PAKISTAN today stands secure from expansionist designs of the neighbouring enemy only because of its full-spectrum defence deterrence comprising both nuclear and conventional capability that has been designed to deter aggression.

Credit for this goes to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s political will after the 1971 war and India’s nuclear tests in 1974. The active support provided by the likes of Shah Faisal and Muammar Gaddafi also deserves due acknowledgement.

And then, of course, came the impressive skills and commitment of engineers, scientists and officials who made all this possible in the face of serious and consistent opposition of foreign powers.

The recent response by Pakistani armed forces was exemplary by any yardstick. The role of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was amazing, with aeronautical engineers and officials quickly adapting to the most modern aviation technology. This helped us repulse an attack and give a befitting response to an enemy that was much bigger than Pakistan. In essence, the war spectrum has changed, with technology and artificial intelligence (AI) having taken centre-stage.

Given our scarce economic conditions, the emphasis, as far as the defence budget is concerned, should be on investments targeting the development of the skills of qualified engineers and scientists. Instead of giving a lavish raise in salaries to armed forces personnel, the amount should be spent on hiring qualified individuals who may help the armed forces counter any offensive design effectively.

Practically speaking, gone are the days of jihad launched by men from seminaries, armed with swords and guns. What we need today, and need rather urgently, is a jihad to acquire knowledge in science and technology that can be effectively incorporated indigenously with the dual purpose of staving off aggression, and boosting overall national economy.

Malik Tariq Ali
Lahore

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2025