IN our national history, the last 12 months stand out as a watershed. From military supremacy to diplomatic excellence, Pakistan’s image has undergone a dramatic transformation, placing our geopolitical importance at a vertex. Beyond the emerging strategic dynamics, there are many positives coming our way. These developments have opened unprecedent-ed windows of multi-dimensional opportunities that have the potential to change our national destiny for good. However, such windows present themselves for a short duration only. Like water vapour, they will evaporate unless they are timely optimised. To seize this moment, we must show agility, wisdom and unity.

We must work to reverse the trend of national money being parked outside, and regroup our internal infrastructure, with special focus on enhancing the utility of ports in Gwadar and Karachi, and reviving Karachi airport as a regional aviation hub. Once the current phase of hostilities and uncertainty is over, an Iran-Pakistan oil pipeline should be a foremost priority. We should also explore export and business opportunities in post-war Iran. Beyond this, long-term road and rail linkages to Europe/Central Asia through Iran await us as well.

To formalise this, I suggest a two-phase implementation strategy. A consultative committee should be immediately formed. It should deliberate on the methodology for exploiting possible opportunities, and submit its recommendations to an apex forum within seven days of its first session. In the next phase, there should be consultation at the highest level through a forum similar in composition to the National Security Council. Once finalised, these goals must be pursued with the same national unity and importance that the nation has demonstrated in pursuing, implementing and safeguarding our nuclear programme. The window is open, but it will close fast. We have to act with the urgency the moment demands.

Lt-Gen (retd) Javed Zia
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2026