By By Sarwat N Shah
As Pakistan commemorates the anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq” and celebrates what leaders describe as a historic military success, a deeper national conversation is quietly emerging — one that goes beyond borders, missiles, and battlefield narratives. It is a conversation about fear, anxiety, economic hardship, and the invisible psychological burden carried by millions of ordinary Pakistanis.
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In a powerful reflection written by integrative therapist and wellness expert Sarwat N. Shah, the contrast between national military pride and everyday public struggle is laid bare. While the country applauds strategic victories and defence preparedness, many families continue to battle inflation, unemployment, rising utility bills, climate-related disasters, and growing uncertainty about the future.
According to Shah, military victories may provide a temporary emotional uplift and collective sense of unity, but they cannot fully repair the deeper emotional wounds caused by prolonged economic stress and social instability.
“A nation may celebrate victory at the border,” she writes, “but inside homes, people are still worrying about food prices, survival, and emotional exhaustion.”
The article argues that true national security extends beyond military strength. While acknowledging the critical role of Pakistan’s armed forces in protecting sovereignty and maintaining deterrence in a volatile region, Shah stresses that psychological safety and economic stability are equally important for long-term national resilience.
She explains that defence preparedness gives citizens a sense of protection against external threats, but unresolved internal crises — including poverty, corruption, weak governance, and mental health neglect — continue to erode public confidence and emotional wellbeing.
The analysis further highlights how modern warfare and defence technologies, including drones and advanced surveillance systems, serve not only military objectives but also psychological ones. Strong defence capabilities reassure citizens that the state remains capable of protecting them in uncertain times.
However, Shah warns that if economic suffering continues unchecked, repeated cycles of patriotic celebration followed by financial hardship can deepen public frustration, emotional fatigue, and cynicism.
The article also references Islamic teachings and the Prophetic tradition, emphasizing that military preparedness and social justice must go hand in hand. According to Shah, the true strength of a nation lies not only in its weapons or strategic power, but in its ability to provide dignity, opportunity, stability, and hope to its people.
Addressing Pakistan’s younger generation directly, she encourages students and young citizens not to suppress their emotional confusion while navigating a reality shaped by both patriotic narratives and economic pressures.
“You can respect the country’s defenders and still demand better governance, economic justice, and mental health support,” she notes.
The article concludes with a broader message that Pakistan’s future depends not only on safeguarding borders but also on winning the far more difficult battle against poverty, hopelessness, and institutional dysfunction.
As the country reflects on military achievements and national pride, Shah’s perspective offers a reminder that the strongest nations are not merely those that can defend themselves in war — but those that can also protect the emotional, economic, and psychological wellbeing of their citizens in times of peace.
