Understanding Pakistan

Pakistan,one of the two South Asian nuclear states - has turned to be major challenge for the international community. It’s foreign and security policies are crucial not only for regional, but ever more for global stability. However, Pakistan’s attention is mainly captured by factors such as the recent rise of urban militancy and violence (for instance target killings in Pakistan’s financial capital Karachi), a dwindling state of the economy, or challenges of governance amidst power plays between military and civilian rule. Not to be underestimated should be humanitarian problems: the country has missed almost all United Nations Millennium Development Goals targets; people are struggling with poverty and illiteracy; and public sector development programs are largely dependent on external aid and loans.

After the killing of Osama bin Laden, the rift between Pakistan and its most important donor and friend-foe, the US, has been increasing. Soaring anti-Americanism among the established forces in general and people of Pakistan in particular may threaten the success fighting terrorism. Together with regional challenges under the shadow of the Kashmir conflict, contested water resources and estranged neighbourly relations the future seems to be extremely constrained.