This is the second part of a two-part article which looks at the vulnerability of a mediation to end the US/Israeli led war against Iran, and the need for Pakistan to realign if it is to become a real force to contend with.
Pakistan’s effectiveness on the world stage is subject to a readjustment in its commitment to the constitution which opens:
“Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust.”
This is supposed to reflect Pakistan’s commitment to seeking Allah’s approval in every facet of conduct by providing justice for its citizenry and in international affairs. Pakistan’s civilian leaders and many military heads have largely failed in their obedience to their Sovereign. But there is scope for reform. The Sovereign’s doors are always open.
It is hard to forget the deeply embarrassing statements made by Sharif nominating Trump for a Nobel peace prize whilst the Palestinian Genocide was underway. It did not stop there. He nauseatingly heaped praises on POTUS at the Board of Peace inaugural meeting for his “exemplary” “visionary” “leadership” and for being “the man this world needed the most at this point in time”. Sharif called him a “man of peace” and a “saviour of South Asia”. This gives a measure of Sharif’s level of intellect, stature, and qualification to be a mediator let alone prime minister. In reality he is the nominal head mediator. Equally squeamish was the ‘ding dong Avon calling’ images of General Asim Munir showcasing Pakistan’s rare earth minerals in the White House. This conduct puts on show the Basil Fawlty/Manuel style duo cosying up to the US President more in the style of a comedy rather than building the dignity of a nation.
General Asim Munir also recently became the Chief of Defence Forces consolidating wide ranging power over all branches of the military. He carries the title of Field Marshal for life, together with lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution. Sharif tangos in lockstep with the powerful General in disregard of the spirit of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s statement made to the armed forces in 1948: “Do not forget that the armed forces are the servants of the people. You do not make national policy; it is we, the civilians, who decide these issues and it is your duty to carry out these tasks with which you are entrusted.”
The ground realities are that the security situation in Pakistan is constantly under threat from its neighbours who also act as proxies for Israel and other foreign interests (including the CIA and MI6) which desire destabilisation and fragmentation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It is therefore natural for the military and security services to have a far more proactive role than usual. Traditionally the army has dictated foreign policy too. However, the army officer classes have and continue to interfere in government and business well beyond the scope of their authority. There are toxic levels of corruption amongst those responsible for civilian governance which is mirrored amongst many officers. Both groups suffer from the age-old intoxication of power and self-importance as well as an insatiable appetite for personal riches.
The only way to resolve these issues is for effective reform ensuring the supremacy of rule of law, fairness, and equity in all social, economic, legal, political and security functions. Accountability and legal safeguards are largely an aberration in Pakistan.
Instead of relying on the gains made in Operation Sindoor – when the Pakistan Air Force downed 4 Indian fighter jets – to build on domestic and international credibility applying good calibre statecraft the two individuals dropped the ball.
Most Muslims feel Pakistan did not do anything meaningful to stem the tide of the Palestinian Genocide? Flirting with the possibility of becoming part of some buffer force failed to stop the ongoing slaughter.
Whatever the political cost at home or abroad or even the odds against a successful mission Pakistan’s posture did not equate to a move consistent with its duties to the supremacy of the ‘Power’ presiding over the Islamic nation. A decision restricted to an analysis of cause and effect whether philosophically, politically, militarily, economically, or otherwise was (and is), on its own, always the wrong formula. In the US-Israel led war against Iran you have an answer in real time. Iran has responded effectively against the odds. The odds on the ground are not an obstacle to the outcome Allah determines for His own reasons whether in the short, medium, or long term. How else did Badr and the treaty of Hudaibiya play out? Prophet Musa’s confrontation against a super power was not a numbers game. Instead, it was all about carrying Allah’s approval while deferring to Him for results.
If this level of faith and understanding by Pakistan’s decision makers existed then surely we would see some evidence in the form of a cared for population and well run country. Regrettably, corruption infects every single political leader and their party and some figures in the military and intelligence agencies.
Sharif’s performance is unimpressive. Pakistan continues to rely on support packages and further borrowings to meet its ongoing debt obligations. The defence budget is overinflated and is not restricted to national security. Military interests encroach on businesses and the economy. The government presides over incompetent management of subsidies and grants while a heavy reliance on energy imports continues. Poor infrastructure is doing nothing to mitigate an over reliance on imported fuel. Even food has to be imported despite the country’s own agricultural potential. Falling levels of household income, rising costs, and widespread poverty persists. Long standing structural defects contribute to an unsustainable economy and massive deficits have persisted for over a quarter of a century. And to top it all Sharif allows 60 unnecessary government departments to run which has resulted in what is described as ‘fiscal haemorrhaging’.
Pakistan’s position will come to fruition on the international stage when a political leader and military head take office directing their cause only to seek Allah’s proximity and love (in the form of an emotion which no other emotion can change) driven by their unwavering yearning to secure His approval. After all Pakistan has established itself as an Islamic nation and defined its sovereign as Allah. How will we know when such a person prevails and they are not just a titular head or dictator? Well, their acts and omissions will align with the meaning of the Quran, and the psychology preceding the intentions, and philosophy behind the acts of the Prophet’s way. That will be verifiable by outcomes being or gravitating towards justice.
In the meantime, Pakistan continues to represent one of the world’s leading military machines possessing vast skill, experience, and aptitude. The Army won a Gold Medal at the 66th Exercise Cambrian Patrol, held in Wales, in October 2025 having won gold in 2024, 2023, and several times before that. The competition is regarded as one of the world’s toughest military skills competition. Pakistani military have substantial experience in international roles providing UN peacekeeping forces, security training, military advisors, combat support, and participating anti-piracy missions. Pakistani soldiers continue to give their lives in droves in the fight against terrorism and to protect the nation they adore.
Pakistan is well placed to be a leading force for collective peace and defence in the Muslim world but not until such time new personalities take stage with a commitment to the spirit of the constitution.
