Unity Amidst War Threat: A Glimpse into the Unified Response of Pakistan's Citizens

Host, MARY LOUISE KELLY, here with the latest on the rising tensions between Pakistan and India. The uncertainty on the border has many Pakistani citizens, like furniture maker Shakeel Shah, worried about their livelihoods. But despite their worries, there's a unified resolve along the streets of Lahore. The threat of war has brought unity to a country where civilians and military leadership have faced criticism in the past.

In Shakeel's case, his main concern isn’t personal safety, but his income. He earns a daily wage, so any days spent away from work are days without money – crucial during times of heightened tension. But Shakeel has faith in something: the Pakistani Army. He trusts that the military will defend the country before he and his family face any danger.

This support for the Pakistani Army has been an up-and-down relationship for many in Pakistan. Over the past two years, this trust has wavered after the removal and imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges. Many argued the military was involved in his ouster, and some even staged protests against their military sites across the country.

But now, as the possibility of war looms, people are putting their grievances on hold. Rasul Bakhsh Rais, a professor emeritus at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, explains this as a national responsibility to stand with their defenders during times of conflict.

The military is using this moment to consolidate popular support, publishing videos on social media depicting tanks, marching soldiers, and explosions – fierce displays of their might on the battlefield.

Pakistanis are now holding their breath, unsure of how long this military and India standoff will last. Both countries have intensified shelling across Kashmir, a contested territory claimed by both nations.

In the face of a potential war, Bilal Hassan, a doctor in Karachi, has seen Pakistanis come together on Instagram – a surprising solidarity given the deep-rooted divisions within the country. Online, they show their support for their nation – a united front against the prospect of war.

So, while Pakistanis question the military's politics, they stand united when it comes to India’s perceived aggression, proudly displaying their strength and resilience. After all, the military has historically played the role of a symbol of national defense during these crises, according to experts[1][2].

"Towards an understanding of Pakistan's defence policy: Five myths and realities," International Centre for Policy Analysis, October 2020, https://www.icpa.org.pk/towards-an-understanding-of-pakistans-defence-policy-five-myths-and-realities/
"Pakistan's Politics and the Military: A Historical Overview," The Diplomat, August 12, 2021, https://thediplomat.com/2021/08/pakistans-politics-and-the-military-a-historical-overview/
Despite disagreements about the politics of the Pakistani military, citizens have put their grievances on hold as the potential war with India looms, unifying under the national responsibility to stand with their defenders.
The military's use of social media to showcase tanks, soldiers, and displays of military might has helped consolidate popular support during the ongoing standoff with India.
On social media platforms like Instagram, Pakistanis are exhibiting a surprising solidarity, showing support for their nation against the perceived aggression from India.
The military has historically played a significant role as a symbol of national defense during times of crisis, according to experts, leading Pakistanis to stand united with their military during the current uncertain situation.
News and political discussions have been dominated by the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Kashmir, as both Pakistan and India have intensified shelling in the contested territory claimed by both nations.

Unity Amidst War Threat: A Glimpse into the Unified Response of Pakistan's Citizens