and the Middle East. It has a very large, fast‑growing, and young population, a strategically important location, and significant agricultural and hydropower potential—but also faces persistent macroeconomic stress, climate vulnerability, governance challenges, and security concerns. Economic stabilization is under way but fragile, with modest growth, high debt, and tight external financing conditions.

Introduction

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, was created in 1947 following the partition of British India. It is the world’s 5th most populous country and a key regional actor with nuclear capabilities and a large military. Historically shaped by the Indus Valley civilization, Islamic empires, and British colonial rule, it continues to navigate complex relations with neighbors—especially India over Kashmir—and internal political and security dynamics.

Geography

Pakistan lies in southern Asia, bordering India, Afghanistan, Iran, China, and the Arabian Sea. Its area is about $\mathrm{796,000}$–$\mathrm{882,000}$ square kilometers, with three main regions: the northern highlands (including parts of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush), the fertile Indus River plain, and the arid Balochistan Plateau. The climate ranges from hot desert to temperate and alpine, and the country is highly exposed to floods, heatwaves, and glacial melt, making climate resilience a central policy issue.

People and society

Pakistan’s estimated population in 2025 is about 257 million, with more than half under age 25, creating both a demographic opportunity and pressure on jobs, education, and health systems. Urbanization is rising, but a large share still lives in rural areas; poverty and inequality remain significant, especially after recent economic and climate shocks. Urdu is the national language, English is widely used in government and business, and society is ethnically diverse (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, Baloch and others) with Islam as the state religion.

Government

Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic with four provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan) and several federally administered territories. Power is shared between the elected parliament and prime minister, the presidency, the judiciary, and a historically influential military establishment. Politics are competitive but often turbulent, with frequent changes of government, coalition politics, and ongoing debates over constitutional balance, civil–military relations, and devolution to provinces.

Population

• Total population (2025 est.): ~257 million
• Growth: High but gradually slowing; fertility is declining but remains above replacement.
• Age structure: Very young median age (early 20s), large youth cohort entering the labor market.
• Life expectancy: Improving over time but still below many regional peers; child stunting and out‑of‑school children remain major concerns.

Economy

Pakistan’s economy is stabilizing after a period of severe balance‑of‑payments stress, high inflation, and slow growth. GDP in 2024 is around USD 380 billion, with modest real growth (about $2.5$–$3\mathrm{\%}$) expected into 2025, constrained by tight fiscal and external conditions. The economy is driven by agriculture (notably cotton, wheat, rice), textiles and light manufacturing, services, and large remittance inflows; structural issues include low tax collection, energy sector losses, weak productivity, and vulnerability to external shocks.

Energy

Pakistan relies on a mixed energy basket: domestic gas (declining), imported LNG, oil, coal (including new coal‑fired plants), hydropower, and growing but still modest renewables. Chronic power shortages have eased somewhat but circular debt, pricing reforms, and grid reliability remain major challenges. The country has significant hydropower and solar potential and is under pressure to shift toward more sustainable, climate‑resilient energy while managing affordability and access.

Communications

Pakistan has a large and expanding digital footprint, with widespread mobile phone use and rapidly growing mobile broadband and social media penetration. Fixed broadband and digital infrastructure are uneven, with urban–rural gaps and affordability issues. Media is vibrant but operates within a constrained environment, with periodic restrictions, regulatory pressures, and concerns over disinformation and online extremism.

Transportation

The transport network centers on road corridors linking major cities (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad–Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta) and connecting to ports on the Arabian Sea, especially Karachi and Gwadar. Railways are extensive but in need of modernization; ports and highways are being upgraded, including under China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. Logistics bottlenecks, urban congestion, and climate‑related disruptions (e.g., flood‑damaged infrastructure) remain key constraints on trade and growth.

Military and security

Pakistan maintains one of the world’s largest militaries and is a declared nuclear‑weapons state. Its security posture is shaped by rivalry with India, particularly over Kashmir, and by internal and cross‑border militancy involving groups such as Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The armed forces play a central role in national security and have historically had significant influence in politics and foreign policy; counterterrorism, border management, and internal security operations continue to be major priorities.

Travel advice (general, 2025)

Foreign governments typically advise travelers to Pakistan to:

• Exercise a high degree of caution due to risks of terrorism, sectarian violence, and political demonstrations.
• Avoid certain border regions (especially parts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and areas near the Afghan and Indian borders) where security incidents are more frequent.
• Follow local security guidance, register with embassies where possible, and monitor local media for changes in the security and political situation.

Specific advice varies by country, so travelers should always check their own government’s latest travel advisories before planning a trip.

Expected trends for 2026

• Economy: Gradual but modest growth if stabilization and reforms continue—especially in taxation, energy, and state‑owned enterprises—yet downside risks remain from external financing, climate shocks, and political uncertainty.
• Demographics and jobs: The youth bulge will intensify pressure for job creation, skills development, and migration opportunities; failure to absorb young workers could fuel social and political tensions.
• Climate and resilience: More investment in climate adaptation, flood management, and resilient infrastructure is likely, but implementation capacity and financing will be critical constraints.
• Politics and security: Continued focus on internal security and counterterrorism, with periodic political volatility; relations with neighbors and major powers (China, Gulf states, Western partners) will remain central to economic and security strategy.