World scholars and strategists once confidently predicted that the coming century would belong to the Muslim world. This wasn’t merely an idealistic or religious sentiment but was illustrated by facts. The Muslim world boasted abundant natural resources, a rapidly growing young population, fertile lands, and a legacy of intellectual, cultural, and spiritual richness. They are afraid that the system of Islam-centred on justice, compassion, and collective welfare-could offer an alternative to a global system plagued by inequality, conflict, and moral decay. The concept of a unified Muslim Ummah wasn’t a dream, but rather an emerging possibility that symbolised hope for a better world. We must not forget what they did to Iraq, which once was a cradle of civilisation and knowledge, was bombed into ruins, Libya, which was once economically stable, was thrown into chaos, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Palestine were violently suppressed. Iran, despite its resilience, has faced decades of sanctions and isolation. These were deliberate and well-conducted campaigns that unfolded to prevent the Muslim world from realising its potential. Country after country was destabilised-especially those that were rich in resources, strategically located, or intellectually vibrant.
Now the question is, are we, in Pakistan, still under the illusion that we will be spared? Pakistan is not just another country. It is a nuclear power, an ideological state, and perhaps the only hope for the Muslim world, or I must say, the heart of the Muslim world; therefore, Pakistan is on their radar. These forces may appear benign champions of democracy and peace, but beneath the surface, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing, waiting for the right moment to strike. They are actively working against us through economic warfare, media propaganda, political manipulation, and internal dissent-to destabilise Pakistan.
The reason for this interference is simple yet profound: Pakistan’s geostrategic importance holds a crucial junction between South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China. Whoever controls Pakistan has a say in regional trade, energy flows, and even global geopolitics. Our location makes us not just relevant, but vital to the future of Asia and makes Pakistan Pivot to Asia.
The world must see Pakistan not as a threat, but as a bridge to economic prosperity.
History offers a lesson. When the Soviet Union tried to expand towards warm waters through Afghanistan and Pakistan, the West intervened not just with weapons, but with strategy. The USSR was not only repelled but dismembered into fifteen smaller states. Similarly, after World War II, the United States formed NATO to curb Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. The West understands very well how to build alliances and execute containment strategies when its interests are at stake.
Today, a similar chessboard is being set. The Western bloc, led by the United States, has proposed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a mega trade route designed to connect India to Europe via the Gulf states. It is a response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious project aiming to build global infrastructure networks and trade corridors connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Right at the heart of BRI lies Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
It links China’s western province of Xinjiang to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, offering China a direct trade route to the Arabian Sea and beyond. This significantly reduces China’s dependence on longer maritime routes, especially the vulnerable Strait of Malacca. CPEC solely connects nearly 85.9% of global trade routes with potential outreach to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
It naturally terrifies those invested in maintaining the current Western-led global order.
You must be wondering about the result? It has increased instability in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, a province that is mineral-rich and the crown jewel of CPEC. Balochistan could become a regional trade hub, transforming cities like Gwadar, Ormara, Jevani and Pasni into new global ports. But peace is a prerequisite. That’s why separatist movements, terrorism, and propaganda campaigns are being fueled-to derail the dream before it materialises. Despite these external threats, Pakistan remains one of the few countries effectively challenging the West’s so-called “grand design” to keep Asia and the Muslim world politically weak, economically dependent, and strategically irrelevant.
Certainly, if Pakistan is to truly rise as the Trade Corridor of Asia, it will have to make huge decisions on diplomatic fronts as well as address national issues. First, we must ensure political stability. No economic or strategic goal can be achieved in an environment of domestic chaos. Political forces must act responsibly, placing national interests above party agendas. National security, trade diplomacy, and foreign policy must be treated as non-partisan matters.
Second, we must resolve internal grievances, especially those in Balochistan. The people of Balochistan deserve development, representation, and justice. Issues like enforced disappearances and economic exclusion must be addressed transparently. Only when locals feel included in the national narrative can we secure lasting peace.
Third, we must strengthen regional cooperation, particularly with Afghanistan and Iran. Our neighbourhood must be peaceful for trade routes to function smoothly. A stable, friendly regional environment will amplify Pakistan’s centrality in the global trade landscape. Fourth, we need economic sovereignty. We must diversify trade partners, invest in local industry, modernise our ports and railway infrastructure, and reduce dependence on foreign aid. CPEC offers us that opportunity, but we must manage it with vision, integrity, and long-term planning. Above all, we must fight the battle of narratives with love and affection. In the age of digital warfare, perception is power. We must take control of our story through media, diplomacy, education, and public discourse. The world must see Pakistan not as a threat, but as a bridge to economic prosperity.
The stakes are high. But the rewards are immense. Pakistan has the potential to become the backbone of Asian trade, the connector of continents, and a beacon of hope for the Islamic world. The challenges are many, but so are the opportunities. It is now up to us. Our leaders, our institutions, and our people should decide which path we will choose. Will we allow history to repeat itself and watch another opportunity slip away?
Or will we rise with clarity, courage, and conviction to shape our destiny? The future has not been written yet. But the pen is in our hands.
The writer is a human rights activist and a blogger.