Since its emergence as an independent state, Pakistan has struggled to translate policy ambitions into sustainable outcomes.
Despite its strategically significant geographic location—often cited as a potential driver of socio-economic development—the country continues to grapple with persistent political instability, economic distress and security challenges.
These difficulties are rooted largely in weak governance, strained civil-military relations and fragmented coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
Pakistan is a federal entity comprising five federating units, each with its own administrative structures and responsibilities, yet accountable to the centre on matters of national importance such as security, human rights and public welfare. However, institutional frictions between civilian leadership, provincial governments and the military have often undermined policy coherence. Issues such as cross-border terrorism, high inflation and political volatility are, in many respects, outcomes of these unresolved tensions.
Recent developments surrounding military operations in the Tirah Valley highlight this dilemma. The decision to launch a renewed anti-terrorism operation has exposed fault lines between the federal government, the military establishment and the provincial leadership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). While Islamabad argues that security imperatives necessitate decisive action against militant groups, the provincial government has expressed serious concerns over humanitarian consequences, particularly large-scale displacement of civilians.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, despite its rich history and strategic importance, has borne a disproportionate share of Pakistan’s security burdens. Decades of militancy, suicide attacks, border tensions, unemployment and repeated military operations have severely disrupted civilian life. These challenges have been compounded by recurring natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and extreme weather, further deepening socio-economic vulnerabilities in the region.
Terrorism in KP has become a source of national anxiety, prompting the military—on the basis of intelligence assessments—to initiate operations against groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Islam and other non-state actors operating in the Tirah Valley. However, the provincial government has objected to what it describes as a unilateral decision taken without adequate consultation.
The Chief Minister of KP has warned that a fresh operation could result in mass displacement, creating internally displaced persons within their own homeland. He has also raised concerns about the feasibility of evacuation under harsh winter conditions, arguing that vulnerable populations—particularly women, children and the elderly—would be unable to undertake long and arduous journeys to safety.
Federal authorities, for their part, maintain that displacement has been minimal and that adequate arrangements have been made. They point to registration and relief centres established in the Bara region, where displaced families are to receive logistical and welfare support. Nevertheless, reports from the ground suggest that civilian life has already been severely disrupted, with cold weather intensifying humanitarian risks.
The broader picture is troubling. Pakistan’s most strategically vital regions—Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—continue to face chronic insecurity despite repeated military interventions. While operations have weakened militant networks, extremism has not been eliminated, and public confidence in long-term stability remains fragile. Persistent unemployment, inflation and political uncertainty further erode prospects for peace and development.
Addressing these challenges requires more than security-centric responses. Transparent, inclusive and coordinated civil-military relations are essential to rebuilding trust and ensuring sustainable outcomes. Federal policies must meaningfully incorporate provincial perspectives rather than impose top-down decisions that risk exacerbating local grievances. Failure to do so may result in consequences that are both severe and irreversible.
At a time when Pakistan is also navigating complex diplomatic and political pressures beyond its borders, domestic priorities must not be overlooked. Humanitarian considerations—particularly for vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions—must remain central to decision-making. The voices of those most affected by violence and displacement should not be ignored.
In sum, Pakistan remains caught in a trilateral dilemma of terrorism, economic hardship and political instability. Revisiting inter- and intra-governmental policies, strengthening civil-military coordination and prioritising citizen welfare are critical steps toward stability. While such measures may not deliver immediate solutions, they offer a necessary foundation for restoring trust, improving governance and securing a more resilient future for the country.
About the author: Sheraz Wahid is a scholar of MS International Relations at the Department of Politics and International Relations, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). His research interests include global politics, South Asian geopolitics and strategic affairs.
