Chicago City Wire

A former senior U.S. military advisor said that, despite misperceptions and news reports, Pakistan is actively working to overcome security threats and bring economic stability to the country. 

“Media and analysts often portray Pakistan as a nation at a crossroads, facing complex challenges from security threats to economic instability,” John Rosenberg, founder of Rosslyn Group International, wrote in a Chicago Tribune op-ed. “Observers frequently describe it as a region marked by geopolitical tensions, struggling to navigate its path as a developing democracy. Yet, these perceptions only tell part of the story. Behind the headlines, Pakistan is a resilient nation actively working to overcome these issues.” 

“With a population of 252 million, Pakistan is engaged in ongoing efforts against extremism and terrorism.,” wrote Rosenberg. “The country has deployed approximately 300,000 military and paramilitary troops for counterterrorism duties. Official reports indicate that in the past eight months, operations by Pakistan’s defense and intelligence forces resulted in the loss of 193 officers and sepoys and 541 individuals identified as terrorists killed.”

Rosenberg has served in various military and advisory roles, including as a Senior Advisor to the Afghan National Army and as an Information Operations Assessor for the International Joint Command in Afghanistan. He has also worked as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Africa Command, focusing on stability and development efforts in the region. Rosenberg has completed five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, contributing to strategic communications and operations planning. His experience includes advising the Afghan Ministry of Defense and the Indonesian National Armed Forces, as well as participating in U.S. presidential campaigns as a national security and Africa policy advisor.

“Government data shows Pakistan spends over $2 billion annually on counterterrorism,” he wrote. “According to economic assessments, the direct economic cost of the war on terror in Pakistan is $153 billion, with an additional indirect cost of around $450 billion.”

Rosenberg wrote that security challenges from sharing borders with China, Iran, and Afghanistan, and the 1980’s Soviet-Afghan War is still impacting Pakistan’s security.

“Despite its challenges, Pakistan is moving forward,” wrote Rosenberg. “It maintains a parliamentary democratic system with regular elections. Pakistan’s judiciary has ruled on various high-profile cases. Public demonstrations occur regularly.”

He also wrote that limitations on journalists exist, but the country maintains “a vibrant social media presence.”

“The nation has made substantial strides from countering extremism to maintaining regional stability,” Rosenberg wrote. “It’s time the global community views Pakistan through a balanced lens, appreciating its achievements and ongoing efforts.”