Pakistan’s Dual Reset -

By Junaid Qaiser

Pakistan today is battling on two fronts that are deeply intertwined. One is about security—protecting the state from evolving external threats, internal instability, and the quiet pressures of hybrid warfare. The other is about economics—pulling the country out of a prolonged cycle of crisis by fixing the rules that govern investment, growth, and opportunity. Recent statements and actions by the country’s military and civilian leadership suggest that these two fronts are no longer being treated separately, but as part of a single national effort.

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s visit to the Gujranwala and Sialkot garrisons carried a vast message. By highlighting combat readiness, advanced training, and technological adaptability, he underscored how the nature of warfare has changed. Modern conflicts are no longer fought only with troops and tanks; they are shaped by information, ideology, and precision decision-making. Hybrid campaigns, extremist narratives, and divisive forces now pose risks that can weaken a state from within if they are not addressed with clarity and discipline.

What stood out was the emphasis on focus. The army leadership made it clear that maintaining internal cohesion is as critical as defending borders. High morale, mission-oriented training, and the ability to respond swiftly to complex threats were presented not as abstract ideals, but as operational necessities. In a region marked by volatility, this posture signals continuity and preparedness rather than reaction.

At the same time, the civilian leadership is attempting to stabilize the other front of this equation: the economy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks at the launch of the National Regulatory Reforms were rooted in a candid assessment of recent history. When his government assumed office, Pakistan was facing severe economic stress—soaring inflation, crippling interest rates, and the looming threat of default. The approval of a $1.2 billion IMF tranche has eased immediate pressure, but the government’s argument is that relief alone is not recovery.

The regulatory overhaul being presented as a “quantum jump” aims to address long-standing structural weaknesses. Excessive and unpredictable regulations have discouraged investors and pushed businesses into survival mode rather than expansion. By moving toward tariff rationalization, regulatory modernization, and an export-led industrial strategy, the government is signaling a shift from controlling economic activity to enabling it. The creation of streamlined mechanisms under initiatives like ‘Asaan Karobar’ reflects an effort to align Pakistan’s business environment with global norms.

There is also a clear recognition that people, not just policies, drive growth. With a large youth population, the focus on vocational training and internationally recognized certification is an attempt to turn demographic pressure into economic strength. Whether these young Pakistanis find work at home or abroad, their productivity and earnings can become a stabilizing force for the wider economy.

International reactions, particularly from partners such as the United Kingdom, suggest cautious optimism. Trade figures, diaspora engagement, and development cooperation point to external confidence in Pakistan’s direction, even if expectations remain tied to implementation.

Taken together, these developments reflect a convergence that Pakistan has often struggled to achieve. Security without economic opportunity breeds frustration, while economic reform without stability is easily derailed. The alignment now visible between military readiness and economic restructuring suggests a more coherent approach to statecraft—one that recognizes that national strength is built simultaneously in training grounds and policy rooms.

The real test lies ahead. Announcements and assurances must translate into consistent execution, and reforms must survive political and bureaucratic resistance. But the convergence itself matters. For perhaps the first time in years, Pakistan’s response to its challenges appears coordinated rather than fragmented. One state, facing two fronts, is beginning to act with a shared sense of direction.