Pakistan has faced significant challenges, but with the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, there is hope for a secure and prosperous future through sustainable growth and resilience. Both leadership and citizens must unite to achieve this vision.

Since its creation, Pakistan has faced numerous challenging situations: the wars of 1948, 1965, and 1971; the dismemberment of its eastern wing (Bangladesh); the Kargil War; the menace of terrorism; and the rise of Fitna Al Khawarij (FaK), also known as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which emerged as a splinter group of the Tehreek-e-Taliban of Afghanistan. These factors, coupled with economic imbalances, have made things even more complex. Another aspect that we have neglected is the lack of systems thinking. Instead of addressing the root causes, we have been focusing on superficial solutions. Rather than considering the betterment of the system as a whole and treating all the related aspects of an issue comprehensively, we have been managing only the immediate problems without giving due consideration to their root causes and contributing factors.

SIFC, since its creation, has been working along the lines of making Pakistan a ‘secure and strong’ country, which is the need of the hour, and there is no letting up on it anymore. In the past year, we have seen a number of policy-level interventions undertaken by SIFC.

With the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in 2023 and the subsequent mobilization of other sectors such as agriculture, information technology, energy, minerals and mining, and tourism, a ray of hope has emerged for the potential revival of the country. I call it the last hope for our nation; if we can endure for three to four years with determination and steadfastness, cooperate with the system, and believe in its effectiveness, we can hope to overcome the clear and present dangers facing our society. First, we must make our country strong and secure so it can stand independently, without relying on foreign aid, loans, or assistance. For Pakistan to be prosperous, it must be secure and strong.
When we talk about a secure Pakistan, we envision a country with sustainable security, where peace and harmony prevail, where people are not harmed due to misunderstandings or false interpretations, and where problems are resolved through discussions, negotiations, and dialogue instead of resorting to violence. In such a country, all people are regarded as human beings, without distinctions based on caste, color, creed, religion, sect, or geographical background. The life, property, dignity, and respect of every citizen are considered sacred, regardless of their social status. This is what I consider the most basic definition of a secure country.
Similarly, a strong Pakistan has a foundation of integrity and professionalism, with competent institutions that serve the nation and uphold a system that allows businesses to thrive in an environment conducive to economic growth. New industries and innovations in every field of the economy are encouraged, and rules and regulations are established to minimize harmful activities like theft and hoarding. A strong country is one that is economically and institutionally robust.
SIFC, since its creation, has been working along the lines of making Pakistan a ‘secure and strong’ country, which is the need of the hour, and there is no letting up on it anymore. In the past year, we have seen a number of policy-level interventions undertaken by SIFC. We saw massive work carried out towards the functioning of the institutions, where the dysfunctional institutions were recommended to be done away with, and the functional elements were recommended to be made efficient and effective through rationalization of duties and responsibilities and by putting the right person to the right job. 
On the one hand, the military secures the physical, ideological, and digital borders. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is working closely with the leadership to accelerate changes that will make the country strong, self-sufficient, and forward-looking. It is understood that the current time is crucial for both the people and the state. The leadership must sacrifice its comfort for the sake of the nation; a strict austerity drive is needed to ensure that every penny of the country's resources is used solely for development, growth, and the public's best interests. On the other hand, the people desire to remain steadfast and show perseverance.
My experience shows that people are willing to tolerate, compromise, and, for that matter, sacrifice their basic needs for the sake of the country, provided that the leadership serves their best interest and ensures their security and needs. To conclude, I would reiterate that for a growing and developing Pakistan, there is a need for a secure and strong Pakistan. The factors I have highlighted above are the least we should do and do with the whole heart, conviction, and belief.
It should be known that the people of Pakistan are very tolerant, amiable, and flexible. We have passed through several challenges in the past and are ready to take on the challenges in the future. 

The author is a PhD scholar in Management Sciences with extensive experience in Project Management.