Abdul Basit Alvi
When we think of the military, our minds often turn to its role in safeguarding national borders and interests abroad. Yet, its significance within a country’s internal affairs and stability is equally paramount. Beyond its defense against external threats, the armed forces serve as a fundamental pillar in upholding law, order, and stability within the nation’s boundaries. The foundation of a thriving society rests upon internal security, and the military, with its specialized training and resources, plays a pivotal role in maintaining this stability. During times of crises such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or terrorist threats, the military stands at the ready to offer support and ensure the safety and security of civilians. While internal security matters primarily fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies, the military is often called upon to reinforce these efforts in situations that surpass their capacity. Their expertise, discipline, and logistical capabilities enable them to respond swiftly to emergencies, safeguarding civilians, infrastructure, and institutions. Additionally, the military plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law by assisting civil authorities in maintaining order, especially in conflict-affected regions or areas threatened by criminal activities. Their presence acts as a deterrent, deterring potential escalations and providing a sense of security to the populace. Moreover, their expertise extends to safeguarding critical infrastructure and strategic assets, ensuring the continuity of essential services and preventing disruptions during crises. This responsibility also encompasses cybersecurity as the digital landscape becomes increasingly vital to a nation’s functioning and security. In numerous countries, the military significantly contributes to community development and humanitarian aid. They are often at the forefront of relief efforts during natural disasters, providing essential services, medical aid, and logistical support to affected areas. This not only showcases their adaptability but also their commitment to serving the community beyond their traditional defense roles. The significance of the military in internal affairs goes beyond the physical aspect; their presence symbolizes authority, stability, and unity. It acts as a deterrent against internal conflicts and external interference, thereby fostering an environment conducive to economic development and social progress. The importance of the military for a country’s internal affairs cannot be overstated. Their multifaceted role in ensuring security, stability, and resilience forms the backbone of a functional and prosperous society. As guardians of a nation’s internal well-being, the armed forces stand as a symbol of safety, preparedness, and service to the community. The Pakistan Army stands as a multifaceted institution that has significantly influenced the nation’s trajectory. Its impact extends well beyond traditional duties of safeguarding borders and ensuring national security, touching various aspects of citizens’ lives and the country as a whole. At its core, the Pakistan Army is tasked with defending the nation against external threats. Its unwavering efforts in upholding national security and safeguarding Pakistan’s territorial integrity are unmatched. The sacrifices and steadfast commitment shown during times of conflict stand as a testament to their valor and dedication. In addition to their defensive role, the Pakistan Army has been a leading force in providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief during crises. Their swift responses and effective management in the face of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and other calamities have been pivotal in saving lives, offering aid, and reconstructing communities. The Pakistan Army actively engages in diverse development and infrastructure projects across the country. Through initiatives like the Army Welfare Trust and Frontier Works Organization, they have played a pivotal role in constructing roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, particularly in remote and underdeveloped regions. Their contributions extend globally, with participation in numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions, earning international recognition for their efforts in conflict zones, aiding in maintaining peace and stability. Furthermore, the Pakistan Army is committed to providing education and healthcare facilities to the populace. Establishing schools and colleges, especially in areas lacking educational resources, and operating military hospitals serving both military personnel and civilians, exemplify their dedication to the public welfare. Their involvement in various social services and community development projects, including vocational training, employment opportunities, and support for marginalized communities, has significantly improved livelihoods and promoted social unity. The Pakistan Army’s contributions surpass their core defense responsibilities, significantly shaping the nation’s progress and well-being. Their dedication to national defense, humanitarian aid, developmental endeavors, and community service underscores their commitment to the advancement of Pakistan. Recognizing their commendable contributions, it’s vital to emphasize the necessity for a balance between the military’s functions and the supremacy of civilian governance. While the army’s efforts are crucial, they align with democratic principles, ensuring that the military operates within the scope of civilian oversight and upholds the rule of law. The Pakistan Army has excelled in collaboration with civilian governments, effectively assuming roles that ideally belong to governance. Their invaluable service to the nation remains an integral part of Pakistan’s journey towards a more stable, prosperous, and harmonious future. Following this, there’s a prevailing trend in our society characterized by negativity. Negativity infiltrates the very fabric of society, often subtly but leaving a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and the broader world. Whether through cynicism, pessimism, or disdain, negativity molds perceptions, influences behaviors, and profoundly affects the collective mindset. In today’s interconnected world, where information continuously flows through media channels, social networks, and personal interactions, negativity finds fertile ground to thrive. The constant influx of adverse news, polarizing opinions, and a culture that tends to thrive on criticism rather than constructive dialogue creates an environment conducive to negativity. One of its most significant impacts is on mental health. Research consistently demonstrates the detrimental effects of constant exposure to negative information, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. The human mind, bombarded with pessimistic news and toxic discussions, easily becomes overwhelmed and fatigued. Furthermore, negativity significantly influences behavior, leading to a lack of trust in institutions, in one another, and even in oneself. It fosters a culture of blame and defensiveness instead of empathy and understanding. This erosion of trust and understanding hampers societal progress, creating barriers to collaboration and problem-solving. The consequences of societal negativity extend beyond individual mental health and behavior; they affect societal dynamics as well. Divisiveness, prejudice, and conflict often originate from seeds of negativity. It builds barriers between communities, accentuates differences, and impedes collective efforts for growth. In the quest to tackle negativity, it’s crucial not only to pinpoint its origins but also to explore the strategies to counter it. The responsibility isn’t solely on individuals but also on societal structures, media platforms, and leadership to foster a more balanced narrative. Cultivating a culture of mindfulness and resilience can fortify individuals against the harmful effects of negativity. Education and media literacy are pivotal; they empower individuals to critically assess information and distinguish between constructive criticism and unwarranted negativity. Encouraging positive discourse and prioritizing solutions over ceaseless criticism can shift societal conversations. Highlighting stories of resilience, progress, and unity can counterbalance prevailing negative narratives. In an evolving world filled with challenges, the necessity for a more optimistic, constructive, and empathetic society becomes increasingly evident. It’s not about dismissing harsh realities but addressing them with a mindset that fosters growth, understanding, and collective problem-solving. While negativity will persist in various forms, acknowledging its impact and actively working to mitigate its effects can pave the way for a more harmonious, resilient, and progressive society. As individuals, as a community, and as a society, the responsibility rests on us to choose the narratives we propagate, the conversations we engage in, and the mindset we adopt. It’s within our collective power to steer toward a more positive, inclusive, and understanding society. Negativity is prevalent within our political landscape and among politicians. It’s often convenient to attribute every controversy to the establishment and garner public sympathy. In Pakistan, negativity gains quick popularity, leading political leaders, media figures, and public figures to propagate negativity to gain attention. Many newspapers, journalists, writers, and public figures spread negativity and false news to boost their popularity and ratings. There’s a general belief that negativity attracts more attention than positivity, and politicians and media personalities exploit this sentiment for popularity. Pakistan is approaching General Elections in the first trimester of the upcoming year. It’s become a trend among certain unsuccessful leaders to blame the Establishment for hijacking elections and interfering with the electoral process, whereas the reality is quite the opposite. The Pakistani Establishment plays a positive role in ensuring smooth elections in the country. Their involvement in elections isn’t to influence the outcome but to safeguard the process, infrastructure, and most importantly, the safety and security of citizens exercising their democratic rights. Their responsibilities in facilitating smooth elections are multifaceted and crucial. During elections, one of the primary roles of the Pakistani Establishment is to ensure security and stability. They are responsible for maintaining law and order, providing a secure environment for citizens to cast their votes without fear of intimidation, coercion, or violence. Their presence acts as a deterrent against disruptions or threats that could compromise the fairness of the electoral process. The Army’s logistical capabilities are invaluable during elections. They aid in transporting election materials, setting up polling stations in remote or challenging terrains, and providing essential support to election officials. Their expertise in managing large-scale operations significantly contributes to the efficiency of the electoral process. Safeguarding critical infrastructure, like communication networks and power supplies, is another vital role the military plays. Ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of these infrastructures is essential for the smooth conduct of elections, as any disruption could affect the electoral process and citizen participation. In the unfortunate event of natural disasters or unexpected crises during election time, the military’s expertise in disaster response and humanitarian aid becomes indispensable. They step in to provide necessary assistance, maintain order, and ensure that the electoral process continues with minimal disruption. The Pakistani establishment serves as an unbiased overseer and protector of the electoral process’s integrity. Their presence aids in preventing electoral fraud, coercion, or irregularities, thereby maintaining the fairness and transparency of elections. It’s essential to emphasize that the Establishment’s participation in elections adheres to the country’s laws and operates under civilian oversight. Their role remains non-partisan, solely focused on ensuring the integrity and smooth operation of the electoral process, respecting the will of the people and the democratic principles of the nation. The armed forces’ role in facilitating seamless elections is invaluable. Their contributions to ensuring security, stability, logistical support, and safeguarding the democratic process are crucial in upholding democratic principles and enabling citizens to freely and safely exercise their right to vote. Their dedication to the sanctity of the electoral process fortifies the pillars of a robust and healthy democracy. Additionally, the Pakistani Establishment is staunchly committed to remaining neutral. It’s imperative for our politicians to understand this reality. There has been a tendency among politicians to seek support from the establishment to win elections. However, when the establishment exhibits neutrality, some elements tend to blame the forces. One political party targeted both civilian and military installations, and when higher authorities opted for military court proceedings, they began speaking against the Army. Our Army Chief and the Pakistan Army have played a significant role in the country’s economic revival for the first time. The dollar rate has decreased, anti-smuggling measures have been initiated, the SIFC has been setup, and an agricultural revolution is underway, with equal contributions from our Army Chief and the Pakistan Army. Readers, it’s crucial for everyone to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our Army to the nation. Under the leadership of COAS General Asim Munir, our Army is wholeheartedly committed to maintaining neutrality, a stance that should be comprehended by all segments of our society. The Army has pivotal professional responsibilities, and involving them in controversies isn’t constructive. The nation comprehends this reality and will reject the Anti-Establishment Narrative in the forthcoming elections. The people clearly discern who is right and who is wrong. By rejecting anti-state elements, the nation will exhibit its maturity. Our Army is a source of pride for the nation, and the free and secure environment we live in is due to the sacrifices of our brave Army. Efforts to create divisions between the people and the Army will falter, and the country will progress towards prosperity through the collaborative efforts of all societal pillars.