawn, a new path, and a new Pakistan. But this can only materialize when the leadership rises above personal interests and unites around national priorities.
These slogans of development will stop being mere dreams when:
Law is equal for all
Accountability is transparent
Institutions are independent and strong
Public welfare is prioritized
A new direction amid crises is only possible when every citizen, every class, and every institution steps up and fulfills its responsibility. Otherwise, all this will remain nothing more than a beautiful but unfulfilled dream.
By: Asif Iqbal
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