In the 21st century, globalization is no longer confined to a Western-centric narrative; the global economic axis is steadily shifting eastward. Asia, with its dynamic population, expanding consumer markets, accelerating digital transformation, and rich cultural heritage, is not just participating in globalization – it is helping redefine it. Within this context, South Asia holds a strategic position at the crossroads of global trade, energy corridors, and technological evolution. Both countries, owing to their geographical importance, shared cultural history, and youthful demographics, are uniquely placed to shape this new era. However, longstanding tensions have impeded the realization of this potential. Lasting peace and constructive cooperation between the two nations are essential – not just for regional stability, but for global equilibrium in a multipolar world.
South Asia, home to nearly one-quarter of the world’s population, is again facing uncertainty. This time, the tension goes beyond border disputes – it involves advanced weaponry, digital misinformation, and heightened political rhetoric. Such conflicts offer no true resolution; rather, they deplete national resources and undermine the promise of future generations. Persistent instability discourages investment and hinders economic progress. Global concerns are growing, particularly due to the nuclear capabilities of both countries, underscoring the importance of sustained peace in the region.
This conflict is not fought by political elites, but borne by the common citizens – many of whom already struggle with poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and other socio-economic challenges. While national pride and strategic postures dominate headlines, it is ordinary people who face hardship – in hospitals lacking resources, in underfunded schools, and in homes without electricity or clean water.
Modern warfare not only costs lives but also misdirects national priorities, diverts essential public funding, and impedes development. Reportedly, in 2024, India allocated $86 billion and Pakistan $10 billion to defense – a combined total of nearly $100 billion. This is a stark contrast to the socio-economic reality of over 325 million people in the region living below the poverty line. In the same year, thousands of mothers and infants in both countries lost their lives due to preventable causes and insufficient healthcare infrastructure.
Unlike past wars, this conflict unfolds in a more aware and interconnected world – one that increasingly recognizes that genuine national security lies in human security. Today’s battles may not always be visible, but their impact is felt in compromised education, deteriorating healthcare, and lost human dignity. The 2023-2024 UN Human Development Report ranked Pakistan at 164th and India at 130th out of 193 nations, indicating significant room for improvement in human development indicators.
Maternal and child health remains a major concern. In Pakistan, a woman dies every 50 minutes due to childbirth complications. In India, over 52 women face similar fates daily. Annually, more than 250,000 newborns die in Pakistan, while India sees a loss of nearly 470,000. These are not mere statistics – they represent unrealized potential and unfulfilled dreams. Meanwhile, millions of children – over 25 million in Pakistan and 120 million in India – remain out of school, even as defense spending continues to rise.
Gender-based violence is another critical issue that transcends borders. In 2023, India reported over 32,000 cases of sexual violence and 76,000 kidnappings involving women. In Pakistan, more than 63,000 cases of violence against women were formally recorded. These are daily battles, often overlooked amid broader geopolitical narratives.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. In April 2024, the World Bank raised South Asia’s growth forecast to 6.4%, up from 6.0%, citing economic recovery in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, robust demand in India, and tourism-led rebounds in Nepal and Bhutan. India’s growth was revised to 7%, and Pakistan’s to 2.8%, making the region one of the fastest-growing globally. However, this trajectory depends on peace, inclusivity, and sustained reform.
Martin Raiser, World Bank Vice President for South Asia, noted that “an emerging consumer class, recovery from past crises, and regional integration offer significant economic potential.” He emphasized that increasing female labor force participation – currently at only 32% – could boost output by up to 50% in the long term.
However, such progress requires more than just economic optimism. It requires a foundation of security, trust, and equal opportunity. How can women contribute to economic development if they live in fear? How can a region thrive if it remains caught in cycles of conflict?
No party gains in a prolonged conflict – not nations, not economies, and certainly not the people. What is truly at stake is progress, well-being, and shared humanity. It is time for a decisive shift toward peace – one that is enduring and rooted in dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect.
To move forward, both countries must resolve long-standing issues – including Kashmir, water-sharing, trade facilitation, and trust deficits – through constructive engagement. The definition of victory must evolve: true victory lies in every girl attending school, every mother surviving childbirth, every community with access to clean water, and every citizen living without fear. The recent attack on children school bus in Quetta-Balochistan seems a coward act and against the human norms.
Let this be the war we choose – the war against poverty, disease, illiteracy, and injustice. Because peace is not simply the absence of war; it is the presence of equity, education, health, and hope.
