Pak Institute for Peace Studies

23/08/2026

The political may inspire some within ’s power structures, but the model, too, fascinates elites, as gradual electoral and governance-related reforms have reduced the role of .

The Gulf model always inspires Pakistanis as an authoritarian success story.

16/08/2026

Waiting for a to happen is an old practice of ’s power . Every few years, the ruling establishment constructs a new of : that a breakthrough is just around the corner, prosperity is waiting beyond the horizon, and Pakistan need only remain patient for the miracle to unfold.

Pakistanis have been conditioned to look outward for a change in their fate.

10/08/2026

’s problem, therefore, is not a shortage of operations. It is the absence of a coordinated strategy that converts operational successes into durable . Without accountable governance, political inclusion, capable policing, regional diplomacy and community trust, the state will keep clearing the same ground, and terrorists will keep returning to it. The stakes are now dangerously high nationwide.

The country lacks a coordinated strategy that converts operational success into durable peace.

05/08/2026

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27/07/2026

There are certainly instances where local were formed by criminal elements seeking state patronage. Overall, however, the phenomenon of state-backed armed groups, variously termed ‘amn (peace) committees’ and ‘lashkars’, or derogatorily labelled ‘death squads’ and ‘cardholders’, is no longer popular. There are distinct reasons for this shift across both and .

Why do states encourage local populations in conflict zones to stand up against violent actors?

20/07/2026

The will hardly impact the power elite’s attitude towards its record on , the rule of law, justice, freedom of the press, and democracy, as it appears to neither believe in these values nor see democracy as a system that best suits the country. Its sources of inspiration lie elsewhere: China and the Gulf monarchies fascinate ’s elites far more, and their authoritarian developmentalism seems more viable to them.

The EU report will hardly impact the power elite’s approach to rights and the rule of law.

05/07/2026

has emerged as a particularly vulnerable urban centre. The city remains a target for terrorist and insurgent attacks while simultaneously experiencing the rise of criminal gangs involved in kidnappings, extortion and violent crime. Various perceptions surround these groups, including allegations that some consist of former security personnel coming here after political changes in . Whatever their origins, these groups have introduced another layer of insecurity in the provincial capital.

Instead of investing in accountable policing, the authorities are relying on coercive legislation.

30/06/2026

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28/06/2026

The future of West geopolitics remains uncertain, and Pakistan’s place in the emerging regional order is yet to be determined. One can only hope that, in pursuit of new opportunities, does not abandon yet another dream, the one now described as the Blue-Gold Corridor.

Pakistan’s growing economic engagement with Iran is driven by strategic considerations.