Public figures, regardless of their field, thrive on visibility. Political, religious, and ethnic leaders, media personalities, academics, and artists all depend on public projection to gain recognition and influence. While the need for visibility is rooted in the uniqueness of the individual and their desire for acknowledgment, when it becomes an obsession, it leads to a destructive loss of perspective. Arrogance, inflated self-importance, and a sense of indispensability take over, ultimately diminishing the leader's effectiveness and credibility.

Leaders and aspirants in Pakistan—be they politicians, religious figures, or military officers—are all engaged in the pursuit of power, seeking to carve out their share of influence in a highly competitive landscape. The military, with its autonomy and central role in national affairs, often finds itself involved in spheres far beyond the purely military, creating tensions and dysfunctions within the state structure. Unfortunately, this centralized control has resulted in an imbalanced national leadership, with the military sometimes stepping in to guide the nation in areas traditionally held by civilian authorities.

The political class, on the other hand, has increasingly outsourced its duties, relying on the military’s involvement and focusing on populist gestures to maintain visibility. Projects like metro buses and highways take precedence over essential investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, creating a façade of progress while ignoring the deeper issues affecting the nation. The disconnect between the ruling elite and the suffering masses is evident, with politicians more interested in enhancing their public image than addressing the real needs of the people.

The practice of "poster piety" in politics—where leaders use religious symbolism to gain political advantage—adds another layer of complexity. Politicians like Imran Khan have relied on religious references and symbolic gestures to connect with the public, but these practices often ring hollow when not backed by meaningful action. As the people grow disillusioned, the danger of this superficial projection becomes clear: performance must always outweigh appearance.

The future of leadership in Pakistan requires a shift from empty symbolism to true service, from projectionism to genuine governance. Only then can leaders regain the trust of the people and move beyond the cycle of hollow promises and deceptive theatrics.