Lessons for Unity and Defense from Iran-Israel Conflict

(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi)

In the broader regional context, recent developments—such as the reported Israeli attacks on Iran resulting in the deaths of senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists—have further underscored the fragility of regional stability. These events serve as a stark reminder of the volatile security environment in which nations like Pakistan must operate, and the critical importance of preparedness, diplomacy, and national unity. These events have not only intensified hostilities between Tel Aviv and Tehran but have also revived concerns among other regional powers—including Pakistan—about the security of strategic assets, the reliability of defense systems, and the critical role of national unity in deterring external threats. For Pakistan, the recent Israeli-Iranian confrontation offers clear lessons: a unified national front combined with strong defense capabilities is essential to protect sovereignty and deter external aggression. The precision strikes carried out by Israel against Iran—reportedly involving advanced drones, missile technology, and air assaults—signal a new phase of warfare.

The deaths of senior Iranian military officials and key nuclear scientists represent more than just personnel losses; they constitute a strategic attempt to degrade Iran’s defense and scientific infrastructure. These attacks aimed to weaken long-term capabilities, instill fear, and demonstrate the extensive reach and determination of Israel’s military and intelligence agencies.

India and Israel share a strategic alliance, and it is known that India deployed Israeli drones in its operations against Pakistan. Reports suggest that India closely observed the Israeli strikes on Iran with significant interest. For Pakistan—with its own cadre of military leadership, nuclear scientists, and strategic planners—this incident serves as a stark warning about the dangers posed by technologically advanced adversaries and the vulnerabilities exposed through asymmetrical warfare. It underscores the critical need not only to modernize conventional military equipment but also to safeguard key personnel, data networks, and vital infrastructure against both physical attacks and cyber threats.

Pakistan’s defense establishment has long understood the complexities of regional security, especially given its challenging relationships with neighbors India, Afghanistan, and Iran. Pakistan has demonstrated strong defense capabilities in past conflicts with India; however, the ongoing Iran-Israel tensions reinforce the imperative to further enhance these strengths. In response to shifting regional dynamics and India’s growing military assertiveness, Pakistan must accelerate investments in indigenous defense technologies, improve intelligence-sharing among its armed forces, and deepen cooperation with trusted allies in fields like air defense, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and strategic deterrence.

Just as Iran’s vulnerabilities were exposed, Pakistan must ensure its own critical assets—nuclear facilities, command centers, and research institutions—are protected by multi-layered defense systems and robust contingency plans.

While military strength forms one pillar of national security, national unity constitutes the other—and is equally indispensable. The Israeli strikes on Iran did not only target military capabilities; they also aimed to erode public trust, exploit political divisions, and incite internal discord. Such tactics typify psychological and hybrid warfare, where societal fragmentation is weaponized and national unity becomes the ultimate target.

Given Pakistan’s diverse ethnic, linguistic, and sectarian makeup, national cohesion must be approached not as mere rhetoric but as a strategic imperative. History shows that during periods of external challenge—such as the wars with India in 1965 and 1971, the Kargil conflict, Operation Bunyan Marsoos, or the fight against terrorism—Pakistanis have consistently demonstrated resilience and unity under pressure.

It is therefore crucial for Pakistani leadership to take proactive steps to foster and maintain social harmony and political consensus on matters of national security. Initiatives in educational reform, responsible media practices, interfaith dialogue, and inclusive governance serve not only as tools for development but as essential bulwarks against foreign interference. A united citizenry acts as the frontline defense, strengthening the morale and resolve of soldiers, scientists, and diplomats alike.

One particularly troubling aspect of the Israeli attacks on Iran is the deliberate targeting of scientists and strategic thinkers—an approach that is unfortunately not new. Iran’s nuclear scientists have previously been assassinated through both physical and cyber means, underscoring the evolving nature of modern conflict. For Pakistan, a nation with a longstanding and carefully safeguarded nuclear program, these tactics serve as a stark reminder. It is imperative for the Pakistani state to implement comprehensive security measures to protect its scientists, engineers, and military researchers. These measures include physical security, secure residences, encrypted communication networks, and advanced counter-surveillance systems. Furthermore, cybersecurity must be integral to defense strategies. The era when defense meant solely tanks and troops is over—today’s conflicts extend into cyber realms through data breaches, espionage, and digital sabotage. Pakistan must also prioritize nurturing the next generation of strategic experts to ensure ongoing innovation and resilience. This entails promoting STEM education, establishing safe research environments, and providing world-class facilities to prevent brain drain. Protecting intellectual talent is just as critical as securing missiles.

The Israeli-Iranian conflict carries significant diplomatic consequences for Pakistan. As a Muslim-majority, nuclear-armed state with longstanding religious, cultural, and historical connections to Iran, while simultaneously balancing ties with Gulf countries, China, and the West, Pakistan must approach these developments with strategic nuance. Avoiding direct involvement in regional conflicts, Pakistan should seize the opportunity to deepen defense collaborations with friendly nations—especially in areas like drone technology, cyber defense, and space surveillance. Pakistan’s diplomatic response must firmly reaffirm its dedication to national sovereignty, scientific progress, and peaceful coexistence, while clearly condemning any foreign-backed sabotage, targeted assassinations, or hybrid warfare tactics. Pakistan’s commitment to peace should never be mistaken for weakness.

As the Israeli strikes demonstrate, adversaries do not wait for formal declarations of war. Modern battlefields span land, air, cyberspace, and even the minds of citizens. Pakistan must confront these challenges not with fear but with renewed dedication to defense readiness, technological advancement, and internal unity. This moment calls for strengthening the nation from within—revisiting defense doctrines, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and launching public campaigns on cyber hygiene, civic responsibility, and national pride. Every Pakistani—from students to lawmakers, engineers to soldiers—must feel a part of the mission to safeguard the homeland.

The recent Israeli attacks on Iran are more than just news stories; they are lessons etched in precision, power, and sacrifice. For Pakistan, they serve as a wake-up call to bolster defenses—not just through weaponry but with unity, vigilance, and foresight. In today’s world, victory belongs not to the nation with the largest army, but to the one with the strongest sense of purpose and preparedness.

According to several reports, Israel employed “kamikaze drones” and “unmanned aerial systems” (UAS) as part of its modern SEAD/DEAD (Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses) strategy to cripple Iranian air defenses during recent conflicts. A similar tactic was attempted by India against Pakistan between May 7th and 10th, 2025. However, the key difference lay in the level of professional preparedness. The Pakistan Army Air Defence (PAAD) was not only on high alert but also effectively employed both “hard kill” and “soft kill” countermeasures, anticipating every potential threat. As a result, all Indian drones and kamikaze strikes were intercepted and destroyed mid-air. In contrast, Iran’s air defense systems failed to respond in time, leading to significant vulnerabilities in its aerial defense. This contrast highlights the impact of military proficiency versus inadequate preparation—exemplifying strong, coordinated defense on one side and costly negligence on the other. In the recent Iran-Israel conflict, although Iran responded with full force and capability, the Israeli aggression highlights the urgent need for national unity and comprehensive defense preparedness.

Indeed, Pakistan’s military and intelligence services, including the ISI, remain a source of great pride for the country and the Islamic world. Israel’s repeated strikes on Iranian military leadership expose weaknesses within Iran’s defense and intelligence capabilities. These recent attacks should also remind critics questioning Pakistan’s military expenditure—especially since Pakistan’s defense budget is significantly smaller than India’s and many other countries—that such investment is crucial for national security. National unity combined with enhanced defense capabilities is vital for Pakistan’s survival. To achieve this, Pakistan must prioritize investing more in defense by cutting down on elite luxuries and non-development expenditures.

Now is the time for Pakistan to shift from mere observation to decisive action. Strengthening both unity and defense is no longer optional—it is imperative. Amid regional tensions and global uncertainties, Pakistan must respond with a single voice, a unified mission, and an unwavering commitment to protect its sovereignty, its citizens, and its future. The entire nation must stand together, united in this mission, to make Pakistan safe, secure, and prosperous.

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