By: Muhammad Shoaib Khan
On 9th March 2022, India throwed a tester to Pakistan by shooting its Brahmos Missile towards Pakistan. May be Indian government wanted to check vigilance and capability of Pakistan armed forces by that act of violation. Pakistan military wing spokesperson held a press conference and categorically mentioned that we are aware of threats and we monitored the projectile fired towards Pakistan from India, which falls down in Mian Channu and Pakistan demanded explanation from Indian authorities. Ministry of Foreign affairs summoned Indian diplomat and recorded its protest against the act. Now that was the latest incident happened in between Pakistan and Indian three days ago. Before this everyone knows that what happened when PAF fighter jets had dog fight with IAF jets and rest upon the history. I raise a question here that what will happen if Pakistan got into any war like situation? The answer is not as simple as it seems to be, because in past we have seen that how wars have affected Pakistan economically and politically.
Pakistan has already seen the escalation of instability, insecurity and political violence in the country as a result of Pakistan’s role as a “frontline state” in the Global War on Terrorism. Pakistan has paid a huge price for that. However, not much work has been done on the subject specifically in tabulating the losses of Pakistan in wars. In US, Pakistan is seen from the outside looking in as a strategic ally, a contentious partner, a nation of terrorism, and a war front. But citizens of the country see and experience the consequences of that war in a very different way.
In the last two decades, since 9/11, Pakistan’s economy has suffered a direct and indirect cost linked to terrorist activities of almost $150 billion. So, at first, If Pakistan got into any war like situation, then it will cost Pakistan economically that will result in inflation, price hike and other financial problems as we have seen in past. Furthermore, people of Pakistan will once again suffer from psychological stress which they have faced in past. When it comes to international diplomacy then, as foreign policy of Pakistan is in transition then it will create hurdles in that process, because If Pakistan got into any war like situation with India, then international institutions will once again put sanctions on Pakistan and right now, we cannot afford it. Political stability is also important factor for any nation to succeed. So, any war like situation will somehow create political disturbance in Pakistan which will create confusion among masses and instability in country. So I must say that Pakistan must not indulge in any war like situation with India or in any other conflict in the region, so that our nation could prosper with the passage of time.
At last, in my opinion, Pakistan has lost several precious lives due to wars and still suffering. Now the only option left to counter war’s is through preemptive measures like to do dialogue with rogue elements, who are creating hurdles towards prosperity. Awareness campaigns regarding implications of war on Pakistan are dire need of the hour so that the resilient Pakistani nation remain committed to root out terrorism and any war like situation within the country.
The writer is political and media analyst who regularly writes on international political issues. Feedback can be given at m.shoaib_khan@live.com
