By Ghulam Haider Shaikh
The latest Corps Commanders Conference, presided over by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters, reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty with both firmness and restraint. In an era when regional tensions can easily escalate into confrontation, the message from Pakistan’s military leadership was clear, any aggressive move by India under the guise of a “new normal” will be met with a new and effective military response.
Equally significant was the solemn opening of the conference, a prayer for the soldiers martyred in recent attacks allegedly sponsored from across the border. This moment of remembrance underscored a profound truth: Pakistan’s armed forces continue to bear the weight of daily sacrifices, defending the homeland with courage and quiet dignity. Despite provocations and mounting challenges, the Army has responded not with rashness, but with measured patience — a reflection of professional maturity and strategic discipline.
The reaffirmation of readiness against external aggression, coupled with continued internal counterterrorism efforts, demonstrates that Pakistan’s defense posture remains strong and adaptive. The Armed Forces’ approach, rooted in deterrence rather than aggression, serves as a stabilizing factor in an otherwise volatile region. It sends a message to both allies and adversaries that Pakistan seeks peace, but not at the expense of its sovereignty or dignity.
Field Marshal Munir’s warning was not a call to arms, but a reminder that peace must rest on mutual respect, not unilateral imposition. The notion of a “new normal,” often voiced by Indian leadership, ignores the reality that stability in South Asia depends on responsible dialogue, not coercive diplomacy or military adventurism.
Pakistan’s defense establishment, through words and actions, continues to balance resolve with restraint, upholding its duty to protect the nation while exercising remarkable composure. In honoring its martyrs and reaffirming vigilance, the Army not only defends borders but also reinforces the spirit of national resilience. Yet, despite this disciplined restraint and commitment to peace, there has been a noticeable increase in terrorism and subversive activities allegedly sponsored from across the border. India’s growing involvement in destabilizing acts within Pakistan remains a matter of grave concern, testing the patience and endurance of the country’s security apparatus. Still, Pakistan’s armed forces have chosen the path of maturity over provocation, responding to aggression with vigilance, not vengeance ,a stance that underscores their professionalism and sense of responsibility toward regional stability.
At a time when provocations persist, Pakistan’s message remains steadfast: it will continue to pursue peace, but it will never compromise on security, sovereignty, or self-respect
Change of Guard in KP
The sudden resignation of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur marks a dramatic turn in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s already turbulent political landscape. His decision to step down “on the instructions of the party founder” not only signals internal power shifts within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) but also raises serious questions about the party’s cohesion, governance, and democratic decision-making at the provincial level.
For months, political observers had speculated about growing rifts within PTI ranks—between those loyal to the jailed party founder and those attempting to maintain administrative control under challenging circumstances. Gandapur’s departure confirms those fissures. The announcement that Sohaib Afridi will replace him as the new chief minister underlines that PTI’s leadership continues to revolve around the personal directives of its founder, even from behind bars.
While party discipline and loyalty are central to PTI’s identity, the method and timing of this leadership change cast a shadow over stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The province is already grappling with economic constraints, security challenges, and governance shortfalls. Frequent shifts in power at the top only add to administrative paralysis and uncertainty. For a government that once prided itself on reform and efficiency, such abrupt political reshuffles undermine public confidence and slow the pace of provincial progress.
It is also important to note the symbolic message this decision sends to both supporters and opponents. On one hand, it reflects the founder’s continued grip over the party’s affairs, showcasing unwavering loyalty among its members. On the other hand, it exposes a worrying dependence on personality rather than policy,a pattern that has repeatedly hindered Pakistan’s democratic evolution.
If PTI aims to preserve its dominance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it must now focus on ensuring that this transition of power is smooth, transparent, and policy-driven. Governance should not become a casualty of internal politics. The new leadership under Sohaib Afridi will need to prioritize administrative continuity, public service delivery, and coordination with federal authorities to address the province’s many crises.
Political reshuffles may serve temporary party agendas, but sustainable leadership comes from stability, institutional strength, and responsiveness to public needs. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can no longer afford politics of personalities, it needs governance rooted in vision and responsibility.
Leave a Reply