At a time of growing regional tensions and escalating threats from across the eastern border, Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. The nation faces not only external dangers but also internal divisions that threaten to erode its ability to respond with coherence and strength. In this hour of need, unity is not a political choice—it is a national imperative.
Recent developments have underscored the need for a robust and unified stance to counter India’s aggressive posture. From its military maneuvers to its disinformation campaigns on international platforms, India’s designs are becoming increasingly clear. To effectively resist these moves, Pakistan must present a consolidated front. That front cannot be built without the inclusion of all major political forces, most notably the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
PTI remains, by all available metrics, the most popular political party in Pakistan. Its exclusion from the national dialogue or any major decision-making forum creates a vacuum that weakens the democratic and strategic resolve of the country. There can be no meaningful or sustainable unity without PTI on board. This calls for political maturity from all sides and a willingness to prioritize national interests over partisan considerations.
In this context, the continued incarceration of former Prime Minister Imran Khan serves as a major impediment to building national consensus. While legal processes must be respected, extraordinary times demand extraordinary decisions. In the larger interest of the country, it may be time to consider his release—not as a concession, but as a necessary step towards national cohesion. As long as he remains behind bars, generating broad-based public support for any potential national security response, including a possible war scenario with India, will remain difficult.
An All Parties Conference (APC) is the need of the hour. The government should immediately initiate efforts to bring all political leaders to the table. Differences can be set aside for now; the survival and dignity of the nation must come first. The APC should aim not only to formulate a unified domestic response but also to send a clear signal to the international community: Pakistan stands united.
On the diplomatic front, recent steps such as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s briefing to foreign envoys are commendable. These efforts must be intensified. Our missions abroad must be activated with renewed urgency and provided with all necessary support to expose India’s aggression and misinformation. From Washington to Brussels, and from Beijing to Riyadh, Pakistan’s case must be presented with clarity, consistency, and resolve.
The world needs to see Pakistan not as a fractured polity, but as a determined, united, and responsible nation defending its sovereignty and regional peace. That image can only be achieved if internal harmony is restored. The time to act is now—before it’s too late.
