Pakistan: Charting a course for revival

By Shada Islam, Head of Policy at Friends of Europe

More than at any time in its troubled history, Pakistan faces an uncertain future. The country’s political institutions are fragile, the economy is struggling while religious extremism and militancy cast a dark shadow over the landscape. Nuclear-armed Pakistan has long suffered from chronic political instability: long bouts of military rule have been followed by elections, the installation of weak civilian leaders who are, in turn, ousted by military coups d’état. The current situation is particularly disturbing. Often described as the “most dangerous place in the world”, Pakistan today risks further turmoil and destabilisation as a powerful army, a weak civilian government and the judiciary engage in a damaging standoff.
 
The EU is not alone in finding it difficult to understand Pakistan. The country presents many different facets, making it difficult for friends or foes to develop adequate policy responses. Persistence and patience are necessary. Stronger international and EU engagement with Pakistan will contribute not only to stabilising the country itself but also have far-reaching, positive repercussions on the future of neighbouring Afghanistan and the rest of South Asia – and ultimately on global security.
 
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