Asif Mahmood

There was a time, not too long ago, when many believed Pakistan had slipped into irrelevance. When Donald Trump entered the White House, the talk in Washington and elsewhere was that Pakistan no longer mattered. The world’s attention, they said, had shifted to India, and Islamabad would simply be left behind. Those were difficult days.

But history has a way of surprising the skeptics. Today, Pakistan once again finds itself at the heart of global politics. The same world that once doubted us is now compelled to acknowledge our strength and resilience. This change did not come by chance. It came because of Pakistan’s ability to stand firm when tested, especially during moments of tension with India. Our armed forces showed the world that Pakistan is not weak, not broken, and certainly not irrelevant. They carried out their duty with courage, clarity, and discipline. Hats off to our Military command.

It is this performance on the battlefield and at the diplomatic front that has shifted the narrative. International media outlets, from “The Washington Times” to “The National Interest”, are now writing about Pakistan with respect, recognizing the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and his strategic acumen. This recognition matters. It means that Pakistan is no longer viewed as a problem state but as a country whose role cannot be ignored.

The revival is not only about security. Encouraging signs are also emerging from the economy. After years of gloom, there is a growing sense that Pakistan can recover if it remains steady. Investors are beginning to look at us again, and the world is paying attention to our potential rather than just our problems. Pakistan sits at a unique crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. That geography alone makes us central to trade, energy, and connectivity in the years ahead.

But with opportunity comes responsibility. We cannot afford to let this moment slip away. Military strength has earned Pakistan respect, now it is political stability and economic resilience that will sustain it. For that, we need consistency. We need to stay the course. Too often in our history, progress has been undone by sudden shifts and internal divisions. That cycle must end if we want lasting success. No political turmoil. No unrest. No cult like hysteria. We need stability.

The message is clear. Pakistan is strong enough to defend itself, and the world has taken notice. But the harder task is to build on this recognition and turn it into prosperity for our people. That will require patience, unity, and a commitment to long-term reforms.

The world is watching, and Pakistan finally has the chance to shape its future on its own terms. The only question is whether we can hold steady and carry this momentum forward.