Pakistan’s politics, security and terrorism remain major issues facing the country resulting in instability, poor governance and economic crisis.
Politically, Pakistan was governed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), since the 2018 general elections led by PM Imran Khan who has implemented a number of reforms aimed at improving the economy, reducing corruption and strengthening democratic institutions, but these efforts have been met with resistance from opposition parties and vested interests.
Last year he was deposed by the opposition in league with the Pakistan army juggernaut, allegedly with the involvement of the US government. The current coalition government is dysfunctional with no light at the end of the tunnel through the political crises.
In terms of security, terrorism remains a major threat to the country, with attacks continuing to occur regularly. The Balochistan province, in particular, has been hit hard by violence, with separatist militants.
The mosque attack on Tuesday 31 January in a police compound in the city of Peshawar, resulting in a death toll of 101 dead and almost 300 injured, has been the deadliest attack in the country in years resulting in “a national security crisis.”
The security situation in Pakistan has also been impacted by the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan and with the presence of large numbers of Afghan refugees in Pakistan putting a strain on the country’s resources and contributing to the rise of criminal and militant groups in the country.
The problem of terrorism remains a complex one, and the country will likely face continued challenges in this area in the coming years with tit-for-tat revenge attacks resulting in an escalation of violence.
Pakistan needs fresh elections, the installation of a civilian stable government free from interference by the military establishment and foreign interests that can work to improve the economy, reduce corruption, and address the root causes of terrorism while also ensuring that civil rights and freedom of speech are protected.
The international community also has a role to play in supporting Pakistan in its efforts to address these challenges, and it is important that the world continues to work together to address the problem of terrorism.
Comments