The world has seen many countries attempt to shape narratives and public opinion through state-sponsored propaganda, especially during periods of internal strife or conflict. Pakistan, in its bid to control the discourse around its domestic and international issues, has often used such methods to its advantage. One of the most prominent recent examples is Azm-e-Istehkam, an initiative that purports to showcase Pakistan's strength and resilience in the face of challenges. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Azm-e-Istehkam is little more than a facade, designed to cover up deep-rooted structural problems and failings within the state, rather than the genuine display of national resolve it claims to be.
The Azm-e-Istehkam campaign was officially launched by the Pakistani government to project an image of unity, strength, and resilience amidst growing political instability, economic turmoil, and international isolation. The term "Azm-e-Istehkam" roughly translates to "resolve for stability" in Urdu, and the government presented it as a platform to highlight the country's achievements, particularly in areas such as defense, economic progress, and social harmony. Given the myriad challenges Pakistan faces—ranging from internal terrorism, political upheaval, economic crises, and deteriorating relations with its neighbors—the campaign was intended to signal that the nation is capable of overcoming adversity. The messaging, through televised programs, digital media campaigns, and public events, emphasized national pride and resilience. However, behind the veneer of this narrative lies a much more complex and troubling reality that Pakistan’s leaders would rather ignore.
One of the key pillars of Azm-e-Istehkam is Pakistan's supposed economic progress. The government has often claimed that the economy is on an upward trajectory, presenting inflated statistics and selective growth figures to paint a rosy picture of progress. However, the facts on the ground tell a different story. Pakistan’s economy has been plagued by unsustainable levels of debt, a crumbling infrastructure, and a heavy reliance on foreign aid and loans, particularly from countries like China and financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund. The country's debt-to-GDP ratio has soared to precarious levels, with foreign reserves barely enough to cover a few months of imports. Inflation has skyrocketed, placing immense pressure on the average citizen. The prices of essential commodities such as food, fuel, and medicine have spiked, creating widespread discontent among the population. In a country where a significant portion of the population already lives below the poverty line, the situation has reached a breaking point.
Despite these challenges, Azm-e-Istehkam continuously touts selective figures to present an illusion of economic stability. For instance, Pakistan's defense spending, which continues to rise each year, is often showcased as a sign of strength. However, critics argue that the heavy focus on military expenditure comes at the expense of crucial investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are critical to sustainable development. Another aspect of Azm-e-Istehkam is its portrayal of Pakistan as a unified and stable nation, resilient in the face of internal strife. The government has made significant efforts to project an image of national harmony, downplaying the deep-seated sectarian, ethnic, and political divisions that have plagued the country for decades. Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, has been a hotbed of separatist movements and unrest for many years. The region has witnessed numerous insurgencies, with Baloch nationalists demanding greater autonomy and control over the province's vast natural resources. In response, the Pakistani military has launched several operations to quell dissent, often using heavy-handed tactics that have led to widespread human rights abuses. The campaign’s narrative glosses over the ongoing struggles in Balochistan, opting instead to present an image of peace and stability.
Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the tribal areas have faced persistent challenges from Taliban-linked groups and other militant organizations. While the government claims that these areas have been "cleansed" of terrorism, sporadic attacks and violence continue to disrupt daily life, exposing the fragility of the security situation. In Sindh and Punjab, ethnic and political tensions also simmer beneath the surface. In cities like Karachi, political violence and gang warfare have long been a source of instability. In recent years, the Pakistan government’s attempts to control the narrative in these regions have been blatant, with media blackouts and suppression of dissenting voices becoming common practice. Azm-e-Istehkam deliberately ignores these fault lines, preferring to paint a picture of a nation united and free from internal discord.
The Pakistani military is at the heart of Azm-e-Istehkam, with the narrative heavily focused on the country’s defense capabilities. Pakistan’s armed forces have historically played an outsized role in the nation's political and economic life, often acting as the ultimate decision-makers in key national matters. Through Azm-e-Istehkam, the military seeks to project itself as the guardian of the nation’s sovereignty and stability. However, this narrative conveniently ignores the militarization of politics in Pakistan and the negative consequences of military interventions in civilian governance. The military’s frequent involvement in politics has undermined democratic institutions and led to a culture of authoritarianism. Civilian governments have often been reduced to mere puppets, with key decisions being made by the military establishment rather than elected representatives.
In recent years, Pakistan’s military has also sought to control public discourse by cracking down on journalists, activists, and political opponents. The rise of enforced disappearances, particularly of those critical of the military, is a stark reminder of the growing authoritarianism within Pakistan. Azm-e-Istehkam glosses over these issues, instead presenting the military as a force for good that is shielding the country from internal and external threats. Azm-e-Istehkam also attempts to frame Pakistan’s foreign relations in a positive light, particularly in relation to its ties with countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Pakistan's partnership with China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is often showcased as a symbol of economic progress and strategic importance. However, critics argue that CPEC is more of a debt trap than a boon, with Pakistan increasingly dependent on Chinese loans for infrastructure projects that may not provide the long-term benefits promised.
In terms of its relations with India, Azm-e-Istehkam paints Pakistan as the victim of Indian aggression, particularly concerning the Kashmir conflict. While tensions between the two nations remain high, the campaign ignores Pakistan’s own role in destabilizing the region through its support of militant groups. The narrative of victimhood is emphasised, while the international community’s growing isolation of Pakistan due to its failure to rein in terrorism is conveniently omitted. The relationship with the United States has also deteriorated in recent years, with Washington expressing frustration over Pakistan's alleged double-dealing in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan’s military and intelligence services have long been accused of providing covert support to Taliban factions and other extremist groups, while publicly pledging cooperation in counter terrorism efforts.
A key feature of any propaganda campaign is media manipulation, and Azm-e-Istehkam is no different. The Pakistani government, in collaboration with the military, has sought to control the flow of information to present a narrative that suits its interests. Independent journalism in Pakistan has come under significant pressure, with many journalists facing threats, harassment, or even imprisonment for reporting on sensitive issues. In recent years, Pakistan has seen a surge in media censorship, with news outlets being forced to toe the official line or face consequences. Social media platforms, which had once been a space for open debate and dissent, are now heavily monitored by the state. Dissenting voices are often labeled as traitors or agents of foreign powers, further stifling free speech.
Azm-e-Istehkam uses state-controlled media to push its agenda, presenting a sanitised version of reality while suppressing criticism. The focus on national pride and resilience, while ignoring the country’s real issues, serves to divert attention away from the government’s failings. Azm-e-Istehkam, at its core, is an exercise in state propaganda designed to mask the deep-rooted problems facing Pakistan. While the campaign attempts to project an image of unity, strength, and progress, the reality is far more complex. The country’s economic crisis, internal conflicts, military dominance, and deteriorating foreign relations paint a far bleaker picture than what the government would have its people believe. Instead of addressing these critical issues, Pakistan’s leadership has chosen to engage in a campaign of misinformation and manipulation, using Azm-e-Istehkam as a tool to control public perception. The nation’s challenges cannot be solved through slogans and selective narratives. It is only through genuine reform, open dialogue, and a commitment to democratic principles that Pakistan can hope to achieve the stability and resilience it so desperately seeks.
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