Pakistan is the world’s fifth-most populous country, with a population of almost 242 million, and has the world’s second-largest Muslim population. It possesses a strong army, equipped with advanced weaponry systems, including nuclear warheads. Adversaries may not dare to open a full-fledged war against it. They know the strength and potential of Pakistan. They understand the consequences of any misadventure and are scared to impose an open war.
But, enemies are over-engaged in many other ways to weaken and destabilize it. All types of non-conventional means are part of hybrid war, and Pakistan is a victim of hybrid war or fifth generation war.
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Understanding the matter better
Enemies of Pakistan are using media, especially social media to spread fake news, distorted narratives, and fabricated stories against Pakistan. InfoLab in Europe has unearthed it and exposed India. Adversaries are dividing the nation into political, religious, and ethnic grounds, creating hate among each other and damaging national unity. Society is pushed toward intolerance, extremism, and division.
Pakistan is facing severe external intervention and terrorism. Bombing, suicidal attacks, kidnapping, etc. are common phenomena. Insurgencies are being supported and equipped with weapons, training, and liberal funding to harm the national interests and national unity. Porous borders of Pakistan are used to infiltrate terrorists and activists to destabilize the society.
During the Afghan war in the 1980s, international intelligence agencies established deep roots inside Pakistan and played a dirty role in harming Pakistan in various forms. They identify the disgruntled elements and destitute or over-greedy Pakistanis. Cultivate them, trained them, fund them, and exploit them against the state.
On the economic front, Pakistan is passing through the worst economic crisis, it was possible by deploying economic hitmen and various policy measures. Economic collapse or former USSR-style collapse is designed for Pakistan and is being pushed in this direction rapidly. International Financial Institutions (IFIs) are used as a tool to coerce Pakistan. Unfortunately, the ruling elite either does not know it or has no capacity to counter such measures.
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Pakistan has been pressurized to keep its distance from China and resist China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC). Chinese nationals are harassed, targeted, kidnapped, or killed. Chinese projects and assets are targeted and created fabricated stories against China to promote anti-China sentiments in Pakistani society.
Currently, China is the only country, investing in Pakistan and contributing to the development of Pakistan sincerely, but, adversaries are creating misunderstandings between China and Pakistan to destabilize the country.
The latest is the example of Sri Lanka, and often cited the similar destiny for Pakistan. Although Pakistan is very much different from Sri Lanka in structure and the fabric of society, but, a few enemies of Pakistan are linking the similarities and propagating for the same destiny.
However, the current political crisis is supporting their ill designs. Yet, Pakistan is a much more resilient nation. Despite wide diversity, the nation has the capability to unite on its core national interests. It has a history of defeating its enemies unitedly in the past and will prove that the whole nation is well united against its enemies. As a matter of fact, diversity is our strength, we may have unlimited differences internally, but, always united against any external threat. However, the pillars of power should understand, once the situation deteriorated to that much extent, it may become vulnerable and beyond their control.
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If they also become helpless, than, no one can rescue the country from USSR style or Sri Lankan style crisis. Take appropriate measures, before it is too late, or become irreversible. God forbidden, if something happened with Pakistan, the whole world will be affected. Sri Lankan collapse has regional impact only, but, Pakistan is a different nation, and may have much wider and worst impact on geopolitics.
Our enemies also understand the consequences and are careful
The rich agriculture, fertile land, and hardworking workforce is the guarantor of our food security. Rich mines and minerals and a skilled workforce is our industrial strength. The country is full of youths, almost 70% population is under the age of 40, a very productive, well-educated, and hardworking class.
It has all the capabilities to stand on its own feet and become self-reliant. It just requires enabling policies and conducive environments. After suffering for several decades, the nation has become mature enough to decide its own future without accepting any external influence. The public is aware of the strength of its vote and is determined to choose the ruling class of their own free will.
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The country has a bright future as its youth are smart and mature. Let the youth play their role independently, without interference from any quarters. There is a strong will to change and a positive change in the nation. The days ahead will prove the ability of the nation to survive under any circumstances.
Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com). The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.