In recent weeks, Pakistan has faced a disturbing surge in violence, including targeted killings, terrorist attacks, and growing lawlessness. This indicates a deeper, coordinated threat to national security. This is not a temporary flareup but a sign of escalating asymmetric warfare that risks undermining internal stability and societal cohesion. Terrorism in KP and Balochistan has intensified. The first quarter of 2025 saw 152 lives lost in KP alone, including police and Frontier Corps personnel. Militants, notably TTP factions, are now deploying quadcopters—a troubling leap in tactical capability that conventional forces are unprepared for. In Karachi, cash-in-transit vans are under frequent assault, exposing lapses in surveillance and policing. Meanwhile, protests and sit-ins in Sindh, once peaceful, are being exploited by disruptive elements. The erosion of law and order directly threatens economic stability and public morale, leaving citizens increasingly vulnerable. Meanwhile, the Pak-Afghan border remains porous.
Cross-border infiltration attempts in North Waziristan and attacks planned by commanders based in Afghanistan continue to endanger our sovereignty. Pakistan has rightly raised this matter at the United Nations, highlighting the grave consequences of unchecked illicit arms flows. We commend the bravery of our armed forces and police, whose sacrifices are deeply ingrained in the soil of every troubled district. However, we also urge the state to commit to systemic reform by modernizing police equipment, improving inter-agency coordination, strengthening the judicial system, and implementing intelligence-led community policing.
In challenging times, strategic thinking and learning from past mistakes are crucial. During a discussion at the Karachi Literary Festival, I was asked to examine the role of youth in the context of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and the potential for reconciliation. I emphasized the importance of a vision that goes beyond past grievances and focuses on a united future. We can draw inspiration from Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s foresight, as his very strategic decisions of rejecting (1) the Quit India Movement and (2) supporting a united Bengal. Although the events of 1971 left deep scars, the original vision of cooperation, economic complementarity, and unity between Pakistan and Bangladesh remains achievable.
fter Hasina’s government toppled, I travelled to Bangladesh and was deeply moved by the emotional significance and historical connections of my visit to Jessore. I had visited there once as a child and again as a young officer. By coincidence, my assigned unit was stationed in that same area. I received a warm welcome from local commanders, who shared photographs of my father, which brought back powerful memories. A notable moment of my trip was my visit to the National Defence College (NDC) in Dhaka, where I reunited with former students who are now serving as instructors. This encounter highlighted the enduring professional and personal ties between our countries.
The Bangladesh youth today, politically aware and fiercely independent, represent an opportunity for collaboration, not confrontation. The future lies not in dwelling on past insecurities but in fostering mutual respect and strategic cooperation. This is where my proposition of “Two countries, One nation” comes into play – not as a mere slogan but as the foundation for a reset in our regional strategy. By removing visa restrictions, advancing a Free Trade Agreement, whole promoting cultural, academic, and military exchanges, we can begin a process of realignment that strengthens both nations while challenging regional hegemony.
As Pakistan grapples with internal threats, the path to peace, stability, and prosperity lies in building bridges by focusing on the future, not the past. We must forge a path to a realigned South Asia, one that fosters peace and challenges regional hegemony. The economic rationale is clear—Bangladesh’s markets, once dominated by Pakistani textiles, now see Chinese goods filling that void. This reconnection, both emotional and strategic, is imperative for the future of both nations.
Much like their counterparts in Bangladesh, Pakistani youth hold the future of their countries in their hands. Our fate rests with the upcoming leaders, and to understand this, we must engage with our youth. The “Pathfinder Leadership Challenge Series” offers a unique experience—a dialogue between Generation Z and representatives from the millennial generation. Air Commodore(R) Khalid Banuri, Dr. Rakhshanda Kausar, Waris Hameed, Dr. Moeed Yusuf, and Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu spoke on leadership attributes.
This interactive session reaffirmed my belief in the power of youth. Students shared their insights on leadership traits, and their honesty, curiosity, and critical thinking were both humbling and inspiring. These young individuals are not only our future leaders but also the critical thinkers who will shape the policies affecting millions. I am deeply grateful to Air Commodore (R) Khalid Banuri for organizing this thought-provoking session on such short notice during Ramadan. Khalid explained that learning transcends age and flows in both directions, the discussion emphasized a deeper, even spiritual, dimension of dialogue – one that goes beyond traditional pedagogy.
While pedagogy serves in formal education and andragogy in professional growth, today’s challenge lies in adapting these models to understand and engage new generations, particularly Gen Z and the emerging Gen Beta. The aim was to understand how generational learning can reduce the mistakes of the past and shape better futures. By listening to Gen Z’s perspectives and identifying the kind of training they need, we can foster a more agile, informed, and collaborative society.
These sessions remind us that we must address the systemic legacy of poor leadership that has often hindered Pakistan’s progress. This is not solely the fault of any one government but rather a deep-rooted issue. However, through dialogue and the creation of inclusive learning spaces, such as the virtual leadership academy we are establishing, we can equip our youth with the skills needed to lead with integrity and effectiveness.
We have also launched a “Roman Urdu” newsletter for our guards and other employees to help address the information gap through the country’s digital education network. This initiative seeks to engage a broader demographic, particularly those who may be left behind by traditional channels. This project reflects our belief that information, like leadership, must be inclusive, relatable, and accessible to all. I am convinced that with the right guidance and opportunities, the potential of Pakistan’s youth is unmatched.
We need to rectify the legacy of poor (and often corrupt) leadership that has held Pakistan back. This issue is not the fault of any single government; it is systemic. Through dialogue and inclusive learning spaces, such as the virtual leadership academy we are working to establish, we hope to equip our youth with the tools needed to lead ethically and effectively.
