In recent years, Pakistan has seen an increase in protests, with political parties and citizens taking to the streets to express frustration over governance, economic challenges, and social injustices. Protests like those at D Chowk in Islamabad, as well as in cities like Karachi and Lahore, reflect the public's growing concerns. But an important question arises: Are these protests truly helping Pakistan move forward?Protests have historically had a big impact on the country. The 2014 sit-ins led by Imran Khan and Tahir-ul-Qadri, for example, caused significant disruption. The tragic Model Town incident in Lahore, where civilians lost their lives, is a stark reminder of how quickly things can turn violent. What starts as a demand for change can spiral into chaos, with lives lost and a nation left in turmoil.And it's not just about violence—these protests hurt the economy, too. Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are home to millions of people who depend on daily wages to make ends meet. When businesses close, roads are blocked, and transport is halted, these people suffer the most. Instead of solving the problems, the protests make life even harder for those already struggling to survive.Pakistan’s international reputation is also taking a hit. Frequent clashes, shutdowns, and images of unrest are being broadcast around the world, leading many to see Pakistan as unstable. This negative perception hurts the country’s chances of attracting foreign investment and building strong international partnerships.It's time to ask if these protests are really the answer. While it's crucial to voice concerns, we must shift toward peaceful ways of protest. Non-violent protests—those that focus on dialogue and collaboration—have the power to bring about real change without destroying lives or damaging the economy. Countries that have embraced peaceful protests often see better results because the message remains clear, and the violence doesn’t overshadow the cause.In my view, Pakistan needs to focus on peaceful protest if we want to move forward. Real progress doesn’t come from division, violence, or chaos—it comes from unity, dialogue, and solutions that benefit everyone. The question is, are we ready to embrace this path, or will we continue to hurt our nation in the name of change?We also need to think beyond the immediate anger of protests and focus on larger issues like the value of our rupee and the strength of our passport. Our constant instability pushes us further into economic chaos, and reliance on loans from institutions like the IMF only deepens our financial struggles. If we are serious about our future, we must work toward rebuilding our economy, creating stability, and freeing ourselves from the burden of debt. Protests should be a call for progress, not a step toward further destruction.