A leading US-based magazine, The Diplomat, has described Pakistan as having returned to the center of global attention in 2025, calling the year a period of strategic resurgence and renewed military confidence for the country.

According to the magazine, 2025 marked Pakistan’s strategic comeback after several years, with the country’s military leadership playing a decisive role in strengthening state authority and restoring confidence at the international level.

The report highlighted that Pakistan’s military leadership delivered a clear and firm message against extremism at the state level, emphasizing that the authority to declare jihad rests solely with the state.

The Diplomat termed the army chief’s stance against extremism a significant milestone, noting that clear vision and decisive leadership helped reinforce the writ of the state and promote discipline and order. The publication said Pakistan’s armed forces effectively safeguarded national interests throughout 2025 despite multiple internal and external challenges.

The magazine also pointed to the May 2025 military clashes between Pakistan and India, which drew widespread global attention. It stated that Pakistan’s military performance against India highlighted the regional balance of power and strengthened the country’s strategic credibility and deterrence, even with limited resources.

Pakistan’s effective response to Indian military actions showcased the professionalism of its armed forces, attracting the attention of global defense experts.

According to the report, Pakistan’s military successes in 2025 restored international confidence and brought the country back into global defense discussions. The improved military standing also contributed to a noticeable improvement in Pakistan–US relations following the conflict with India, while India’s ties with Washington reportedly came under pressure.

The magazine further noted that Pakistan made significant strategic progress in the Middle East, including the signing of a major defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Defense cooperation with Riyadh strengthened Pakistan’s regional role, while global demand for Pakistani defense equipment increased. China, the report added, expressed satisfaction with the real-world performance of defense systems used during the conflict.

The Diplomat also highlighted that a favorable international environment emerged for the second phase of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan was described as an important stakeholder in global efforts related to Gaza and was praised for adopting a clear and well-argued position on Afghanistan.

The report said Pakistan adopted a tougher and more decisive policy against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), increasing pressure on the Afghan Taliban through sustained diplomatic and strategic measures. Pakistan also involved Qatar, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia in mediation efforts to internationalize concerns over cross-border security threats.

Domestically, Pakistan achieved notable successes against terrorism and expanded counterterrorism cooperation with multiple countries. Despite ongoing economic challenges, the magazine observed progress on reform initiatives, describing the state’s actions against extremism as a clear shift in national policy.

Finally, The Diplomat said Pakistan capitalized on the evolving global environment to pursue reforms, noting that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), despite economic difficulties, could prove to be a major breakthrough and a potential turning point after two decades.