Current Situation
Current Situation: As 2025 ends, Pakistan must face its current reality. Nearly 78 years after independence, politics remains unstable. The country spent about 33 years under direct military rule and the rest under indirect control. Pakistan held its first general election after 23 years. It has had 29 prime ministers, but none completed a full five-year term.
Political Violence
Political violence has shaped national history. Assassins killed Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951. The state executed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1979. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in 2007. Authorities have jailed former prime minister Imran Khan for nearly two years and imposed long sentences. These events reflect deep political instability.
Pakistan has also faced major external challenges. It fought four wars with India and still faces border tensions. The breakup of the country in 1971 remains a national trauma. In 1998, Pakistan became a nuclear power, but this did not bring internal stability.
Population Pressure
Rapid population growth has worsened these problems. Pakistan’s population rose from about 33 million in 1947 to nearly 250 million today. The state failed to match this growth with jobs, education, and services. As a result, institutions weakened and public services declined.
Key indicators of national progress are falling. Political stability, governance, rule of law, security, economic growth, and quality of life have all declined. The country moves from one political crisis to another. Since May 9, 2023, political divisions have deepened. Unresolved civil-military relations remain at the core of the crisis.
Failed Governance
Security threats continue to grow. Terrorist attacks have increased. Violence persists in Balochistan. Relations with neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan, have worsened. Governance failures remain clear. Provinces received more power after the 18th Amendment but failed to deliver basic services. Governments delay local elections to avoid sharing power. Politicians control development funds and promote patronage and corruption. Despite long rule by major parties, service delivery remains poor, especially in neglected regions.
Political leaders have weakened the Constitution. Amendments have reduced judicial independence. Authorities regularly violate fundamental rights. Laws now silence dissent more often. Global rankings reflect this decay. In 2024, Pakistan ranked near the bottom on the rule of law and last in order and security.
Economic Distress
The economy shows clear distress. Over the past three years, growth averaged only 1.7 percent. Nearly half the population lives in or near poverty. Unemployment remains high, especially among youth. Inflation has sharply cut purchasing power. The state imposes heavy taxes on workers and businesses. High energy costs and taxes push firms to leave and discourage investment.
Human development indicators paint a bleak picture. Pakistan ranks low in health and education. Many children suffer from malnutrition or stay out of school. The country struggles with preventable diseases. Women continue to face discrimination and exclusion. Pakistan ranks last on global gender equality.
Hope for Recovery
This is Pakistan’s reality at the close of 2025. Yet decline is not inevitable. Human choices created these crises, and human choices can reverse them. In the past, Pakistan matched countries that later surged ahead through reform. Economists now agree that the current economic model cannot last. Recovery remains possible through political reform, better governance, and stronger institutions. Everything now depends on politics. Without resolving the political conflict, lasting economic and social reform will not succeed.
Published in Dawn, 26th December 2025
