When Remedies Fail
When a family member catches a mild fever, we try simple remedies first. Only when those fail do we consult a doctor or, in the last resort, a surgeon. That sequence — care, counsel, and decisive action — is not only medical wisdom but moral order. States, too, must follow this path when facing threats on their borders.
A History of Compassion and Restraint
Pakistan’s long-standing patience with Afghanistan is well documented. During the Soviet invasion, millions of Afghan refugees were welcomed across the border. Camps and urban settlements emerged, supported by Pakistan’s compassion and international aid.
This generosity defined Pakistan’s modern humanitarian identity — a nation that offered shelter and support when it mattered most.
From Compassion to Responsibility
However, kindness must not be mistaken for unlimited tolerance. For decades, Pakistan has urged successive Afghan governments to ensure that their soil is not used for attacks against Pakistani citizens.
Despite these appeals — through diplomatic channels, public statements, and bilateral talks — cross-border attacks and sanctuaries for militants continued to threaten peace along the Durand Line.
When Diplomacy Reaches Its Limit
Persuasion and dialogue are the first steps of responsible statecraft. Yet when repeated calls for cooperation are ignored, a sovereign nation must protect its people.
Pakistan’s recent security operations, conducted with precision and intelligence-based planning, demonstrate that the country’s aim is not aggression — but lawful self-defense.
A Region Shaped by Proxy Conflicts
Regional rivalries and proxy politics have often transformed local issues into wider instability.
The May 2025 confrontation between India and Pakistan revealed how swiftly escalation can follow even minor provocations. It underscored a hard truth: strength without fairness provokes retaliation; caution without resolve invites new threats.
The Call for Statesmanship
Practical realism must not silence moral leadership. Pakistan’s repeated calls for regional mediation — by Islamic allies and international partners — reflect a desire for sustainable peace.
Silence or hesitation from those who can help only narrows diplomatic space and limits peaceful options.
True patriotism lies not in aggression or passivity, but in balance — protecting citizens while seeking lasting peace.
The Surgeon’s Knife and Sovereignty
Let the surgeon’s knife remain a last resort — but when all other remedies fail, it must be used with precision and conscience. Pakistan, after decades of patience, seeks not revenge but security and stability.
If Afghanistan’s rulers and people value friendship, they must ensure that their soil is not turned into a theatre of hostility.
This is a moment for courage, unity, and foresight — to protect the homeland while striving for honourable peace.
Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal serves as the Director General (Research) at the National Assembly Secretariat, Parliament House, Islamabad. With extensive experience in legislative research and policy analysis, he brings a deep understanding of South Asian politics, Indo-Pak relations, and information warfare. His writings critically examine regional conflicts, propaganda narratives, and leadership dynamics, with a focus on promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in South Asia.
