US Magazine The Diplomat Puts Pakistan in Global Spotlight

The international magazine The Diplomat has claimed that 2025 marked Pakistan’s return to global attention after many years, emerging as a year of strategic comeback and renewed military confidence.

The magazine noted that Pakistan’s military leadership delivered a clear and strong state-level message against extremism. It highlighted the Army Chief’s categorical stance that only the state has the authority to declare jihad, calling it an important milestone in Pakistan’s fight against extremism. According to The Diplomat, Pakistan’s military leadership fully safeguarded state interests throughout 2025 and played a key role in promoting state discipline.

Military Performance and Regional Tensions

The Diplomat stated that the May 2025 military clashes between Pakistan and India captured global attention. Pakistan’s armed forces demonstrated effective performance against India, making the regional military balance clear. Despite internal challenges and limited resources, Pakistan’s military responded decisively, strengthening the country’s strategic credibility and deterrence.

The magazine praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s military leadership, saying that Pakistan’s effective response to India’s military adventure became a major point of discussion among global defense experts. As a result, Pakistan’s army returned to the center of global military debates in 2025, restoring international confidence through effective leadership decisions.

Impact on Pakistan-US and Regional Relations

According to The Diplomat, Pakistan’s military success led to a significant improvement in Pakistan-US relations, while India’s ties with Washington came under pressure following the Indo-Pak conflict.

Defense Diplomacy and Global Engagement

The magazine highlighted Pakistan’s growing defense footprint, stating that Pakistan signed a major bilateral defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, strengthening its regional role. Pakistan’s defense deals in the Middle East were described as a strategic development, with global demand for Pakistan’s defense equipment increasing.

China, the report said, was particularly satisfied with the practical performance of defensive weapons used during the conflict. The global environment was also termed favorable for the second phase of CPEC.

Foreign Policy and Counter-Terrorism

The Diplomat recognized Pakistan as a key player in global efforts related to Gaza and noted Islamabad’s clear and consistent stance on Afghanistan. Pakistan’s policy against the TTP has become decisively tougher, with sustained pressure on the Taliban government through a reasoned and strategic approach.

The magazine observed that Pakistan successfully internationalized cross-border security threats by engaging Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia as mediators. Domestically, Pakistan achieved significant successes against terrorism, while anti-terrorism cooperation with multiple countries increased.

Economic Challenges and Reform Efforts

Despite economic difficulties, The Diplomat noted that Pakistan made progress on reform measures. Effective actions against extremism were described as a clear and renewed signal of state policy. The magazine said Pakistan gained a rare opportunity for reform by leveraging favorable global conditions.

The report also highlighted the privatization of PIA as a potential major breakthrough and turning point after two decades, despite ongoing economic challenges.