kashif javed
As you may already know, Donald Trump has once again become the President of the United States. Under his leadership, global politics resembles an informal neighborhood gathering where the loudest voice dominates, saying whatever comes to mind and acting on impulse. Just a few days ago, his remarks on the Ukraine-Russia conflict made it abundantly clear—President Zelensky should simply listen and comply with whatever the United States dictates. This statement reinforced the global perception that the American president operates without a filter, and international diplomacy is now driven more by viral Twitter memes than by coherent strategic planning.
Now, one might ask: why should we concern ourselves with this? After all, we are already burdened by inflation, power shortages, and domestic political instability. However, the reality is that global politics affects us just as surely as an excess of salt in a dish affects our spouse’s mood. With Trump’s return to power, pressure on Russia and China will increase, right-wing nationalism will strengthen across Europe, and economic volatility will likely intensify. For countries like ours, this translates to even greater difficulty in securing loans. If borrowing from the IMF was already akin to making an obligatory pre-wedding payment, we may now find ourselves having to offer a financial “greeting gift” even before the engagement is confirmed.
Pakistan is already beginning to feel the repercussions. Just recently, a tragic suicide attack at a madrasa claimed the life of a prominent religious leader. Historically, the rise of right-wing politics in the West has often corresponded with increased extremism in regions like ours. Meanwhile, our economy remains on life support, and as global politics becomes more aggressive, international financial institutions will impose even harsher conditions. Gone are the days of appealing for understanding—now, the question will be: Are you here for a loan or simply begging?
So, what is the way forward? The answer is simple: we must align our actions with the evolving global landscape—make informed decisions, take bold steps toward economic self-sufficiency, and establish a clear and strategic stance in international politics. However, given our national disposition (and by “simple-minded,” I mean it purely out of necessity—you all know exactly what I mean), we continue to hope for miracles instead of taking responsibility. The truth is, if we fail to act, the shifting global winds will sweep us away just as easily as political promises disappear after elections. The time has come to ask ourselves: do we wish to be active participants in shaping the future, or merely spectators in a world that refuses to wait?
Disclaimer:
This article reflects the personal opinions and views of the author. The views expressed do not necessarily align with those of Qalamclub.com. The organization holds no affiliation or responsibility for the content.
