2024 has been a whirlwind of a year, marked globally by sadness as the global order fractured and the world became more chaotic, with two never-ending conflicts still raging in full force. For Pakistan, it has been a rollercoaster ride, leaving behind a familiar trail of unfulfilled promises and persistent struggles. The weight of toxic political polarisation, economic meltdowns, and social unrest continue to anchor the state in a self-defeating cycle. The country is imploding economically, politically, and socially. The resilience Pakistan was known for is falling apart. Here are a few reflections from the year 2024.
Pakistan’s political landscape has remained deeply polarised and conflictual, with widespread protests fueled by frustration over the perceived political persecution of former Prime Minister Imran Khan by the government and military establishment. High-stakes elections were held in February, but their credibility quickly came under scrutiny. Allegations of vote manipulation and widespread concern over a stolen mandate dominated public discourse. These controversies laid the groundwork for the formation of the PDM 2.0 government, an uneasy coalition of parties bound more by necessity than shared vision. The alliance, fraught with ideological differences and mutual distrust, struggled to project unity, further eroding public confidence in the political system. It is now a foregone conclusion that the ousting of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government through a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April 2022 set off a chain of events that roped the country into a state of perpetual crisis, reaching its peak in 2024.
Adding to the political turbulence, civil-military relations emerged as one of the most contentious issues of the year. The debate over the military’s role in governance, policy-making, and its perceived influence in the electoral process reached a new level of intensity. Public and political figures alike openly questioned the boundaries of this relationship, a rarity in a country where such discussions have historically been subdued. The political and institutional discord painted a stark picture of a state grappling with its unresolved structural issues, leaving little room for stability or progress.
The year witnessed Pakistan transitioning from ‘cold anger’ to ‘hot rage.’ Punjab, the heartland of Pakistan, is angry and disillusioned, and unconditional support for the military establishment is no more. Sindh is depleted and suffering from a governance collapse, whether in the provision of utilities or law and order. KPK and Balochistan are provinces at war with the state. Although the political situation and underdevelopment issues in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, South Punjab, and Sindh merit significant attention, the ongoing security concerns, political instability, and resource distribution challenges in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have dominated public discourse in 2024.
The situation in Balochistan has remained tense and volatile, with ongoing unrest driven by a mix of political, ethnic, and economic grievances. The region continues to face calls for greater autonomy and the protection of Baloch cultural and economic rights. Baloch nationalist groups have been engaged in a long-standing struggle 2025 against the central government, demanding more control over the region’s resources, particularly the vast natural gas reserves. The security situation has been fragile, marked by clashes between Baloch separatist militants and security forces, as well as sporadic attacks on infrastructure. In 2024, Balochistan remains a key flashpoint in Pakistan’s broader political and security landscape, with little sign of a peaceful resolution to the long standing conflict.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is a region that continues to cope with the aftermath of years of conflict, particularly in the wake of insurgencies and terrorism. While the security situation has improved significantly compared to the peak of militancy, the region still faces sporadic attacks from extremist groups. The province has experienced significant efforts to rebuild and revitalise, with investments in infrastructure, education, and health services, but challenges remain in terms of unemployment, poverty, and regional disparities. Political dynamics in KP have been shaped by the influence of local parties such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has historically enjoyed strong support in the province, especially following Imran Khan’s rise to power. However, in 2024, KP witnessed shifts in political loyalties amid growing concerns over governance, economic hardships, and the impact of national political instability. The province’s border with Afghanistan continues to be a source of tension, with cross-border trade, refugees, and security issues playing a prominent role in its challenges.
Sectarian violence continued to scar the state in 2024, with a total of 856 incidents, claiming hundreds of lives and leaving communities in perpetual fear. The unrelenting cycle of violence underscored deep-seated divisions that remain unresolved, further destabilising an already fragile societal fabric. Compounding these internal challenges, regional developments – particularly the evolving dynamics in Israel-Iran conflict, and lately the political transition in Syria – have raised alarms about their potential ripple effects on Pakistan’s militant and sectarian conflicts. The resurgence of militant networks and ideological cross-pollination, fueled by external influences, have exacerbated tensions and deepened the country’s vulnerabilities to extremism. This persistent violence reflects systemic failures to address the root causes of sectarian strife, including the lack of effective governance, judicial accountability, and de-radicalisation efforts.
The government’s measures to address these issues have, in many cases, created more tensions. For example, the 26th Constitutional Amendment, viewed through the lens of institutional rifts in the country, appears to be an attempt to reinforce the supremacy of parliament. However, it is also seen by many as an effort to limit the independence of the judiciary. This has sparked concerns that the amendment could undermine the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy, further deepening divisions between the branches of government. A similar situation exists in Balochistan, where both civil and militant movements stem from a deep sense of deprivation. However, with claims of foreign involvement in both cases, the focus of the authorities remains on external factors rather than addressing the local grievances. This shift in attention away from the underlying issues has hindered meaningful dialogue and solutions, perpetuating the cycle of unrest and dissatisfaction in the region. Unless a comprehensive approach is adopted – the cycle of crisis is likely to continue, hindering national cohesion and long-term stability.
In 2024, Pakistan’s economy narrowly avoided default, thanks to the approval of a bailout package by the IMF and debt rollovers from friendly countries. While these measures provided much-needed short-term relief, they merely represent a form of micro-management rather than a comprehensive solution. The country continues to struggle with mounting fiscal deficits, high inflation, and a significant debt burden. Structural economic challenges, including a reliance on external borrowing, weak industrial growth, and limited export diversification, remain unresolved. As a result, while the immediate crisis has been managed, the broader economic stability of Pakistan remains precarious, requiring fundamental reforms to ensure long-term sustainability.
Pakistan’s foreign policy has also remained highly problematic in 2024. The year began with Iranian airstrikes, escalating tensions in the region, and ended with the imposition of US sanctions on Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, further straining diplomatic relations between the two countries. Within the region, Pakistan is increasingly viewed with suspicion, especially by its neighboring countries, due to ongoing security concerns and unresolved territorial disputes. In the West, Pakistan’s foreign policy is often seen through a lens of mistrust, particularly regarding its defense and security alignments. Despite efforts to maintain strategic alliances, Pakistan’s position in international forums has been weakened by its growing isolation and the complex interplay of regional dynamics. These foreign policy challenges underscore the difficulties Pakistan faces in balancing its interests with those of major global and regional powers.
Pakistan undoubtedly holds significant potential, but to harness it, both its domestic and foreign policies require a comprehensive overhaul. Two key prerequisites for success are a clear vision and unwavering commitment from policymakers. Given the fractured political landscape, no single party or institution can guarantee progress; what is needed is magnanimity and inclusivity to resolve the country’s challenges and secure its rightful place in the international community. It is crucial that this sensibility emerges at the highest levels of leadership.
As we come to the close of the year, there is little to celebrate, especially for the masses. Some good sense seems to prevail, and at the behest of those who matter, a dialogue is finally happening with the party that many had sought to dismantle, defeat, and discount. This is largely to avert the threat of civil disobedience given by Imran Khan. Hopefully, something good will come out of this. As the sun sets on 2024, may the powerful of Pakistan come together for the sake of the nation.
