By Qamar Bashir
The year 2024 was a defining period for Pakistan, marked by political upheaval, constitutional controversies, and economic struggles. The year began with severe economic challenges in January, including skyrocketing inflation, low GDP growth, and rising unemployment. Political tensions heightened as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continued protests and sit-ins, demanding early elections. In response to the growing unrest, the much-anticipated general elections were held on February 8, 2024,
following a delay from 2023.
The general elections were marred by widespread allegations of rigging, particularly
against the military establishment, which was accused of manipulating results to favor the
Pakistan Muslim League (N) and to marginalize Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The PTI organized nationwide protests demanding the restoration of what they termed
their "stolen mandate" and the release of detained party leaders. PTI also called for a
boycott of products from companies owned by the armed forces and threatened civil
disobedience, escalating tensions. The party accused the military of permeating civilian
decision-making processes and undermining democratic institutions.
The U.S. State Department called for a transparent investigation into the alleged
irregularities, emphasizing the importance of adherence to democratic principles.
Additionally, over 60 Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives urged
President Joe Biden to leverage U.S. influence to secure Khan's release. Richard Grenell,
a close aid of the USA President Elect Trump publicly criticized the Pakistani
government's actions, expressing support for Khan and condemning the alleged electoral
manipulation. In response to both domestic and international pressure, the Pakistani
government initiated negotiations with PTI.
To consolidate power, the new government enacted significant legislative and
constitutional amendments in 2024. In October, Parliament passed the 26th Amendment
to the Constitution, introducing controversial changes to the judiciary. This amendment
shifted the appointment of the Chief Justice of Pakistan to a Special Parliamentary
Committee, replacing the seniority-based system, and fixed the Chief Justice’s tenure at
three years. Additionally, amendments were made to election laws, effectively disabling
the functioning of Election Tribunals and frustrating the Supreme Court's rulings on
electoral disputes. Alongside these developments, stricter internet regulations were
implemented to curb misinformation and dissent, heightening fears over the erosion of
freedom of expression and the suppression of political dissent.
In November 2024, the National Assembly approved amendments extending the service
terms of the chiefs of the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force from three to five years.
On December 13, 2024, a larger bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Aminuddin
Khan, susppended the earlier decision of the Supreme Court on suspenssion of military
courts, and allowed military courts to resume trials of civilians accused of involvement in
the May 9, 2023, pending final appeals. Following this ruling, military courts sentenced
85 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to ten years by December 26, 2024. These
developments have drawn condemnation from human rights organizations for the lack of
transparency and due process in military court proceedings.
In 2024, Pakistan's relations with neighboring countries were marked by significant
tensions and security challenges. On January 16, Iran conducted missile strikes in
Pakistan's Balochistan province. In retaliation, on January 18, Pakistan carried out
airstrikes in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, targeting Baloch separatist militants.
Similarly, on April 16, Pakistan conducted its first notable strike in Afghanistan,
targeting TTP hideouts in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces reportedly killing several
militants. On December 25, Pakistan carried out additional airstrikes in Afghanistan’s
Paktika province, reportedly killing 46 people. Taliban interim goverment retaliated and
carried out attack inside Pakistan claiming achieving the objectives. Relations with India
also remained tense, with frequent border skirmishes and disputes over Kashmir.
In 2024, Pakistan's missile program faced heightened scrutiny as the United States
imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including the National Development
Complex. The U.S. alleged that advancements in Pakistan's missile capabilities, such as
the Shaheen-III missile with a range of 2,750 kilometers, could pose risks of regional
destabilization and potential nuclear proliferation.
In the fiscal year 2023-2024, Pakistan's economy exhibited modest growth, with a 0.92%
increase in the first quarter, driven by the agriculture and services sectors, but
experienced contraction of industrial sector by 1.03%. Inflation rates showed a significant
decline, dropping from 29.2% in 2023 to 4.9% in 2024, which allowed the State Bank of
Pakistan to reduce the policy rate from 22% to 13% by December.
Regarding trade, Pakistan's exports for the fiscal year 2023-2024 were approximately
$30.68 billion, marking a 10.65% increase from $27.72 billion in the previous fiscal year.
Imports during the same period amounted to $63.29 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of
about $32.61 billion.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) showed signs of recovery, with a 17% increase to $1.9
billion in July 2024, primarily sourced from China, Hong Kong, the UK, US, and
Singapore. However, challenges such as complex regulations, security concerns, and
energy shortages continued to hinder the investment climate.
Internationally, Pakistan maintained its support for Palestinian rights, condemning Israeli
actions in Gaza and calling for a just and lasting solution based on pre-1967 borders with
Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state. Additionally, Pakistan
advocated for de-escalation in Syria, urging respect for the country's sovereignty and
territorial integrity. citeturn0search1 These positions underscore Pakistan's commitment
to addressing both its internal economic challenges and its stance on key international
issues.
In 2024, Pakistan faced significant challenges in governance, justice, freedom of speech,
political freedom, and its international image. Freedom House's "Freedom in the World
2024" report rated Pakistan as "Partly Free," with a score of 35 out of 100, indicating
limited political rights and civil liberties. The World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index
placed Pakistan at 130th out of 139 countries, reflecting systemic issues in justice and
governance. In terms of press freedom, Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 150th
out of 180 countries in its 2023 index, noting slight improvements but ongoing concerns
about media restrictions. Additionally, Pakistan's position in the global soft power index
declined from 63rd in 2021 to 84th in 2023, highlighting challenges in its international
image.
In 2025, Pakistan must address its challenges with a strategic focus on political stability,
economic resilience, and global engagement. Political unrest should be defused through
dialogue, transparent governance, and respect for democratic principles, while ensuring
judicial independence and safeguarding freedoms to rebuild public trust. Economic
priorities include diversifying exports, reducing the trade deficit, attracting foreign
investment by addressing systemic barriers, and reducing reliance on external financing
like IMF loans to regain fiscal sovereignty.
Diplomatically, Pakistan should foster regional stability through improved ties with
neighbors—India, Afghanistan, and Iran—and engage constructively with global powers
like the USA, Europe, Russia, and China for mutual economic and strategic gains.
Improving governance, reducing corruption, and upholding justice and freedoms are
critical for elevating Pakistan’s global rankings and international image. By
implementing these measures with accountability, Pakistan can achieve sustainable
progress and enhance its standing on the world stage.
