A Secure Pakistan is a Strong Pakistan

(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi)

In a recent press briefing, the Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) aptly stated that a secure Pakistan is a strong Pakistan. This simple yet powerful statement resonated with me so strongly that it compelled me to reflect on its deeper meaning. True strength in a nation is not defined solely by its economic wealth or military power, but by its ability to withstand challenges, adapt to changes, and ensure security and opportunity for its people. National strength is multifaceted, emerging from a harmonious blend of solid institutions, resilient infrastructure, a unified society, and a dynamic economy. It is the collective strength of these elements that enables a country to grow sustainably, safeguard its sovereignty, and secure its place in the global arena.

In recent years, tensions have intensified between Pakistan and India, especially following India’s revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which granted special status to the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir region. Pakistan strongly condemned this move and expressed unwavering solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Pakistan has consistently raised the Kashmir issue on international platforms, positioning itself as a devoted advocate for Kashmir. While Pakistan calls for international intervention, India insists that the Kashmir dispute is a bilateral matter, further straining relations between the two countries. The nuclear capabilities of both countries introduce an additional layer of uncertainty, heightening concerns about the risk of conflict escalating into a nuclear confrontation. Pakistan also shares a volatile border with Afghanistan, which has been a source of security challenges for decades. The Durand Line, a 2,640-kilometer boundary between the two nations, remains a contentious issue. Afghanistan has long disputed the legitimacy of the border, with various Afghan leaders advocating for the inclusion of Pashtun-majority areas into Afghanistan. Pakistan has long struggled with controlling the flow of militants across its porous border with Afghanistan. Militant groups, including the Afghan Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Khawarjis, have used Afghanistan as a sanctuary to launch attacks on Pakistani soil. The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has further complicated this situation, but Pakistan has sought to engage with the Taliban government in an effort to prevent anti-Pakistan militant groups from operating from Afghan territory. The security situation in Afghanistan, particularly its ongoing instability, presents a direct threat to Pakistan’s border regions, with risks of terrorism, refugee flows, and illicit trade spilling over into Pakistan.

The Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, a longstanding point of tension between Pakistan and India, remains a critical area of concern. Both nations are nuclear-armed, making the security of this border vital not just for Pakistan but also for regional stability. Pakistan has made substantial investments in reinforcing its military presence along the LoC, enhancing its defense capabilities with modernized technology, improved intelligence gathering, and fortified positions to prevent cross-border incursions. Simultaneously, Pakistan continues to explore diplomatic routes to resolve issues with India, particularly the Kashmir dispute, through peaceful dialogue and international platforms.

Maintaining law and order is central to ensuring the safety and security of Pakistan’s citizens. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, Rangers, and paramilitary forces, play a vital role in combating criminal activities, ensuring public safety, and protecting the nation from internal threats. Pakistan has undertaken significant reforms to modernize its police forces, improving their ability to fight crime, terrorism, and insurgency. Police training programs have been enhanced to emphasize counterterrorism strategies, intelligence gathering, and community policing. Additionally, new crime investigation technologies and data-sharing systems have been implemented to streamline the criminal justice process.

In major urban centers, where violence and crime have been persistent issues, the government has launched targeted operations to dismantle criminal syndicates, curb extortion, and tackle terrorism. These operations have contributed to a decline in crime rates, restoring a sense of security to residents. Specialized anti-terrorism units, such as the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), have been established within the police forces to handle high-profile terrorism cases. These units, trained in advanced counterterrorism tactics, have been crucial in identifying and dismantling terrorist cells operating within the country.

The ongoing process of holding accountable those responsible for the events of May 9 and the incidents of November 24-26 reflects a broader commitment to justice. The events of May 9, which involved a small group of anti-state elements, are viewed as acts of betrayal by the people of Pakistan. There is a widespread demand for the punishment of those who orchestrated and facilitated these actions, with the aim of setting a clear precedent to prevent such incidents in the future.

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical aspect of national security. As Pakistan moves toward greater digitalization, safeguarding sensitive government data, critical infrastructure, and private sector assets has become increasingly vital. Strengthening cybersecurity measures is essential to protect the nation from cyber threats that could undermine its security and stability. To address the escalating threat of cyberattacks, Pakistan has introduced a National Cybersecurity Policy aimed at safeguarding national infrastructure, ensuring secure communication networks, and protecting sensitive government data. The government has established specialized cybersecurity units under the National Telecom and Information Technology Security Board (NTISB) and the Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team (PakCERT) to monitor and counter cyber threats. These initiatives have been essential in defending Pakistan’s financial systems, energy grids, and communication networks from external cyberattacks that could potentially jeopardize national security. Misinformation and false propaganda against Pakistan and its military are also significant threats to national security. The government and the Pakistan Army are taking these issues very seriously, and the people of Pakistan are increasingly able to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Beyond military and law enforcement measures, Pakistan has placed considerable emphasis on promoting social cohesion and addressing the root causes of extremism. By addressing issues like poverty, educational gaps, and unemployment, the country aims to create more opportunities for its youth, thus reducing the chances of radicalization. Pakistan has increased investments in education, focusing on improving public schools and integrating religious teachings with a modern curriculum to promote moderation. Efforts to regulate madrassas have been implemented to ensure they do not promote extremist ideologies while offering alternative career opportunities for students. Local communities are playing a growing role in combating extremism, with many initiatives engaging youth and religious leaders in peace-building activities. The country has also supported interfaith dialogues to bridge divides between different sects and encourage a culture of tolerance.

Pakistan’s economic situation is steadily improving, with the stock market showing historic gains, which has been acknowledged by former Prime Minister Imran Khan as evidence that the current government has steered Pakistan away from the brink of default. Strengthened intelligence gathering is another key component in maintaining security. Pakistan has bolstered its intelligence capabilities, especially through agencies like the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which has been instrumental in counterterrorism efforts and identifying threats both domestically and abroad. Improved coordination between military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement has enhanced information-sharing and enabled more targeted actions against militants, criminals, and terrorists.

Pakistan’s efforts to secure the nation from both internal and external threats have been comprehensive and multi-dimensional. Through military operations, law enforcement reforms, improved border management, and counterterrorism initiatives, significant strides have been made in addressing the country’s security challenges. While the path to lasting security remains complex, these efforts have contributed to a safer, more stable Pakistan, where citizens can feel more secure, and the nation can move toward greater progress. The continued strengthening of security mechanisms, along with efforts to tackle underlying social, political, and economic issues, will ensure that Pakistan stays on a trajectory toward enduring peace and stability. The whole nation supports the government and Pakistan Army in their ongoing efforts to make the country both secure and strong.