Pakistan political and security instability

Pakistan is experiencing heightened internal instability driven by political, economic, and security challenges. Initial reports indicated that ‘hardline governance’ and excessive federal centralization were fueling extremism and deepening divisions in provinces such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These issues were compounded by economic pressures, including a projected growth rate of 3.5 percent and a public debt of 68.5 percent of the GDP.

This instability has evolved into escalating insurgent violence and intensified friction between state institutions. Violence has surged in Balochistan, with specific attacks claimed by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

Concurrently, a rift has widened between the military and the political class. While the military frequently attributes regional unrest to external threats, civilian leaders have pointed toward internal terrorism as a primary driver. The military’s control over the national narrative is facing increased resistance from both the public and political figures, signaling potential confrontation between state institutions.