Pakistan faces a widening political crisis shaped by economic weakness, political instability, terrorism and regional unrest, according to recent remarks by senior political figures. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif compared Pakistan’s trajectory with India’s, arguing that Pakistan has fallen behind in the economy, technology, infrastructure, industry and international influence despite their similar independence timelines. He also referred to conditions in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said at the Pakistan Economic Summit in July that the long-standing system of governing the country had effectively collapsed. He called for major structural reforms, including the possible creation of new provinces or administrative units, while clarifying that he was not seeking the removal of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman separately criticised the military’s political role.

The source cites separatist violence, militant activity, public discontent, inflation, unemployment, debt pressure and limited development spending as added strains. It says durable stability requires economic development, political legitimacy, effective administration and stronger democratic institutions.