Democracy is like the experience of life itself - always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested for adversity.-Jimmy Carter The political turmoil attached with the lawyers' movement has been well neutralised by the government by showing flexibility and respect for public demands. Its very decision has prevented the eruption of dangerous conflict among the federal units but there are still chances that such conflicts can erupt again to destabilise the present power equilibrium or any short-term political gains. Needless to say, if Pakistan has to become a real democratic state, its political parties will have to adopt the democratic norms within their party structures, and promote regional harmony, tolerance, cooperation and the culture of national pride. Reconciliation approach should converge in new paradigms to make Pakistan a successful state. It is the prime responsibility of political forces to infuse cohesion and nationalism among the units of federation. The leadership of both mainstream parties, PPP and PML-N, needs to understand the gravity and sensitivity of the issues which is directly linked with the internal and external situation of the state. The political leaders need shun self-centeredness and narrow vision. Given the nature of challenges Pakistan is confronting, the decision-makers, civil-military bureaucracy and democratic forces, need to work hard to redesign the governing system. Simultaneously it is imperative to identify and address the incongruities that are pushing the state on back foot. The political forces have not been able to shape the Pakistani state as a sovereign and progressive entity since the last sixty one years. Divergent interests of political parties, based on personal vendettas and whims, will not serve the country. Neither would the institutional interests. Unstable scenario resulting from the ineptness of decision-makers invites the external forces to intrude into our internal affairs. The supremacy of constitution that is serving the bottom line for coalition (reconciliation) politics is just a slogan. In fact, the political parties are acting otherwise. It is also evident that their policies, commitments and perceptions have never been supportive to raise Pakistan's image as a democratic and acceptable state. In the recent past the political parties joined hands to oust Musharraf regime. Now, they are challenging the integrity of each other in the name of democracy. After a year of honeymoon, both the mainstream parties started pointing accusing fingers at each other. Even uncivilised inappropriate language was used not only against the opponents, but also against the state institutions. It is because of the fact that the organisational structure of all political parties is undemocratic and non-institutionalised. No political party or pressure group has ever demonstrated on the roads against the suppressive socio-economic order, corruption and extremism. None tried to find the causes of our social disharmony. None talks earnestly about the state's ineffective legal order - the constitution. Factually, they never struggled for the reorientation of the judicial system, integrity of the state institutions and strengthening of the nation and nationalism. It is because of the immature and non-visionary leadership that the nation is paying the price. Our leaders want everything or nothing. This particular approach is hampering the development of democratic norms and system. Astonishingly, after the disastrous performance leaders of all political parties come up before the nation confessing their mistakes and committing that it would not happen in future. Unsympathetic executives (bureaucracy) are not playing their due role to formulate pro-people policies. Media being the fourth pillar of the state, is shaping and influencing public opinion without analysing the impacts and implications of regional affairs. However, research-based and investigative journalism, professionalism in reporting, and institutionalisation of the media can meet the challenges of present age. The media needs a policy and code of conduct. Insurgency on our western borders and peace deal in Malakand involves intriguing complications. Regional countries like Iran Afghanistan, India, and even China, are objecting to the growing influence of Taliban in deferent parts of Pakistan. Defunct militant groups are using tribal-belt to fulfil their designs; they are reorganising themselves and challenging the writ of government. They, in some cases, are supportive of terrorist activities across the world, which is becoming the prime concern of regional and global powers. Political and religious extremism is the phenomenon that is harmful for national interests as it is turning the people into radicals. The behaviour of the public is reflecting the same. Pressure groups are influencing the state and institutions to negotiate their interest. Misuse of power and financial corruption are destroying the very fabric of society which is eventually denting the nationalism. Non-cohesive environment is strengthening public perception that everything can be achieved through guns or by destructive means. Undoubtedly, political confrontation destabilises the country and leads the state into an uncertain environment ultimately affecting the economy which is already under tremendous stress because of global economic crises. An emergency loan of $7.6, billions from IMF is in line to enhance the hardship of the people of Pakistan. However, future formulation of economic polices should protect the interests of corporate entities, and ensure economic justice for the nation. Only calculated steps and professional management can guarantee economic growth and sustainability. Our trade, export, imports and investment polices should be well protected by the state's legal order ensuring conducive environment for development, FDI, and joint ventures of MNC (multinational national companies). Economic strategy should be cohesive with regional and global socio-economical trends. The combinations of vibrant political and effective diplomatic efforts are essential for socio-economic growth, sustainability and economic justice. Simultaneously the mismanagement of water resources is another issue that should be addressed on priority bases. Pakistan being the agrarian country is confronting the water crisis due to the fact that India is engaged in violation of Indus Basin Treaty. Effective and efficient performance of bureaucracy can be achieved through the determination of political forces for pursuing national agenda's, rather than placing government missionaries to protect their interests. Extensive interaction between the decision makers is essential to eradicate the existing internal and external abnormalities, and well crafted strategies are required to harmonise the state functions. They should evolve working order with the other organs of the state. Policy makers have to evaluate as to why a feeling of dissatisfaction is prevailing in the masses. Deceptive perception is much more dangerous than the cruel realities. Pakistan's integrity is being challenged across the world because of its complex internal dynamics. A rule-based society and quick dispensation of justice can be the best tools to counter the prevailing vague perception about the state and to put it on the path of progress and development. The efficient working, free from political influence and financial corruption of lower judiciary, is vital to harmonise the social order and for good governance. The independence of judiciary in its true model is the prerequisite to meet the challenges. The concerns of regional and global players should be assessed and addressed with interactive diplomatic skills, supported by the input from think tanks and statesmen's (politicians) inputs. Well-crafted multi-prong strategy, with policy analyses by the government and grand consensus of the political parties along with national support is essential on these issues. Intellectuals, academia 's, researchers, including universities and institutions should play their far-most imperative role for developing civilised ethics and communal culture of the society. And they should suggest a research-based mechanism for re-addressing the anomalies of the state system and constitutions. Democratic forces should understand the dynamics of regional and global environment. The geo-political challenges can only be countered only if internal forces will adopt the approach of cooperation along with futuristic vision. It's also important that our decision-makers should reflect to the rest of world that a strong and unified Pakistan can serve the strategic objectives. Political and economically unstable state would not be able to serve the regional interest nor would it be able to manage its internal complexities. Regional and global power centres have to be taken into confidence to become an acceptable state on the world canvas. To prioritise the national issues and utilise the available resources in the best of the people and state's interest that should be the prime task of the present political regime. Well-crafted state order for governance and development of human resources according to the futuristic national vision is must for the country's dignified survival in the comity of nations. The writer is a geo-political and defence annalist