The Pakistan we see today is a manifestation of the demand presented through the Pakistan Resolution of March 1940 and the very existence of which is attributed to the foundational vision and struggle for independence and nationhood. The Pakistan of 2020 has come a long way from the challenges and difficulties it was faced with in the pre- and- post-partition era. Even though we are still facing challenges due to a multitude of factors, inter alia the influence of the regional setting and the effort that is required to counterbalance the threat, we are also working hard and making big leaps to strengthen Pakistan’s position on the national, regional and global front. The 14-month long negotiation process between Afghan Taliban and U.S., brokered and facilitated by Pakistan has reached its pinnacle on February 29, 2020. If this truce goes as enunciated, it will pave the way for the deal that may ultimately bring peace to the war-torn country. This agreement on peace in Afghanistan is in fact a vindication of Pakistan’s long-standing stance that necessitated the use of dialogue and inclusion of all stakeholders. It is expected that these stakeholders will play a responsible role and fulfill their commitment to turn this great initiative towards peace into a success. 
In the East, despite Pakistan’s best intentions and gestures of peace, the situation is provocative, antagonizing and threatening to regional peace. India’s actions – the oppressive cardinals of Hindutva and its implementation by the radical adherents in the shape of clampdown in IOJ&K and horrific treatment towards the minorities within India itself – have accentuated polarization and produced anxiety within the country and beyond. The warmongering and hysteria being perpetrated by the Indian leadership and its media has touched dangerous heights. The world is gradually realizing the wrongs that have been and are being committed by India. On Pakistan’s part, we responded to the Indian aggression on February 27, 2019 in a responsible manner while unequivocally establishing the fact that our Armed Forces are always ready to thwart any sort of aggression. 
Acknowledgement of Pakistan’s role as a responsible state and efforts towards ensuring peace and stability is increasing. The wrongly construed perception associated with Pakistan is changing into the true positive reflection of the country. Recently, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the efforts of Pakistani government for regional peace and security, praised the country for eliminating terrorism as well as the role and contributions of Pakistan to the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions. One of his tweets read, “Pakistan is among the top contributors to the United Nations Peacekeeping missions. It was inspiring to meet some of the brave women and men who are serving for peace around the world. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”
Owing to the substantial efforts that the country has made to restore peace, there has been a considerable shift in the security and overall environment. Pakistan’s tourism statistics have seen a huge improvement and still have a massive potential to tap into. As per the data attributed to Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, the number of foreign tourists who visited Pakistan in 2017 was 10,476 which reached 17,823 in 2018. Among other developments, changes in UK’s travel advisory have been made, flights have been resumed by British Airways, international cricket has returned to Pakistan, an international snowboarding championship was held in Malam Jabba as well as an international heli-skiing event was held in Kaghan Valley in which 60 foreign skiers participated. As per a World Crime Index report issued by an international organization Numbeo, the ranking of Islamabad has improved significantly making the city one of the safest cities in the world, and Karachi, which once had a very high crime level, has also seen a major drop in the crime level. The concerted efforts of the Armed Forces and LEAs have led to the near removal of terrorists from the country, paving the path for foreign investment. Steps have also been taken to facilitate interfaith and intra-faith harmony while curbing hate speech and promoting acceptance of plurality and diversity in accordance with the tolerant teachings of Islam. 
All the said achievements are a testament to the resilience, courage and determination of the leadership, the Armed Forces and LEAs, and most importantly the people of Pakistan for the establishment of peace and harmony in the country. Pakistan has come a long way in the last 73 years and we can hope that Pakistan would do even better and make decisive contributions in the future. Through its focus on regional peace by way of meaningful cooperation with the neighboring countries, Pakistan can benefit from its geopolitical setting where its alliances can provide tremendous opportunities. On that premise, with the effective roadmap and strategies that we are pursuing, Pakistan is on its way to build upon its position in the new global dispensation and make progress that is commensurate with its potential.

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