Pakistan is currently passing through multiple challenges. On one hand, there is a new wave of terrorism that has once again tested the country’s peace and security, and on the other hand, there are the policies of certain regional countries that keep Pakistan under constant pressure. The heartbreaking suicide attack that took place a few days ago in Islamabad, in which twelve precious lives were lost, was not only a tragic incident but also a stark reminder that the roots of terrorist groups operating against Pakistan are deeply linked with Afghan soil.
The evidence that has surfaced after the attack, statements from Pakistani institutions, and initial investigations all indicate that elements based in Afghanistan were directly or indirectly involved in this act. This is not the first time such evidence has emerged regarding Afghanistan. The truth is that the attitude of the Afghan state and various groups present there has, for the past four decades, continually created difficulties for Pakistan. Pakistan wholeheartedly gave shelter to more than 4 million Afghan refugees. It provided them with homes, livelihoods, healthcare, and education-allowing them to blend into society and the economy.
But in return, Pakistan repeatedly faced poisonous propaganda from certain Afghan circles, and even worse, they provided terrorist groups with space and safe havens so they could carry out attacks inside Pakistan. This is a long story of ingratitude. The Afghan rulers should not forget that Pakistan did not open its doors to Afghan brothers for political or financial gain, but purely out of humanitarian spirit. Sadly, the same people who sat at Pakistan’s table for decades were the ones who turned against it. Even today, the Afghan government neither takes concrete action against terrorists nor issues any religious or legal decree against the elements who spill blood inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. Even dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan fails to progress due to deliberate obstacles created by the Afghan government.
Our nation knows how to fight challenges and how to begin new journeys alongside its friends.
This situation has given India a full opportunity to exploit. India has now set a new board against Pakistan. It wants Pakistan to remain under pressure on both its eastern and western fronts. On one hand, it maintains its proxies against Pakistan under the pretext of the situation in occupied Kashmir, Line of Control tensions, and internal political interference. On the other hand, through its long-standing networks inside Afghanistan, India tries to create conditions where Pakistan remains continuously targeted by terrorism. It is no secret that India spent years in Afghanistan and used Afghan soil against Pakistan without hesitation.
However, both India and the terrorists suffer from a misconception. They believe that Pakistan will weaken under pressure. They underestimate Pakistan’s resolve or perhaps remain unaware of the strength and capability of Pakistan’s armed forces. The reality is that Pakistan’s army is seasoned, battle-hardened, and counted among the finest militaries of the world. Under the leadership of General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s military strength stands fully alert on every front. From east to west, from borders to cities, from intelligence to operational action, Pakistan’s forces are ready every moment to thwart enemy designs. This is why all the enemy’s tactics are failing one after another and will continue to fail.
Yet Pakistan’s story is not limited to terrorism and border challenges. In our region, there are countries that have shown sincerity and friendship toward Pakistan in every difficult time. Sri Lanka stands foremost among them. The friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is not just diplomatic, it is a bond of hearts. Both countries have always supported each other, whether in defence cooperation, educational ties, or sports. The recent example is the Sri Lankan cricket team’s decision to continue its tour of Pakistan despite a terrorist incident. This decision was not only courageous but also a clear message of trust for Pakistan.
Sri Lanka has supported Pakistan in the past as well. When the Sri Lankan team was attacked in Lahore in 2009, Pakistan consoled them and stood by them in their time of grief. Today, years later, Sri Lanka is reciprocating that sincerity. Cricket is not just a sport; it is an expression of trust, friendship, and relations between nations. The way Sri Lanka chose to stand with Pakistan in this difficult time is both admirable and worthy of emulation. The people of Pakistan will never forget this friendship. Peace is returning to Pakistan. Matches, series, the arrival of foreign teams, and the hosting of tournaments all send a message to the world that Pakistan is a lively, peaceful, and sports-loving country. The announcement by the Sri Lankan team is not only good news for our nation but also a powerful response to negative propaganda that seeks to isolate Pakistan from the world.
On one side, terrorism is being fueled from Afghan soil; on the other hand, countries like Sri Lanka are strengthening Pakistan’s hand. These two contrasting attitudes reflect two different worlds, one that wants to see Pakistan weak, and the other that walks side by side with Pakistan for strength and stability. There is no doubt that Pakistan has never bowed before the conspiracies of its enemies, nor will it ever bow. Our nation knows how to fight challenges and how to begin new journeys alongside its friends. No matter how many plots the enemies weave, Pakistan, by the strength of its army, its people, and its friendly nations, is strong, and God willing, will only grow stronger.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.