THE term ‘hybrid’ gained prominence in recent years as conflicts evolved beyond traditional battlefields. Pakistan is in a state of hybrid war where the media is being used cleverly as a destructive tool to sabotage the minds of the people against the state. This is because of the wrong portrayal of ideas by egocentric populists. Security agencies, innocent people, minorities, and even school-children become targets within the state because of such tendencies.

In the recent past, what was the need to appease and have ‘peace talks’ with those who brutally massacred school-children at the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar?

It is clear that Pakistan’s neighbours are playing a role in defaming Pakistan’s image internationally, and are creating obstacles in the path of progress.

Afghanistan has now become a safe haven for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been behind the resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

In the scenario that is prevailing right now, where everybody is in a state of utter confusion and frustration, the only thing that can save the country is a true and sustained economic revival.

This not only will take care of the image problem the country faces globally, but will also earn people’s trust. We urgently need a comprehensive economic plan.

Syed Muhammad Hassan Imam
Attock

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2024