Let this be a reset

Now that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan has officially taken effect, it’s time to take stock of what the past few weeks have revealed. Since the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has navigated a high-stakes standoff with calm and confidence. For four tense days, the state, the armed forces, the media and the people responded to Indian aggression with clarity and cohesion. The message was unmistakable: Pakistan would not be provoked into recklessness, but neither would it back down. At a time when political divisions at home have often seemed unbridgeable, the national response was a rare and welcome display of unity. It’s easy to overlook just how significant that unity is. Political polarisation has eroded trust, fuelled cynicism and shrunk the space for disagreement in recent years. Yet when faced with a real threat, Pakistanis across the spectrum put aside their differences to respond – not just militarily, but socially and digitally – to India’s belligerence both on the ground and online.

If we can stand united against external threats, we can surely find common ground on our internal challenges as well. Political rivals do not have to be enemies. Disagreement does not have to mean disloyalty. Our people showed last week that they can tell the difference – it’s time for the political elite and state to do the same. One key lesson here is about expression. When the ban on X (formerly Twitter) was lifted, the result was immediate: Pakistanis with all kinds of political views joined forces to push back against Indian propaganda – not with hate, but with facts, memes, and humour. Instead of division, there was direction. This should be proof enough that blocking platforms only undermines national unity. Dissent, after all, is part of patriotism. People critique the state not because they hate the country, but because they care about it. That applies to all voices from across the political spectrum. Yes, some elements abroad are exploiting these spaces to push hostile agendas. But the answer to that isn’t collective punishment at home but smarter engagement, stronger facts and better governance.

This moment of strength should be a turning point. The state must realise that genuine grievances cannot be ignored or bundled in with anti-state activity. The way forward is political. Punish the terrorists, yes. Confront the troublemakers, yes. But stop treating political dissidents and ordinary citizens as suspects. Meanwhile, we must prepare for what’s next. India has suffered a military and diplomatic setback, and its leadership knows it. US President Donald Trump’s comments about inviting both countries to the table – over dinner, no less! – only added insult to injury in New Delhi. Now, rather than risk another direct confrontation, India will likely turn to indirect tactics: disinformation, proxy attacks and covert destabilisation. We’ve seen it before, especially since the fall of Kabul. Pakistan will again need more than just military strength to counter this. We will need political clarity, public trust and national unity. That kind of unity can’t be forced – it has to be built through fairness, inclusion and respect for political diversity. This past week reminded us what Pakistan is capable of when it stands together. But unity forged in crisis shouldn’t be left behind once the threat passes. If we can hold on to that spirit – and turn it into a political roadmap – we may yet find a way out of the polarisation and instability that has held us back for too long. Let this be more than a victory. Let it be a reset.