A hard state — what it means

Pakistan’s past is a testament to resilience—post-independence nation building, recovery from the 1971 war and the response to the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake. 

Echoes of Pakistan’s resilient past must now meet the demands of an uncertain future: political instability, governance failures, economic challenges, and the twin specters of insecurity and terrorism.

Is ‘hard state’ a mere soundbite? A dream? A vision? Or a daring blueprint for a nation ready to reclaim its strength, rethink its defence and sharpen its fight against terrorism?

What does a ‘hard state’ mean for the average Pakistani? No, ‘hard state’ does not mean rigidity for its own sake. Yes, ‘hard state’ means resilience and discipline. Yes, ‘hard state’ means a no-nonsense approach to the challenges that we are up against. 

Yes, ‘hard state’ is a call to move beyond the soft edges of indecision. Yes, ‘hard state’ is a call to embrace a system where security, governance and national pride work in lockstep.

In 1998, the United States, backed by the full weight of Western powers, led a fierce campaign to block Pakistan from joining the nuclear club. 

A decade later, in 2008, SBP was left with a mere $4 billion in reserves as inflation roared to 25% and the rupee shed 20% of its worth. We are a nation-state that has weathered 2,586 terrorist incidents in 2009. These are all powerful proofs of Pakistan’s enduring strength and determination.

What does a ‘hard state’ mean for security? A ‘hard state’ promises not just a reactive but a proactive stance. A ‘hard state’ promises to dismantle extremist networks, from the borderlands to urban centres. A ‘hard state’ promises robust intelligence. 

A ‘hard state’ promises a society where law and order are not negotiable. A ‘hard state’ means safer streets-and a future where fear takes a backseat to opportunity.

Beyond security, a ‘hard state’ means economic discipline. A ‘hard state’ means an end to inconsistent economic policies. A ‘hard state’ means decisive reforms. A ‘hard state’ means cracking down on corruption. A ‘hard state’ means fiscal responsibility. 

A ‘hard state’ also means streamlining bureaucracy. A ‘hard state’ means a state where foreign investors see not risk but reliability. A ‘hard state’ means a governance model that prioritises results over rhetoric. A ‘hard state’ means turning economic promise into tangible prosperity.

A ‘hard state’ does not mean oppression; it means accountability. It means a state where citizens and leaders alike uphold their duties. A ‘hard state’ does not mean silencing dissent; it’s about strengthening resolve. 

It is not about stifling voices—it’s about fortifying our collective will. It is not about muting disagreement, it’s about bolstering our national determination.

Red alert: A ‘hard state’ must prioritise its people as its greatest asset. Remember, a ‘hard state’ demands a justice system that delivers, not delays. 

To truly embody a ‘hard state', Pakistan must decentralise power and strengthen local governance. Remember, a ‘hard state’ stands tall not in isolation, but as a calculated player on the world stage.

A move towards a ‘hard state’ signals a unified resolve to fortify Pakistan’s foundations. A move towards a ‘hard state’ is less about control, more about capability. 

This shift towards a ‘hard state’ is the tonic we need. The cure we have been searching for. The antidote to Pakistan’s persistent struggles. The elixir to revitalise Pakistan.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in this piece are the writer's own and don't necessarily reflect Geo.tv's editorial policy.

Originally published in The News