In the business of watching nations, you get a feel for the rhythm of power—the quiet consultations, the showy summits, and the rare moments when you see the tectonic plates of influence actually shift. Right now, if you listen closely, you can hear a distinct hum coming from Islamabad. It’s the sound of a country that has decided to stop reacting to the world and start shaping its own corner of it. For anyone who has tracked Pakistan’s turbulent journey, this past week hasn’t just been busy; it’s been a masterclass in strategic execution.

Let’s start with the event that put this all in motion: the Central & South Asian Chief of Defence Staff conference. On the surface, another regional security meeting. But peel back the curtain. When you manage to bring the top military brass from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to your capital—to your table—you are doing more than just hosting. You are making a statement. For a nation so often viewed through the skeptical lens of Washington, the sight of a high-ranking American general engaged in constructive dialogue on Pakistani soil is profoundly significant. It is a........

© Daily Pakistan