In every country, the armed forces stand as the final guardians of the nation’s stability. For Pakistan, this role has been even more profound. Our history is marked by challenges – external threats, internal turmoil, natural disasters and crises that would have crippled many other countries. Yet every time, it has been the Pakistan armed forces that have stepped forward, quietly, consistently and with unwavering commitment.
From the earthquakes that levelled entire towns to the floods that submerged provinces; from locust swarms that threatened our crops to security challenges that targeted our very sense of normalcy – our soldiers have remained on the front lines. They have carried our people to safety, rebuilt infrastructure, restored order, and protected the dignity of the country.
Whether it was conducting major evacuations, enabling the return of international cricket or guarding the borders in extreme conditions, their service has been constant.
What often goes forgotten in public conversation is the enormous human sacrifice behind this service. Over the last two decades, Pakistan has paid one of the highest prices in the global war against terror. More than 80,000 Pakistanis – soldiers, officers and innocent civilians – have embraced shahadat in a conflict that was imposed on the country. Each number represents a family shattered, a child orphaned, a mother who will forever wait for a son who never returned.
And yet, despite this unimaginable cost, Pakistan did what many nations could not. Through major anti-terror operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, coupled with thousands of intelligence-based actions across the country, our armed forces succeeded in reducing organised terrorism to a fraction of what it once was. Globally, military experts often acknowledge that very few armies have managed to reclaim their territory and dismantle militant networks with such effectiveness. This was achieved not through slogans, but through blood, discipline and sacrifice.
Against this backdrop, it is deeply concerning to see certain political narratives emerging – narratives that undermine the professionalism, intentions and integrity of the armed forces. While political debate is healthy in a democracy, attacking the character of the very institution that has protected Pakistan at its darkest moments is neither responsible nor fair. More importantly, it risks misleading the youth and weakening trust in the only institution that stands guard 24/7 to secure our future.
Such rhetoric does not remain limited to talk shows or rallies. It travels down the chain of command, reaching young jawans posted on mountains, borders, deserts, and conflict zones. These are young men barely in their twenties who stand in freezing nights, who eat rationed food, who carry 30–40kg of gear and who know that every patrol could be their last. When they hear that their sacrifices are being politicised or questioned, it affects morale in ways most people never see.
Our senior leadership, both present and past, has earned respect not only at home but internationally for their contributions to strategic stability, counterterrorism and regional cooperation. Their role rises above political cycles and personal agendas. To reduce their service to political speculation is unjust.
Pakistan’s future depends on unity between the people and the institutions that safeguard the nation. We can debate policies, governments, and decisions. But questioning the loyalty of those who have buried their own colleagues with their own hands crosses a line that no responsible society should allow.
It is time to remind ourselves of a basic truth: A nation cannot prosper if it attacks the guardians who protect its sovereignty. Constructive criticism strengthens countries. Baseless accusations weaken them.
Moving forward, our national discourse must favour facts over emotions, unity over division, and appreciation over suspicion. Pakistan has endured too much, sacrificed too much, and survived too much to allow anyone to chip away at its institutional foundations.
The men and women who stand guard for us deserve respect – not because they demand it, but because they have earned it with their blood.
The writer is a leading Pakistani industrialist. He can be reached at: [email protected]
