Key Pillars of National Security Highlighted by Operation Bunyan Marsoos

Operation Bunyan Marsoos was a resounding success, with our army accomplishing all objectives and decisively defeating the enemy. The operation also sent a clear message to adversaries that we will not compromise on our national defense. The world has recognized Pakistan’s remarkable success in overcoming its enemies during this operation. It is essential to emphasize the key pillars of our national security that this successful operation highlighted.

The first and foremost pillar of our success was the unity and patriotism of the nation. A strong and secure nation is built on two essential elements—unity and patriotism. While advanced weaponry, trained forces, and strategic partnerships form the tangible components of defense, it is the unity of the people and their deep love for the homeland—patriotism—that provides the invisible yet powerful force that sustains a nation’s sovereignty. Even the most formidable military infrastructure can falter in the absence of unity and patriotism, which are crucial for withstanding both internal and external threats.

Equally important is the role of nuclear deterrence in national defense. Since the emergence of nuclear weapons in the mid-20th century, the concept of deterring adversaries through the possession of nuclear arms has become a fundamental aspect of military doctrine for major powers. Nuclear deterrence is a strategic policy that uses the threat of nuclear retaliation to prevent enemy aggression. Although controversial, it has been crucial in maintaining relative peace among nuclear-armed states and continues to influence global geopolitical dynamics. Understanding its significance is key to understanding how modern nations protect their sovereignty in an increasingly unstable world.

Regarding Pakistan, since its establishment in 1947, the country has faced ongoing security challenges due to its geographical vulnerabilities, complex regional dynamics, and historical rivalries, particularly with its eastern neighbor, India. In this context, nuclear deterrence has become the cornerstone of Pakistan’s defense strategy. It is not just a military tool but a fundamental component of Pakistan’s strategic doctrine, ensuring the protection of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and regional stability. The significance of nuclear deterrence for Pakistan must be understood within the framework of its security needs, strategic limitations, and the regional power imbalance it faces. The core motivation behind Pakistan’s nuclear program has always been security and survival in a hostile environment. Following India’s nuclear test in 1974 (Smiling Buddha), Pakistan was forced to reconsider its security strategy. The conventional military disparity between India and Pakistan, coupled with unresolved political issues like Kashmir, made the development of a nuclear deterrent a vital necessity for Islamabad. Unlike India, whose nuclear ambitions were partly driven by status and technological advancement, Pakistan’s nuclear aspirations were driven by compulsion, not choice. It was a defensive response to India’s growing military strength, ensuring that no adversary would consider aggression without facing severe retaliation.

In this context, the role of the Pakistan Army becomes even more pivotal. A strong and capable Pakistan Army not only protects national sovereignty and territorial integrity but also serves as a key pillar of internal stability, a deterrent against external threats, and a support force during emergencies and natural disasters. One of the Army’s primary duties is safeguarding the nation’s borders against external threats. With borders shared with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China, and the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir historically being a hotspot for military conflict, particularly with India, a formidable Pakistan Army is essential as the first line of defense against any border incursions. Over the years, the Army has played a decisive role in defending the country during wars—particularly in 1948, 1965, and 1971—as well as in numerous skirmishes and crises. Its constant vigilance, readiness, and strategic deployment along border regions are vital to maintaining the inviolability of Pakistan’s territorial integrity. In a region where nuclear capabilities and conventional military strength play a crucial role in preserving peace, the Pakistan Army plays a key role in strategic deterrence.

Among the most significant and enduring partnerships in the region is the relationship between Pakistan and China, often described as “higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, and sweeter than honey.” This long-standing friendship, which has lasted over seven decades, is rooted in mutual respect and shared interests, evolving into a comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in defense and security. China’s support in enhancing Pakistan’s defense capabilities, along with the broader significance of the Pak-China alliance, plays a crucial role in ensuring Pakistan’s national defense and long-term strategic stability. A key aspect of China’s support to Pakistan is its contribution to defense production and military technology transfer. Since the 1960s, China has consistently supplied Pakistan with advanced weaponry, training, and infrastructure development. Over the years, this collaboration has expanded significantly, resulting in joint ventures to develop cutting-edge military equipment. A notable example of this partnership is the JF-17 Thunder, a versatile combat aircraft co-developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. The JF-17 Thunder has become a cornerstone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), allowing it to maintain air superiority in a cost-effective manner. In addition to this, China has supplied Pakistan with a wide range of defense equipment, including tanks (such as the jointly developed Al-Khalid), air defense systems, naval vessels, submarines, and ballistic missile technology. These advancements have not only strengthened Pakistan’s conventional defense capabilities but also bolstered its deterrence posture in a region marked by volatility. China’s assistance in helping Pakistan establish and modernize its military-industrial infrastructure, including missile production and aircraft maintenance facilities, has significantly decreased Pakistan’s reliance on Western sources.

The successful and significant Operation Bunyan Marsoos, when viewed through both strategic and symbolic lenses, highlights the integrated strength of Pakistan’s national security framework. The operation emphasizes how the unity of the nation, nuclear deterrence, the professionalism and resolve of the Pakistan Army, and the unwavering defense support from China work together to form the cornerstone of Pakistan’s defense and stability. Each element reinforces the others, creating a resilient structure capable of countering both conventional and unconventional threats.

As regional dynamics evolve and global security challenges become more intricate, it is crucial for Pakistan to continue strengthening these foundational pillars. Enhancing national unity through inclusive governance, maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent, modernizing the military, and deepening strategic alliances with partners like China are not just strategic decisions—they are vital imperatives. Operation Bunyan Marsoos serves as a poignant reminder that true security can only be achieved when military strength, technological progress, public unity, and international cooperation align in both purpose and action. As long as these critical elements remain robust and coordinated, Pakistan will stand firm in defending its sovereignty and ensuring a peaceful, prosperous future. The entire nation recognizes the importance of these key pillars in our National Defense and looks forward to reinforcing them for the greater good of Pakistan.