LAHORE: Former national security adviser Lt-General (retd) Nasir Khan Janjua on Wednesday said the global order was undergoing a fundamental transformation in which geo-economics not war would shape the future, asserting that Pakistan had emerged resilient from decades of conflict and was now poised to play a central role as a regional stabiliser.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Golden Ring Economic Forum (GREF) here, he argued that while wars historically dictated global order, “peace and economy will dictate the order” in the coming era, describing Pakistan’s journey as one marked by difficult but decisive strategic choices.
Reflecting on past regional conflicts, particularly Afghanistan, Gen Janjua said Pakistan’s actions must be viewed in the context of safeguarding national sovereignty amid shifting global alignments. He noted that during the Cold War and post 9/11 periods, Pakistan faced complex security challenges, including pressures from both eastern and western borders.
He maintained that Pakistan had not only defended itself but also contributed to broader regional stability, adding that the country had now gained recognition as a credible mediator and a “trusted place” in international diplomacy.
Emphasising a forward-looking vision, he called for expanding regional connectivity beyond Eurasia to what he termed “Afro-Eurasia”, urging policymakers to include Afghanistan in future economic frameworks rather than isolating it.
“Your time has started now,” he said, addressing Pakistani stakeholders, while encouraging greater confidence in the country’s strategic and economic potential. Earlier, Chinese Consul General Sun Yan highlighted Beijing’s vision for global cooperation, stressing that the world was facing a growing “peace deficit” amid rapid and unprecedented changes.
Iranian Consul General Mehran Movahedfar, in his address, called for redefining security in a post-war world order based on justice, equality and collective responsibility.
He stressed that sustainable regional stability required an indigenous framework led by regional countries and free from external interference, asserting that “security must be conceived as a collective and indivisible endeavour”. He thanked Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, for facilitating ceasefire efforts and mediation initiatives.
