By Senator Manzoor Ahmad Khan Kakar
The events that followed the Pakistan-India War in 2025 significantly altered the strategic discourse in South Asia. Beyond the immediate military and diplomatic repercussions, the post-conflict phase has exposed a more profound reality: Pakistan is now more globally engaged, strategically mature, and geopolitically relevant than it has been in recent decades.
Wars alter perceptions rather than just redrawing lines on maps. Following the war with India in 2025, Pakistan showed institutional strength where uncertainty had previously existed, coherence where chaos was anticipated, and restraint where escalation was anticipated. Due to this combination, Pakistan is now seen by the international community as a central state influencing events rather than as a peripheral actor responding to them.
Pakistan’s ongoing geostrategic significance is at the centre of this change. Pakistan is not just a geographical bridge but also a strategic link because of its location at the intersection of South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China. Pakistan’s sphere of influence invariably crosses trade corridors, energy routes, counterterrorism frameworks, and regional stability initiatives. When combined with state capacity, geography becomes power in a world increasingly characterised by competition and connectivity.
The military of Pakistan should be commended for upholding credible deterrence without needless escalation. Both allies and adversaries were reassured that Pakistan is still a responsible nuclear state, fully aware of the serious responsibilities such a capability entails, by the professionalism, readiness, and discipline shown both during and after the conflict. It takes decades of institutional learning and strategic clarity to achieve this balance between strength and restraint.
The role of diplomatic organisations and civilian leadership in guiding Pakistan through a challenging post-war environment has been equally significant. Today, the ability to convert security into stability and stability into opportunity is a better indicator of strategic maturity than military prowess alone. Since 2025, Pakistan has engaged with regional neighbours, major international powers, and multilateral forums, demonstrating a resurgence of diplomatic confidence that is based on confidence rather than defensiveness.
The reaction around the world has been instructive. Pakistan’s importance to regional connectivity, counterterrorism cooperation, maritime security in the Arabian Sea, and peace efforts in Afghanistan has once again come to light. The expansion of economic diplomacy, defence alliances, and strategic discussions is due to the growing need for global stability rather than Pakistan’s demands.
Crucially, internal consolidation also influences Pakistan’s post-conflict course. Today, social cohesiveness, technical advancement, and economic resilience are inextricably linked to national security. The realisation that strategic power must be supported by domestic strength is seen in the increasing focus on economic reform, digital governance, energy security, and regional development.
Long seen through a narrow security lens, Balochistan is now becoming recognised as a strategic asset in and of itself, essential to regional trade, mineral development, and connectivity. It is not only morally required but also strategically necessary to incorporate historically underprivileged areas into the national development framework. Pakistan is stronger when it is inclusive and stable.
It’s also critical to understand that Pakistan’s enhanced international status is a result of its assertion of sovereign equality rather than conflict with India. Realism, communication, and respect for one another will bring to lasting peace in South Asia rather than supremacy or denial. Pakistan is positioned as a responsible participant in regional peace due to its persistent appeal for engagement, which is based on dignity rather than desperation.
Pakistan is in a unique geopolitical position as traditional alliances change and global power movements quicken. The current task is to turn credibility into long-term influence rather than to demonstrate strength. This calls for institutional transparency, civil-military cooperation, policy consistency, and most importantly, national unity. Pakistan has a chance to remake itself in the post-2025 environment, not just as a frontline state or security actor, but as a self-assured, productive, and influential country on the international scene. Pakistan’s current moment of global importance can develop into long-lasting strategic leadership if it continues to be disciplined in strategy, inclusive in development, and principled in diplomacy.—The writer is currently Member and the Parliamentary Leader of the Balochistan Awami Party in Senatore of Pakistan.
