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Between Glory and Gloom

Pakistan’s growing diplomatic stature abroad should be matched by meaningful reforms and stability at home

By Yasmeen Mozaffar | August 2026

Pakistan has emerged as an exceptional advocate of peace and has earned international recognition for its mediation efforts on the global stage. Bringing the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to the negotiating table after decades of hostility, culminating in a mutually agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was a remarkable diplomatic achievement for Islamabad. It fostered optimism and raised expectations that the agreement could pave the way for a secure, comprehensive, and lasting peace accord, ultimately bringing an end to the conflict between the two nations.

Pakistan’s role in this affair demonstrated its commitment to promoting peace through diplomacy. The country has a longstanding tradition of pursuing diplomatic engagement and has cultivated cordial relations not only with its neighboring countries in South Asia but also with many other nations around the world. It is actively engaged in bilateral trade with several Asian states and continues to maintain strong diplomatic ties with countries across the Middle East.

In 2025, Pakistan strengthened its regional and international partnerships by signing a bilateral defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, deepening strategic ties with Türkiye and Egypt, and proposing a quadrilateral security framework aimed at promoting cooperation in defence industrial production. Over the years, it has also maintained close relations with China and Russia. Pakistan’s strategic geographical location has further enhanced its importance, making it a key actor in regional and international affairs.

Although its relations with the United States have fluctuated over various issues, recent developments suggest renewed efforts by both countries to strengthen diplomatic engagement. Consequently, Pakistan has sought to position itself as an increasingly significant player on the global stage, with senior government officials receiving recognition and appreciation in various international forums.

While the people of Pakistan take pride in their government’s commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation abroad, many are equally disheartened by the apparent neglect of pressing domestic challenges. Within the country’s own borders, an atmosphere of distress, anguish, and despair continues to prevail, seemingly without adequate recognition or response.

Despite these accomplishments abroad, the country’s internal situation appears to be precarious, suggesting a troubling disconnect from the realities on the ground. Nearly every sector of society is facing serious challenges, raising concerns about the country’s overall stability. As the saying goes, the darkest place is under the candlestick—or, more commonly in English, the darkest place is directly beneath the lamp—implying that pressing problems at home are often overlooked while attention is directed elsewhere.

Pakistan continues to grapple with severe economic instability, political turmoil, human rights concerns, militancy, and terrorism. These interconnected challenges have had a profound impact on the daily lives of its citizens. Numerous international organizations have expressed concern over the country’s internal situation and have called for greater efforts to address these persistent issues. Many observers argue that the government’s response has been insufficient to effectively resolve domestic unrest and restore public confidence. Consequently, there is a growing perception that stronger and more decisive measures are needed to foster stability, peace, and sustainable development within the country.

While Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts were receiving international recognition, events unfolding within Azad Jammu and Kashmir drew significant criticism. The controversy began over the demand concerning the twelve seats in the region’s Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees who have since settled in Pakistan. According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), these reserved seats have been used by Pakistani political parties to influence the political affairs of the region.

The constitutional question of how the dispute over the twelve reserved seats should be resolved remains a separate matter. However, the government’s response has attracted considerable scrutiny from human rights advocates and political observers. Critics contend that such coercive measures undermine Pakistan’s commitment to democratic principles and peaceful conflict resolution. At the same time, Balochistan has continued to experience a significant militant insurgency, resulting in the loss of numerous civilian and security personnel lives. The province has long been affected by conflict, instability, and recurring security challenges. Among the key grievances frequently cited by local communities are the perceived inequitable distribution of resources, limited economic opportunities, and longstanding concerns over political and economic marginalization.


Balochistan is endowed with abundant natural resources and is home to the world-class Reko Diq copper and gold deposit, one of the largest undeveloped mineral deposits of its kind. If managed effectively and equitably, these resources could serve as a major source of economic growth and revenue for both the province and the country. Nevertheless, many residents continue to express a deep sense of deprivation, arguing that the benefits of the province’s natural wealth have not been distributed fairly among the local population.

Missing persons and allegations of human rights violations have remained among the most persistent concerns in Balochistan. Successive governments have been criticized for failing to address these issues comprehensively or to establish lasting mechanisms for accountability and justice. When a region experiences prolonged neglect, its residents often develop a profound sense of insecurity, frustration, and alienation. Such conditions can create an environment in which militant groups and other cross-border actors exploit local grievances for their own purposes. However, attributing these challenges solely to external interference overlooks the need to address domestic shortcomings. Sustainable peace requires meaningful dialogue, political will, and policies that address the legitimate concerns of local communities.

Diplomacy is needed not only in foreign policy but also within the country’s own political system. Political instability weakens governance, discourages investment, and undermines public confidence in state institutions. Pakistan has experienced repeated periods of political turmoil, including four episodes of military rule, each leaving a lasting impact on democratic development. Political polarization and confrontational politics have further constrained institutional stability. Constructive dialogue among political stakeholders remains essential for resolving differences through constitutional and democratic means.

The protection of fundamental rights—including freedom of expression, access to information, and due process—must remain a constitutional priority. An independent judiciary and a free press are indispensable pillars of a democratic state, ensuring accountability and safeguarding civil liberties. Pakistan’s Constitution provides extensive guarantees for these principles. Nevertheless, the implementation of these constitutional protections has often fallen short of their intended objectives, raising concerns about judicial independence, press freedom, and the rule of law.

Strengthening grassroots leadership is equally important for improving governance. Effective democracy depends upon responsive local institutions that understand and address citizens’ everyday concerns. Pakistan’s local government system has evolved through several reforms, including Ayub Khan’s Basic Democracies system (1959), the Local Government Ordinance of 1979, the devolution reforms introduced under General Pervez Musharraf in 2001, and the constitutional recognition of local governments following the Eighteenth Amendment. Despite these reforms, implementation has varied considerably across provinces, and many analysts argue that local governments have not been provided with adequate administrative authority or financial autonomy. This has contributed to concerns regarding bureaucratic inefficiency, weak public service delivery, and limited accountability.

Pakistan also continues to face serious economic challenges. High inflation, slow economic growth, fiscal imbalances, and unemployment have significantly affected the standard of living for millions of citizens. According to World Bank estimates, a substantial proportion of the population lives below the lower-middle-income poverty line, while many households remain vulnerable to economic shocks. The country has repeatedly relied on International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes to stabilize its economy and manage fiscal pressures.

The business environment likewise faces persistent challenges. Frequent policy changes, exchange rate volatility, high production costs, legal uncertainty, energy shortages, and regulatory inefficiencies have discouraged investment and affected industrial competitiveness. Several domestic businesses have relocated operations abroad, while some international companies have scaled back or withdrawn their presence. Agriculture, manufacturing, and the real estate sector have all encountered policy uncertainties that have constrained growth. Although the government has actively promoted Pakistan as an attractive investment destination through international forums and investment summits, many observers argue that stronger institutional reforms are required to translate memoranda of understanding into tangible investment and sustainable economic development.

Collectively, these challenges have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and diminished public confidence in governance. Many citizens perceive that their concerns have not been addressed with sufficient urgency, contributing to frustration and declining trust in public institutions. Restoring confidence requires comprehensive reforms aimed at improving governance, strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparency, protecting fundamental rights, and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Pakistan possesses considerable human capital, abundant natural resources, and significant strategic advantages. Harnessing these strengths requires merit-based governance, institutional professionalism, and policies that prioritize national development over narrow political interests. Addressing brain drain, improving educational and employment opportunities, and creating a stable business environment should become national priorities. Economic policies must be designed to benefit society as a whole while promoting sustainable and equitable growth.

Equally important is the restoration of public confidence in democratic institutions. Electoral integrity, respect for the popular mandate, and judicial independence are fundamental to constitutional governance. The judiciary must remain impartial and capable of protecting the Constitution and the rule of law without political influence. Likewise, political competition should occur within constitutional and democratic frameworks rather than through institutional confrontation or selective accountability.

Can Pakistan overcome these interconnected challenges? The answer depends on the willingness of its leaders and institutions to undertake meaningful reforms and address structural weaknesses with sincerity and determination. While international engagement remains important, domestic stability must receive equal priority. Constructive criticism from international organizations should be viewed as an opportunity for institutional improvement rather than dismissed outright. Sustainable progress will require difficult but necessary reforms, sound economic management, political consensus, and a renewed commitment to democratic governance.

History demonstrates that nations recover when their leaders acknowledge challenges, build public trust, and pursue reform with consistency and resolve. Pakistan’s future will ultimately depend not only on its diplomatic achievements abroad but also on its ability to establish justice, stability, prosperity, and democratic accountability at home. It’s time to figure it out.

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