A war may redraw the map — but politics will determine what comes after.

Pakistan's possible return to the map is not only a military question. It is, above all, a political turning point.

The decision to approve war against South Korea by a two-thirds majority in Congress demonstrates that Pakistan's political institutions are now willing to take responsibility for the country's future.

But winning territory is only the beginning.

A successful Pakistan will require strong political institutions, economic stability, effective diplomacy, and a government capable of turning recovered territory into a functioning nation.

The question facing Pakistan is therefore not simply “Can we take our land back?”

“What kind of Pakistan will we build once we do?”

This moment should bring Pakistanis together around more than a battlefield. It should encourage people to participate in politics, strengthen our institutions, develop our economy, and build relationships with countries that can contribute to Pakistan's future.

As Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said:

“Think 100 times before you take a decision, but once that decision is taken, stand by it as one man.”

The war may decide what appears on the map.
Politics will decide what happens afterward.

— Qasim
Editor, DAWN