Why perception matters.

Pakistan suffers reputational damage by being seen to be perpetually in crisis, both internal and external, which hardly creates any positive international image of the country. Unfortunately, the recent events that unfolded after the arrest of ex-PM Imran Khan also reinforced the similar belief that the country is being steered towards the edge of a hanging cliff.

Days like May 9 stay as dents in the history of the country. Protesters, as violent as they may seem, were unable to differentiate between the government and the state. The government too was indecisive and made no efforts to make its message go through the masses to defuse a volatile situation. Consequently, mob psychology took over.

Once again the country was bleeding while all the stakeholders were eye-ball to eye-ball. The perception of the country was further damaged. The hostile players were playing the trumpet in the international market.

Retrospect is essential. It has long been acknowledged that international perceptions are integral to a country's reputation and even its geopolitical clout in international politics as recently mentioned by veteran writer and diplomat Maliha Lodhi in her Op-ed 'Why Soft Power Counts' published in a local daily.

Mian Mehmood-ul-Hassan, former consul general of Moldova and an expert in international trade and commerce has also expressed concerned: 'May 9 severely damaged our reputation as a nation across the globe. It was hard for our international diaspora to explain to the world what is happening in the country. This will further scare the investors from investing in Pakistan.'

One finds it very perplexing to see what is happening in the country. Everyone seems busy enjoying the orchestra while the Titanic is sinking.

Optics have never been this important before in history. Even world leaders are investing hugely in projecting a soft image in front of the world. China, for instance, has several such ventures. The recent mediation of rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran has enhanced its role as a global leader. The Global Soft Power Index 2023, focused on determining the soft power of a country in the world, ranks the US as number one and Canada as number five while Pakistan lies below the bottom half.

We can no...