Pakistan's Mounting Challenges

Pakistan is a nation in peril

Pakistan is a nation in peril. The country faces challenges on many fronts - it has deep problems economically, politically, and militarily - and is struggling to feed and house the millions of flood victims while maintaining security in the country and on its borders. The government is likely to be under increased opposition as things worsen economically and as the flood rescue and relief efforts continue to drag on.

Food shortages loom, not only for the flood victims but for the entire country owing to the losses of this past summer's wheat crop and the threat to the upcoming wheat planting season from the flood waters that still stand in much of the country's agricultural region. The economy was in bad shape before the floods, now it is in desperate shape, with some analyst predicting a possible collapse in the near future.

The government is grappling with terrorist attacks and security concerns are high as military manpower is diverted to flood relief, including the foreign military presence which is also involved in the rescue and relief operations. Extremist groups may seize the opportunity to step up violence and attacks and indeed, there has been a recent increase in terrorist activity amid continued attacks on militants from US forces using drones which have killed many civilians, which also creates political problems for the ruling party. Statements by the exiled ex-President Pervez Musharraf announcing his plans to return to Pakistan and to political life can only be adding to the uncertainty about Pakistan's political future.

Pakistan's military is a powerful force in the country, having led coups against the leadership in the past, and the uneasy balance of power between the current government and the military leadership may come under strain again if conditions in the country do not improve, and there is little hope of that anytime in the near future. Pressures over the disputed Kashmiri region are another source of concern for the government and the military, and Pakistan is now engaged in trying to establish a dialog with India, which has stubbornly refused any intervention by outside diplomatic efforts.

For the people who call Pakistan home, these are uncertain and difficult times. For Pakistanis living abroad, staying in touch with those back home is crucial, and many are taking advantage of cheap calls to Pakistan offered by many telecom services to maintain contact with loved ones. The rest of the world must continue to assist in the aid efforts, as the nation and the stability of the entire region hangs in the balance.

Pakistan's Mounting Challenges

By: Adrian Fisher

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