A changed world

IT’S been a year since the May that Pakistan will celebrate. A few cycles ago, we had the unfortunate May 9, which too cannot be forgotten but for reasons best not to get into. But last year brought us a May as bright and celebratory as the May of English poetry. The month didn’t necessarily begin this way — for the clouds of war darkened the horizon after the Pahalgam event, fighting was predicted and correctly so. The end, thankfully, came quickly as did the victory Pakistan could call its own thanks to the downing of multiple Indian aircraft. This is not to say Pakistan did not face an Indian assault or des­truction but the downing of aircraft in the plural does get more attention than other damage. Overnight, the conversation about the mess in the country — from elections to economic fragility to the quality of democracy — gave way to debate about Pakistan’s air force, its skilled pilots and the capacity of Chinese hardware to down the French Rafale. There was also some talk of Indian adventurism which also received its share of the limelight with the events in Canada. Then came the bromance with the latest inhabitant of the White House and the rest as they say is history. The Iran war has simply added more feathers to Pakistan’s cap, of being a peacemaker and mediator and a trusted ally of sworn enemies that collects accolades from around the world. As Pakistan basks in this international glory, it seems that New Delhi cannot understand the rapidly changing world around it. flummoxed by the noise and attention around Pakistan, it has reacted by passing petty comments at worst. This has simply added to the celebrations at home — from the critical remarks to the debates about how this change of fortunes happened in India. But at the same time, despite the self-congratulations and praise for individuals who have been given all credit, Pakistan, too, has misread the situation at times. In other words, it may be missing the woods for the trees. Islamabad needs to al