Fact 1: Pakistan continues to invest heavily in conventional and strategic defense (The 2026-27 defense allocation is Rs. 3 trillion, up by 17.65%)

Fact 2: Pakistan has expanded its external security partnerships (Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh on September 17, 2025; Mecca Joint Defence Agreement  on August 7, 2026)

Fact 3: Pakistan has exhibited remarkable diplomatic finesse during the Iran-USA war. (Pakistan enjoys very strong diplomatic relations with all world powers)

Fact 4: Pakistan’s internal violence is highest in a decade (CRSS recorded 3417 violence-linked deaths in 2025, the highest death toll since 2015. Violence is rising steadily)

Fact 5: Pakistan is suffering from a devastating rule of law deficit (The World Justice project’s 2025 index ranks Pakistan 130th out of 143 Countries, signifying decaying governance)

Fact 6: For the common man, insecurity coupled with economic hardship is an overwhelmingly everyday experience (Whether it is crime, rotten governance or terrorism, the citizen is encountering these threats far more directly than external threats)

The above six facts, highlight the security paradox, which we face. Obviously, the challenges posed by India and Afghanistan and the dangerous scenario which may develop if the war between Iran and USA deteriorates, need our maximum attention. The question is not whether should Pakistan remain vigilant against external threats. It has to. The real question is whether we have given internal security the same strategic importance that we have traditionally given to external security.

 Let’s, study the rule of law paradigm. Hasn’t it become the norm to break the law and laugh about it? The type of scandals which are springing........

© The Friday Times