"The global order is in a state of disorder, says General (retired) Sahir Shamshad Mirza, former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, speaking at IPDS 2026 at the National Defence University in Islamabad. Describing an age of disruption, he warns that intensifying great power rivalry and weakening international institutions are allowing force to overshadow diplomacy. He points to unresolved conflicts in Palestine and Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as signs of declining confidence in the global system.#SahirShamshadMirza #IPDS2026 #GlobalOrder #Geopolitics #PakistanTV"
At the recent International Peace and Development Summit (IPDS) 2026 held at the National Defence University in Islamabad, General (retired) Sahir Shamshad Mirza, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, addressed the pressing issues facing the global community. He emphasized that the contemporary international landscape is marred by disorder, primarily due to escalating rivalries among great powers and the erosion of diplomatic channels.
General Mirza articulated that while nations should seek diplomatic avenues, the reality suggests that military force is increasingly dominating international interactions. This discord is exemplified by ongoing conflicts, such as those in Palestine and Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which he claims illustrate a waning confidence in global mechanisms designed to resolve such disputes. The general posits that these unresolved conflicts reflect a larger displacement of balance within the geopolitical framework, potentially endangering peace and stability across regions.
The reactions from various international actors to General Mirzas remarks indicate a variety of perspectives on the matter. Many countries acknowledge the decline in confidence in international institutions but emphasize the need for constructive dialogue over a reliance on military power. Some experts argue for a reformed approach to global governance, which includes a greater emphasis on multilateralism to address the pressing concerns voiced by General Mirza. Despite the grim landscape, there are voices advocating for collaboration among nations to enhance diplomatic engagement and problem-solving strategies.
Looking forward, it becomes crucial for nations, including Pakistan, to position themselves as facilitators of dialogue in this increasingly polarized environment. By leveraging its unique geopolitical position, Pakistan can play a vital role in promoting peace and negotiation among conflicting parties. General Mirza's insights serve as a clarion call for stakeholders in the international community to re-evaluate their strategies and to reinforce the importance of diplomatic dialogue in not just addressing, but actively resolving conflicts. The future requires a commitment not just to military preparedness, but to fostering an ethos of cooperative engagement across borders.
