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This piece was written by John Rosenberg, a seasoned military advisor with extensive experience in Afghanistan as a Senior Advisor to the Afghan National Army and an Information Operations Assessor for the International Joint Command. He has also served as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Africa Command, focusing on stability and development in the region.
Media and analysts often portray Pakistan as a nation at a crossroads, facing complex challenges from security threats to economic instability. Observers frequently describe it as a region marked by geopolitical tensions, struggling to navigate its path as a developing democracy. Yet, these perceptions only tell part of the story. Behind the headlines, Pakistan is a resilient nation actively working to overcome these issues.
With a population of 252 million, Pakistan is engaged in ongoing efforts against extremism and terrorism. The country has deployed approximately 300,000 military and paramilitary troops for counterterrorism duties. Official reports indicate that in the past eight months, operations by Pakistan’s defense and intelligence forces resulted in the loss of 193 officers and sepoys and 541 individuals identified as terrorists killed.
Government data shows Pakistan spends over $2 billion annually on counterterrorism. According to economic assessments, the direct economic cost of the war on terror in Pakistan is $153 billion, with an additional indirect cost of around $450 billion.
Because of Pakistan’s geographic location, sharing borders with Afghanistan, Iran and China, the country consistently faces security problems. International organizations report issues related to cross-border movement, including refugee influxes, drug trafficking and smuggling.
Historical events, like the Soviet-Afghan War and subsequent conflicts in Afghanistan, have had long-term impacts on Pakistan’s security, like the documented proliferation of weapons and reports of radicalization among certain population segments.
Developments and progress
Despite its challenges, Pakistan is moving forward. It maintains a parliamentary democratic system with regular elections. Pakistan’s judiciary has ruled on various high-profile cases. Public demonstrations occur regularly.
Pakistan directly connects to important trade routes, has diplomatic relations with neighboring nations, and participates in regional economic initiatives. In recent years, Pakistan has engaged in international forums and agreements focused on counterterrorism, demonstrating its involvement in global security efforts.
Pakistan’s media landscape is diverse, encompassing print, broadcast and digital platforms. However, reports from international press freedom organizations indicate that journalists in the country often face limitations, especially when covering security and political matters. Despite these challenges, Pakistan maintains a vibrant social media presence.
Pakistan has room to strengthen its democracy and governance, but its resilience and determination in the face of significant challenges deserve recognition. The nation has made substantial strides from countering extremism to maintaining regional stability. It’s time the global community views Pakistan through a balanced lens, appreciating its achievements and ongoing efforts.
— Provided by Ascend Agency
The news and editorial staffs of the Chicago Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.