LAHORE — In a strongly worded open letter addressed to what he called “liberal cynics and armchair critics,” Iqbal Latif, a Pakistani expatriate who recently returned from abroad, has defended Pakistan’s progress and institutions, urging detractors to adopt “a fairer, fact-based view” of the country’s situation.
Writing from a rooftop dhaba in Lahore’s Ichra neighborhood, Latif opened his letter with a reflection on the resilience of ordinary Pakistanis amid years of political upheaval, terrorism, and economic instability. “Pakistan may be battered, but it is not broken,” he wrote, describing the nation as “a David facing many Goliaths” — a reference to its geopolitical positioning and economic disparities with regional powers such as India.
Latif rebuked commentators who, in his view, portray Pakistan as a failed or collapsing state, arguing that despite persistent challenges, the country has shown remarkable endurance in defence, diplomacy, and humanitarian sectors. “We have rebuilt after floods, resisted terrorism, and negotiated from a position of dignity in global forums,” he asserted, citing Pakistan’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and its strategic partnerships with China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye as signs of continued international relevance.
He also praised the military and law enforcement agencies, saying they had been “a stabilising shield” against multiple threats. Latif highlighted military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad as examples of success against militancy. “Critics who demonise the establishment ignore the sacrifices made in blood and the peace earned through years of struggle,” he wrote.
The open letter further delved into Pakistan’s diplomatic standing, referencing recent engagements with global powers and progress in regional cooperation. Latif cited Pakistan’s participation in ceasefire efforts, its mediation role in Afghanistan, and growing ties under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “Even as the world shifts, Pakistan remains a pivotal state — geographically, strategically, and morally,” he claimed.
Addressing the economic crisis, Latif acknowledged inflation, unemployment, and debt as grave concerns but criticised those who, in his words, “weaponise despair for political gain.” He argued that external shocks — including the COVID-19 pandemic, global fuel prices, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict — had affected many nations, not just Pakistan. “No country our size has survived so many crises with such social cohesion,” he added, urging youth to focus on innovation, education, and entrepreneurship rather than “recycling hopelessness.”
Latif’s letter also took aim at what he called “a culture of elite pessimism,” particularly within sections of the English-language press and social media. He accused certain journalists and analysts of distorting facts and relying on foreign think tanks instead of “walking the streets of Faisalabad, Quetta, or Multan to understand real Pakistan.”
“The problem is not Pakistan’s potential,” he wrote, “but the narrative war against its institutions.” He called for “constructive patriotism” — a term he defined as supporting national progress while holding power accountable through fairness rather than hostility.
Concluding his letter, Latif appealed for unity, national self-belief, and responsible discourse. “We can disagree without disowning our homeland,” he said. “Let us build rather than blame, debate rather than destroy.”
Political observers say Latif’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among expatriate Pakistanis who, while aware of governance flaws, defend the nation’s resilience and reject constant negativity in the public sphere. His message has since sparked wide discussion on social media, with supporters hailing his patriotism and critics accusing him of overlooking systemic problems.