Pakistan Emerging on The Global Horizon - by Ishraq Ahmed Hashmi

 

There are moments in history that change the fate of nations. Three months ago, May 7, 2025, became such a historic day that it not only established Pakistan as a decisive force in the political and military arena of South Asia but also raised its image around the world to the level that was characteristic of Pakistan in the sixties. When Pakistan was recognized not only as a strong economy but also as an effective military power. After the Indo-Pak tensions that began on May 7, the global scenario changed rapidly. On the one hand, the Indian media traditionally claimed its superiority; on the other hand, the counterattacks carried out by the Pakistani forces on the ground and air fronts were not only surprising but also became a worthy example for experts in the military world.

The American defense magazine “The National Interest? acknowledged in its report that Pakistan surprisingly achieved superiority in this short war. According to the magazine, defense analysts believed that India would gain an advantage due to numerical superiority, but the results turned out to be the opposite. Pakistan’s professional military strategy, timely provision of intelligence, and excellent use of technology were revealed in this war. Recently, the British news agency also released a detailed report on the downing of 6 Indian aircraft by Pakistan. Another surprising aspect during this conflict was that India did not get the international support it had always hoped for. Even its longtime ally, the United States, openly avoided supporting the Indian position. India’s attempts to pin the blame for the Pahalgam incident on Pakistan also failed. On the contrary, Pakistan presented its position with great dignity and grace at international forums.

The biggest diplomatic benefit of this war is the return of the Kashmir issue to the global stage. For the first time in decades, the US has formally declared the Kashmir issue a ‘resolvable’ issue and urged the parties to find a solution through dialogue. The way China and Turkey provided technical and intelligence support to Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan tension is an indication of a new strategic alliance in the region. China’s advanced defense technology and Turkey’s drone support have given Pakistan a new dimension to its defense capabilities. This cooperation is not limited to war situations, but now both countries have expressed interest in joint defense exercises, training courses, and sharing military production with Pakistan. Just as world leaders considered it an honor to visit Pakistan in the sixties, the same atmosphere is once again being created. Several world leaders and foreign ministers have visited Islamabad in recent days, including high-level delegations from China, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia. During these visits, defense, economic, and strategic agreements were signed, which could open new doors for Pakistan in the future.

Now that Pakistan has become the center of attention of the world, it is time for the current government to take full advantage of this opportunity. Global investment should be invited, exports of defense technology should be increased, and local industry should be strengthened. If the same momentum is maintained under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan can once again achieve the position of the sixties in the economic field. Pakistan is now on the path to turning future prospects into reality. And if this momentum is maintained, the day is not far when Pakistan will once again emerge as a leader of the Islamic world and a respected member of the international community.