Today, the 85th Pakistan Day is being celebrated by the Pakistani nation with new enthusiasm over the crisis at home. It is a day to remember the spirit of egalitarianism, the struggle that our forefathers fought to openly cart an independent homeland for the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent.

The Lahore Resolution of 1940 called for a separate nation not merely as a desire but as a vision of a nation of self-determination, unity, and a future of advancement. How would it have been the best honor for our founders that we were to strive towards a welfare state personified by constitutionality, the rule of law, and a welfare state free of discrimination and in all-inclusiveness and pluralism? One might think that the vision of the resolution, though it is as good as it was eight decades ago, endures even today, and it is therefore time to reaffirm its principles, the real spirit.

The Lahore Resolution envisioned a nation founded on self-determination, inclusivity, and welfare-based constitutional democracy.

However, the gargantuan traditional parade will be restricted to President House premises, even as Pakistan Day this year will be a modest affair. The new fissures of terror are other than Ramazan, but for a nation united in its goal will cross any limit to fight against adversity. On such a day, we must look back critically at our trajectory and map down the path we should follow on the road to our future.

In the present time, the country has to cope with its own, as well as external crises of different and various natures which makes a fore necessity of it a comprehensive national readiness to live through these vicissitudes. To create stability and security for ourselves, we must achieve immediate political stabilization and economic framework based on our values and not on the purposes of external loans and grants. The country is sadly blessed with mammoth natural resources and so, our abundant natural resources and resilient workforce are a must for such an endeavor.

National security and strategic capacities are intrinsic to Pakistan’s progress. Given the rapidly changing political landscape across the globe, Pakistan has a pivotal significance in the promotion and sustenance of regional stability. Their duty is to protect national sovereignty through their relentless efforts in protecting our armed forces and security institutions which are as such a cornerstone of stability and of South Asia.

Being a member, Pakistan works in its capacity actively for global peace and sustainability as it participates in UN peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid, and climate action initiatives. Pakistan is one of the key participants in shaping global relations through its significant involvement in fighting for the promotion of South-South cooperation, national and regional stability, and international economic dialogues. Being a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Pakistan’s global presence has revved its capacity and responsibility.

Protecting our nation’s interests and securing peace and security in the global community, requires investment in advanced defense technology, the ability to secure our gateways to everywhere, and the most powerful intelligence capabilities in the world. Pakistan’s transformation under URAAN Pakistan has huge potential to reshape our economic and strategic landscape.

Immediate political stabilization and economic self-reliance, beyond external loans and grants, are vital for Pakistan’s progress.

On the 1st of January, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outlined the National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-29, known as ‘Uraan Pakistan: Homegrown National Economic Plan’ to aid in economy rejuvenation by implementing targeted, homegrown measures. This is an ambitious roadmap to solve long-standing economic challenges and to put Pakistan on a path of sustainable growth.

The Pakistani economy has been undertaking a strategic transition from an export-led growth, to a digitalized, and more competitive industrial economy. The foundation of the economic agenda is the 5Es Framework which are the national exports, E Pakistan, equity and empowerment, environment, energy, and infrastructure. SEZs, the digital economy, and green industrialization are all key areas to be addressed under URAAN Pakistan.

The significance of Pakistan Day extends beyond historical commemoration; it is a reminder of our potential. Beyond celebration, this occasion calls for critical self-reflection to develop a strategic plan for addressing the current crisis. We must re-evaluate civil-military relations, foster inclusive political leadership, and expedite the justice system. By addressing grievances and fostering a sense of belonging, we can effectively counter radicalization within marginalized segments of society.

URAAN Pakistan, introduced by PM Shehbaz Sharif in 2025, aims to strategically transform the nation’s economy through targeted homegrown measures.

It emphasizes that we must also engage in profound introspection to chart a course out of our present challenges. It is necessary to go beyond simplistic narratives and recognize the complex nature of the evolving global order. It is high time that Pakistan opts for a prudent foreign policy approach and avoids seeing one pole of power as essentially good as opposed to the other. The optimal strategy for Pakistan is an autonomous interest-based foreign policy that can intercede systemic pressures.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.