Peace talks abroad, protests at home: The many contradictions shaping Pakistan today

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir (R) (PTI file photo) "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Abraham Lincoln's observation aptly captures Pakistan's situation.While Islamabad chases the image of an indispensable diplomatic player, its own foundations appear increasingly fragile. From brokering peace in Middle East to courting Washington and Beijing, Pakistan has sought a larger role in global diplomacy.Yet back home, it remains weighed down by economic distress, political unrest, separatist movements, water shortages, terrorism, and accusations of human rights abuses, an uneasy contradiction that defines the country's present-day reality.Much of Pakistan's strategic direction continues to be shaped by its military establishment, with army chief Asim Munir, the country's de facto centre of power. His influence extends well beyond defence matters, as Pakistan's military continues to function as a parallel authority that heavily influences domestic governance as well as foreign policy.That contrast between projecting stability abroad and confronting instability at home, has become one of Pakistan's defining geopolitical challenges.From military confrontatio...