By Sardar Khan Niazi

In an increasingly interconnected world, global perception often overshadows ground realities. For Pakistan, a country too often painted through a narrow lens of geopolitics or security, its strides on the global stage are overlooked or undervalued. Yet, beyond the noise, Pakistan has carved meaningful spaces for itself in multiple arenas — from diplomacy and sports to science, technology, and humanitarian leadership. One of the most defining global achievements for Pakistan came in 2022 when Dr. Sania Nishtar was appointed to lead GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance — a role that placed a Pakistani expert at the helm of one of the world’s most critical public health institutions. Dr. Nishtar’s leadership during the COVID-19 crisis and her ongoing commitment to equitable healthcare access is a testament to the country’s capacity to contribute to global welfare. In science and technology, Pakistan continues to punch above its weight. Pakistan’s first Nobel Laureate in Physics Dr. Salam laid the foundation decades ago. Today, Pakistani-origin scientists, engineers, and innovators occupy pivotal roles at NASA, CERN, and leading tech firms around the globe. In 2023, Dr. Nergis Mavalvala, an MIT astrophysicist, remained in the limelight for her work on gravitational waves — another reminder of Pakistan’s deep intellectual capital. Beyond academia, Pakistan has made substantial progress in climate advocacy. At COP27 and COP28, Pakistan’s delegation, led by figures like Sherry Rehman, was instrumental in pushing for the historic Loss and Damage fund — a mechanism to compensate climate-vulnerable nations. Given that Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global emissions but ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries, this was both a diplomatic win and a moral victory. In humanitarian spheres, Pakistan is often one of the first responders to crises in its region. The country has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades, with minimal international support. While the global north grapples with refugee quotas in the thousands, Pakistan’s open-border policy during times of conflict stands as a rare and underappreciated example of large-scale compassion. On the cultural front, Pakistan’s soft power is expanding. The global popularity of artists like Ali Sethi, the cinematic acclaim of films like Joyland, and the rise of fashion designers and musicians onto global platforms reflect a changing narrative. Pakistani literature, too, continues to make waves, with writers like Mohsin Hamid and Kamila Shamsie being celebrated worldwide. In sports, Pakistan’s cricketing excellence remains its most visible export. Despite political instability and lack of international fixtures on home soil for years, Pakistan has produced world-class players like Babar Azam, who was ranked among the top batters globally. The resurgence of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) not only revived domestic cricket but also demonstrated the country’s organizational capabilities on par with international standards. Moreover, Pakistan’s role in United Nations peacekeeping cannot be overstated. With one of the largest contingents of peacekeepers, Pakistan has consistently contributed to maintaining global peace, often in the most hostile environments. Our soldiers have laid down their lives in service of stability in far-off lands — a fact not widely known even at home. Yes, Pakistan has its challenges — economic, political, and structural. However, amidst the headlines of crisis, there are parallel stories of achievement, resilience, and global integration that deserve attention. These successes are not mere trivia; they are proof of Pakistan’s potential when its people are empowered, its institutions are respected, and its global engagement is strategic rather than reactionary. In a world often driven by perception, it is time we reclaim the narrative. Pakistan is not just a story of problems — it is also a story of possibilities. Our place on the global stage is not one of peripheral observation, but of active and meaningful participation.