In flamesSoldiers of the Pakistani paramilitary force visit a bombing area in Quetta, Pakistan. Soldiers of the Pakistani paramilitary force visit a bombing area in Quetta, Pakistan. Pakistan is facing a growing array of security, political and economic challenges, with recent events underscoring how conditions in the country are deteriorating on multiple fronts.
From rising militant attacks and insurgent activity to deep‑rooted corruption and weakening state institutions, analysts warn that these interconnected problems are creating a more unstable environment for citizens and policymakers alike. In the country’s northwest, militant violence has surged, claiming the lives of security personnel and challenging state control. In Dera Ismail Khan district, armed fighters ambushed a police patrol on February 11, killing four officers and injuring two more, according to official reports.
The officers were en route to apprehend a local commander linked to the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which remains active despite repeated military operations. Meanwhile, insurgent groups in the southwestern province of Balochistan have evolved to more aggressive tactics. A recent Reuters report noted that the Baloch Liberation Army has deployed female suicide bombers in coordinated attacks that killed dozens of people earlier this year.
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The use of women, some of whom are reportedly university educated, reflects a troubling expansion in recruitment and operational strategy. Violence has struck even the heart of Pakistan’s capital. Early this month, a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque on the outer reaches of Islamabad killed at least 31 worshippers and injured more than 160 others during Friday prayers.
Authorities detained four suspects in connection with the attack, including the alleged planner. The Islamic State group’s Pakistan affiliate claimed responsibility, adding to concerns about extremist activity in urban centres. These security challenges have compounded concerns about weak governance and political dysfunction.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment, has highlighted persistent issues in Pakistan’s civil service and public institutions. The IMF noted that political influence over appointments and fragmented anti‑corruption efforts have made it difficult to enforce accountability and transparency. Corruption remains a major concern for ordinary Pakistanis.
A recent national survey by Transparency International found that a large majority of citizens view institutions such as the police and judiciary as deeply corrupt. The survey, conducted across all four provinces, found that most respondents believe corruption is widespread in public offices and see little progress in tackling the problem. Local scandals have further eroded confidence in public institutions.
In late 2025, a bribery and corruption scandal rocked the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency, when senior officers were accused of accepting payments in exchange for protecting illegal call centres engaged in online fraud. Several officials were arrested and fired as the government moved to reform the agency. Economic stagnation has accompanied these political and security crises.
Reports and public commentary indicate that Pakistan’s growth remains sluggish, with low real GDP expansion and rising poverty levels. Economic commentators have noted that many households are struggling with inflation, unemployment, and declining investor confidence, trends that have persisted despite repeated government pledges to revive the economy. Human rights groups have also raised alarms about civic freedoms in Pakistan.
Observers note that arrests and legal actions against activists, journalists and minority groups have increased, reflecting a clampdown on dissenting voices. The CIVICUS Monitor has described Pakistan’s civic space as constrained, citing harassment of human rights defenders and restrictions on protests and media activity. Governance failures have tangible consequences on the ground, particularly in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Military officials have publicly linked governance gaps and political confusion to the resurgence of militancy in the region, saying that weak implementation of counterterrorism strategies has cost the lives of security personnel and left communities exposed to extremist violence. The unfolding crises also include economic and social dimensions. A recent IMF analysis warned that persistent corruption and elite capture in key sectors such as sugar, real estate and energy are holding back economic reforms and undermining growth. The Fund suggested that more effective governance and anti‑corruption measures could significantly boost long‑term economic prospects.
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