The Pakistani state is in trouble, riven by power struggles and social conflict. Regionalism, ethnic division and sectarian partisanship within the armed forces have added up to a political and economic breakdown and a complex civil war.

The competition between the armed services and the Pakistani intelligence services, both civilian and military, has kept Pakistan locked in turmoil. Here, a lifelong analyst of Pakistani politics and society reflects on the complex interplay of military, political, and societal factors in the country.

Musa Khan Jalalzai explains the political and security situation, the impact on society of torture and enforced disappearances, the ongoing conflict in Balochistan and Afghanistan, and the implications of state-sponsored terrorism. The Army and the intelligence community are both involved in criminal conduct against citizens, revealing a profound lack of strategic direction for these institutions. He also touches on the leadership challenges in Pakistan and the economic struggles the country faces, drawing a line from Zia-era extremism to expanding terrorism under Pervez Musharraf, and pointing out the lack of industry, economic stagnation, huge running deficits, and public debt reflecting a failure to strive for the public good. Political instability, corruption, incompetence, and control by the agencies are the guiding realities, not a policy to promote public welfare.

The author also highlights the potential for nuclear conflict in South Asia, and discusses the roles of Imran Khan and the Taliban.