KARACHI:
The end of World War II reshaped the global order, with new nations emerging from colonial empires. Pakistan, too, was born out of global realignments, influenced by the Atlantic Charter. This agreement, crafted between the British Prime Minister, the US President, and the broader Western alliance, set the stage for British India’s independence. Pakistan was envisioned as a key player in counterbalancing the Soviet Union’s influence. However, the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s ushered in a new global phase, with the US becoming the sole superpower. Now, in the face of new challenges, Pakistan must redefine its role in this rapidly evolving world.
Nationalist movements are challenging the borders within Pakistan, with growing discontent in various provinces. Some seek greater autonomy, while others call for outright secession. Meanwhile, extremist groups like TLP exploit religious sentiments to push their agenda. These forces, both nationalist and extremist, are creating a volatile mix reminiscent of the violence of 1947. Political instability only worsens the situation, threatening to further weaken the state. Pakistan, originally conceived to act as a bulwark against regional and ideological threats, is now at a crossroads. The country must either embrace significant changes to confront extremism and regionalism or face continued erosion of its statehood.
A new nationalism is needed — one that is forward-looking and adaptive to the shifting global order. It cannot rely solely on the past but must engage in a thoughtful redefinition of Pakistan’s identity and role in the world. The nation’s future depends on stronger governance and a strategic approach to addressing the rise of extremist ideologies. Pakistan’s future lies in embracing change, but that change remains uncertain and uncomfortable.
Ghazanfar Soomro
Shikarpur
