Pakistan

Formed after gaining independence in 1947 from the British empire, Pakistan continues to be plagued by internal and external instability. It has been hard for Pakistan to achieve strong economic growth over the years, but it still provides opportunities for private sector investors. Security remains a primary concern for Pakistan, as the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan and tensions with its eastern neighbor India persist.

The Pakistani courts strike back

Issue Brief Apr 1, 2025

Rescuing Pakistan’s economy

By Aasim M. Husain

For decades, Pakistan has struggled with a declining standard of living, skyrocketing public debt, and economic policies that have failed to address the root causes of its stagnation.
Economy & Business Middle East
The Pakistani courts strike back

Issue Brief Nov 14, 2024

Mapping South Asia’s digital landscape

By Mark Linscott, Gopal Nadadur

Data protection regulations are becoming critical for South Asia, where some countries are increasingly driven by digital economies.
Bangladesh Digital Policy
The Pakistani courts strike back

Memo to… May 16, 2024

Memo to the UN secretary-general: Establish a UN conflict prevention mechanism for the Afghanistan region

By Laurie Nathan and Nilofar Sakhi

The risk of conflict between Afghanistan and its neighbors has been rising since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, and is now at a critical point. The UN has tools that have lowered the risk of major conflict in other tense neighborhoods. It’s time to deploy them for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Central Asia

Events

Public Event Fri, July 25, 2025 • 10:30 am ET

Pakistan’s foreign minister on tensions with India and the future of US ties

AN #ACFRONTPAGE EVENT—Pakistani Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar joins the Atlantic Council for a timely conversation on India-Pakistan tensions, regional stability, and the future of US-Pakistan relations.

Defense Policy Economy & Business Indo-Pacific Pakistan

The South Asia Center is the hub for the Atlantic Council’s analysis of the political, social, geographical, and cultural diversity of the region. ​At the intersection of South Asia and its geopolitics, SAC cultivates dialogue to shape policy and forge ties between the region and the global community.

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Content

New Atlanticist

Jan 21, 2020

The Pakistani courts strike back

By Fatima Salman

The historic sentencing in December of former dictator and president Pervez Musharraf was a blow to the military’s image and directly questions its unequivocal authority over shaping Pakistan’s political life—even if it is only symbolic. In a rare streak of defiance, the country’s courts are pushing back against a traditionally powerful and popular establishment hoping to inch the country from a seemingly illiberal to a more liberal democracy.

Democratic Transitions Pakistan

In the News

Jan 17, 2020

Younus in Dawn: Sheesha Smoking

By Atlantic Council

Pakistan Resilience & Society

In the News

Jan 13, 2020

Younus in his podcast “Pakistonomy,” Episode 1: Khurram Husain

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Pakistan

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

As the South and Southeast Asian region faces increasing energy demand due to both population and economic growth, countries like Pakistan must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Pakistan seeking to diversify its energy mix and establish more local and decarbonized power systems, and what are key opportunities for future government and foreign investment?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

Bretton Woods 2.0

Oct 21, 2019

A Conversation with the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan H.E. Reza Baqir

On October 16th, the Atlantic Council’s Global Business and Economics (GBE) Program hosted a roundtable conversation with Dr. Reza Baqir, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

IranSource

Oct 21, 2019

Kashmir is driving Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Tehran and Riyadh

By Fatemeh Aman

From Imran Khan’s perspective, the issue of Kashmir has not attracted enough international attention. Mediating de-escalation in the Persian Gulf could strengthen his ability to bring more attention to that crisis too.

India Iran

In the News

Oct 13, 2019

Nawaz in The Indian Express on his new book, The Battle for Pakistan

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Corruption

In the News

Oct 11, 2019

Nawaz in India Today on his new book, The Battle for Pakistan

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Corruption

Issue Brief

Aug 21, 2019

Repeal of Article 370: Implications for India, Pakistan, and the United States

By Kyra Kocis, Nidhi Upadhyaya, Irfan Nooruddin

The articles have institutionalized a unique constitutional relationship between Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and the Central Government since 1954.

Conflict India

Issue Brief

Aug 21, 2019

Repeal of Article 370: Implications for India, Pakistan, and the United States

By Kyra Kocis, Nidhi Upadhyaya, and Irfan Nooruddin

The articles have institutionalized a unique constitutional relationship between Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and the Central Government since 1954.

Conflict India
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Experts

Staff

Manal Fatima

Assistant Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Middle East North Africa

Fellow

Nik Foster

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Energy & Environment

Fellow

Erum Haider

Assistant Professor, Political Science and Environmental Studies, The College of Wooster

South Asia Center

Civil Society Economy & Business

Fellow

Hameed Hakimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

South Asia Center

Migration Security & Defense

Staff

Michael Kugelman

Resident Senior Fellow, South Asia

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Afghanistan Bangladesh

Fellow

Paul D. Miller

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Pakistan
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