Why a narrative?

As I see it, the days of the state holding the reins of narrative are long gone. With every individual acting as a broadcaster in today’s digital jungle, weaving a meaningful national story is no walk in the park. Mohammad Ali Babakhel hits the nail on the head when he argues that Pakistan’s master narrative must go beyond religious rhetoric and embrace a multidimensional approach—one that speaks to its cultural richness, democratic spirit, and history of peacekeeping. Violent non-state actors are beating the state at its own game, exploiting cyberspace to churn out divisive tales. The author makes a strong case that countering such narratives can’t be a knee-jerk reaction but must be rooted in inclusivity, truth, and foresight. Narrative-building isn’t a one-off mission, it’s a lifelong journey, and if we keep brushing real grievances under the carpet, someone else will surely hijack the mic.

What stands out is how Babakhel draws parallels from countries like Greece and Japan, showing how even nations scarred by history can turn their past into a magnet for global admiration. He doesn’t sugarcoat the bitter truth: bureaucracy-heavy policies won’t cut the mustard if people aren’t taken on board. The piece calls for provincial and federal cooperation in shaping a narrative that doesn’t just echo patriotism but celebrates Pakistan’s diversity, resilience, and global contributions. He warns that escapism and censorship will only fuel the fire of extremism, and if Pakistan wants to ward off internal decay and external hostility, it must write its own story that should be boldly, inclusively and with vision.

Overview:

The article underscores the need for Pakistan to craft a dynamic, inclusive national narrative that outpaces extremist ideologies and reflects the nation’s democratic aspirations, diversity, and global responsibility. It explores how a well-rounded narrative can strengthen national integration and global perception.

NOTES:

The article emphasizes the urgent need for Pakistan to construct a coherent and inclusive national narrative that can counter extremist ideologies and misinformation in the digital era. It highlights that with the rise of social media, the monopoly of the state over information has ended and anyone with a smartphone can influence public opinion. The article stresses that an effective narrative must include history, identity, culture and values that bind citizens together and provide a sense of belonging. Violent non-state actors exploit cyberspace to spread divisive messages which cannot be countered solely through religious arguments. Instead, a counter-narrative should address political, ethnic and socioeconomic grievances as well. The Paigham-i-Pakistan decree is appreciated but deemed limited in scope. The writer points out that policy-making must be inclusive, with public endorsement and participation from provinces especially after the 18th Amendment. He warns that filling the information void with censorship only invites hostile narratives. Pakistan’s democratic, choices contributions to global peacekeeping and cultural richness must be part of the broader national story. Drawing inspiration from countries like Japan and Greece the article argues that even a painful past can be transformed into a narrative of pride. The key takeaway is that narrative-building is a continuous, participatory process rooted in social justice, transparency and diversity.

Relevant CSS Syllabus or Topics:

• Current Affairs
  • National integration and narrative building in Pakistan
  • Role of media and digital space in shaping public opinion
  • Counter-extremism strategies and internal security challenges
• Pakistan Affairs
  • Nationalism and identity politics
  • Impacts of the 18th Amendment on governance and policy-making
  • Role of religion, culture, and education in national unity
• International Relations
  • Information warfare and digital diplomacy
  • Countering violent extremism through soft power and narratives
• Governance and Public Policies (from General Knowledge/General Science)
  • Policy formulation and public engagement
  • Inter-institutional collaboration for national cohesion
• Essay and English (Precis & Composition)
  • Topics on national unity, media influence, digital age challenges, and extremism
  • Practice in argumentative and analytical writing on societal issues

Notes for Beginners:

This article explains why building a strong national story or narrative is essential for Pakistan in today’s fast-paced world. It tells us that people now get information from all sorts of sources not just from the government. If the country doesn’t tell its own story honestly and clearly others with bad intentions will step in. A good national narrative includes history, peace, cultural values and achievements. For example, like Japan and Greece used their painful pasts to attract the world’s admiration, Pakistan too can promote its history, culture and efforts in world peace.

Facts and Figures:

• 1,800 ulema signed the Paigham-e-Pakistan decree
• Greece draws 36 million tourists annually
• Japan contributes 12.5% of the UN budget
• Pakistan has served 8 times in the UN Security Council

To put it simply, In an era where digital voices drown traditional channels, Pakistan must wake up and smell the coffee. A national narrative isn’t just a PR stunt, it’s the soul of the country laid bare to the world. If not written by its own people, it will be rewritten by others often with dangerous twists.

Difficult Words and Meanings: