Pakistan 2025: Praise or Peril?

Shazia Mehboob 

Islamabad: “The world stands with Pakistan’s point of view, and the influence of Pakistan’s foreign policy is clearly reflected on the international stage, which is a great success for the country,” remarked Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, referring to an article in an international magazine highlighting Pakistan’s achievements in 2025.

From the opposition benches, however, these claims are dismissed as tall and largely unfulfilled, aimed at misleading the public to keep electoral hopes alive.

They argue that the Foreign Policy article itself may be influenced by US strategic calculations—meant to reassert American influence in the region, counter China’s rise, and recalibrate policy toward Afghanistan. Without Washington’s tacit approval, the opposition claims, such reports might never have appeared.

Yet, Pakistan has made undeniable progress on the international stage. Landmark achievements such as decisive victory against Indian in recent short but full spectrum war, the defence pact with Saudi Arabia, recognition of the Pakistani army chief with the country’s highest military honor, and strengthened security ties with US, Egypt, Libya, and other Middle Eastern states, reflect growing diplomatic credibility.

The opposition, however, counters that these achievements are largely symbolic. Economic realities tell a different story: foreign investors remain hesitant, online businesses are struggling due to taxes and regulations, and initiatives like “Oran Pakistan” have failed to attract significant investment.

According to critics, the government is misleading the public while ignoring internal economic challenges.

Supporters of the ruling coalition argue that these criticisms overlook transformative reforms. Pakistan has taken game-changing steps in the digital economy, IT, and AI infrastructure. Its defence industry is booming, attracting international partners—a fact exemplified by the Pak-Saudi Defence Pact.

Still, economic vulnerability persists. Internal instability, political infighting, and high security casualties make Pakistan appear unsafe for investors. Critics ask: how can the government claim sustainable progress when political, economic, and security challenges continue to mount?

Ruling party advocates counter that differences and debates are natural in any state. Pakistan’s machinery is working tirelessly to stabilize the situation. Strengthening defence, maintaining sovereignty, and pursuing strategic partnerships are prerequisites for long-term development.

Yet the opposition highlights glaring shortcomings in human rights, education, healthcare, and other Sustainable Development Goals. Defence spending continues to overshadow public development, raising concerns about national priorities.

The ruling benches respond that a strong defence is essential, especially when confronting a regional rival like India. Sovereignty and security, they argue, are prerequisites for meaningful progress in social and economic sectors.

The challenges are compounded by internal insecurity, including militant attacks on security personnel, and political suppression that undermines investor confidence and social stability.

The global environment itself is complex, with hybrid warfare, proxy conflicts, and anti-state narratives—sometimes amplified by media—that threaten national security.

The opposition questions Pakistan’s democratic accountability, citing the premature removal of elected governments and prioritization of foreign agreements over domestic stability. They argue that US praise and foreign partnerships often serve short-term strategic interests rather than Pakistan’s independent foreign policy.

The ruling party, however, insists that Pakistan, like any sovereign state, acts in its national interest. Strategic partnerships—including with the US—do not negate Pakistan’s autonomy.

The country’s military and diplomatic successes, especially during the May conflict with India using advanced technologies from China, are tangible demonstrations of strategic capability rather than foreign propaganda.

The debate remains sharply polarized. While the opposition frames international recognition as a product of foreign manipulation and strategic interests, the ruling party views it as validation of Pakistan’s growing influence, military competence, and global standing.

What do you think? Leave your views in the comments below.

Shazia Mehboob is a PhD scholar and a visiting faculty member. She is also an investigative journalist and the founder of The PenPK.com. She tweets @thepenpk.