ISLAMABAD, Dec 25: Pakistan regained significant international attention in 2025, re-emerging as a key strategic player after years of relative marginalisation, according to a new analysis published by the U.S.-based foreign policy magazine The Diplomat.
The magazine described 2025 as a defining year for Pakistan, marked by renewed military relevance, expanding regional diplomacy and cautious economic restructuring. Despite ongoing political and economic challenges at home, Pakistan once again became a country of consequence in global affairs.
“2025 turned out to be a turning point for Pakistan.”
A major catalyst behind this renewed global focus was the four-day military confrontation between Pakistan and India in May 2025. The Diplomat noted that Pakistan’s armed forces demonstrated operational readiness and effective air power despite financial constraints, drawing sustained attention from international defence observers.
“This performance significantly restored Pakistan’s strategic credibility internationally.”
The clashes also triggered diplomatic shifts, with Pakistan–United States relations improving in the aftermath, while India faced increased pressure in Washington. The publication highlighted Pakistan’s growing defence engagement in the Middle East, particularly a major mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and expanding arms exports to regional partners.
China, according to the report, welcomed the operational validation of its defence systems used by Pakistan during the conflict, which further strengthened bilateral military cooperation and supported progress on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
On the security front, Pakistan adopted a tougher stance toward Afghanistan, abandoning past accommodation of the Afghan Taliban. The magazine observed that Islamabad increased pressure on Kabul over the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) while actively internationalising concerns over cross-border militancy by engaging countries such as Qatar, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia.
Domestically, Pakistan recorded notable gains in counterterrorism operations and adopted a firmer state narrative against extremism. The article referenced clear messaging from military leadership aimed at reinforcing internal discipline and curbing violent radicalism.
“Only the state holds authority over declarations of jihad.”
Economically, while Pakistan continued to face structural challenges, The Diplomat identified the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as a landmark development. The long-delayed move was described as a potential turning point after nearly two decades of stalled reform efforts, offering a rare opportunity to rebuild investor confidence.
However, the magazine cautioned that political polarisation and economic fragility could undermine Pakistan’s gains if reforms are not sustained. It concluded that Pakistan now has a narrow but critical window to consolidate its renewed global relevance through political stability and consistent economic reform.
“The country has the opportunity to take advantage of the international mood favoring Pakistan to push domestic reforms.”
Tags: Pakistan global spotlight, Pakistan–India tensions, The Diplomat report, Pakistan defence strategy
Pakistan defence strategy Pakistan global spotlight Pakistan–India tensions The Diplomat report
Last modified: December 25, 2025
