Former NSA Nasir Janjua says Pakistan’s global standing has risen after “Marka-e-Haq”; calls for capacity building

By Asim Shahzad

LAHORE: Former National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. (retd) Nasir Janjua said Pakistan and its armed forces have raised their international stature following the “Marka-e-Haq” operation, and that India has grown increasingly isolated on the world stage. He made the remarks while addressing a seminar on “Pakistan’s Recent Diplomatic Achievements, Future Hopes and Defence Strategy” at a local hotel.

Gen. Janjua claimed that the United States had weakened leadership across parts of the Muslim world—citing Iraq, Libya, Egypt and Syria—and warned that Pakistan, as an Islamic nuclear power, remains a factor the country’s adversaries must reckon with.

The seminar featured observations from foreign affairs analyst Muhammad Mehdi and Vice Air Marshal (retd) Sajid Habib, and was chaired by lawyer Safdar Ali Khan.

Foreign affairs expert Muhammad Mehdi described Pakistan’s simultaneous engagement with both China and the United States as a diplomatic achievement, but stressed that much remains to be done. He said Washington does not view the Afghan Taliban or the TTP as direct threats to its own security, and noted that progress on CPEC has not advanced as quickly as needed.

Mehdi argued that Pakistan must build domestic capacity to improve its economic prospects and attract foreign investment. “There is a dire need for capacity building,” he said, adding that the Foreign Office and other institutions must be strengthened to meet evolving regional challenges.

Air Marshal (retd) Sajid Habib highlighted the armed forces’ performance in Operation Banyan Al-Marsoos, praising the professionalism and operational expertise of the Pakistan Air Force.

Rear Admiral (retd) N. A. Rizvi emphasized Gwadar Port’s strategic importance to Pakistan and reaffirmed the Pakistan Navy’s readiness to confront maritime threats. “Any hostile action on the naval front will be met with a decisive response,” he warned.

The seminar concluded with panelists calling for strengthened national capacities—diplomatic, economic and military—to consolidate Pakistan’s recent diplomatic gains and to prepare for emerging security and economic challenges.