Govt. Issues in Pakistan – 2025 Challenges and Reforms Ahead

In 2025, Govt. issues in Pakistan remain one of the most debated topics among policymakers, international institutions, and citizens. With ongoing challenges in decentralization, institutional accountability, civil service reform, and political stability, the need for transparent and effective governance is more urgent than ever.

Major Govt. Issues in Pakistan – 2025

Area	Key Challenges
Centralisation	Weak local government systems, lack of constitutional guarantees for local bodies
Corruption	Politicised accountability, lack of transparency, elite capture
Military Influence	Overreach in economic and political affairs
Civic Freedom	Reduced media independence, limited political participation
Economic Instability	IMF conditionalities, structural inefficiencies, lack of inclusive reforms
National Security	Intelligence overlaps, cross-border threats, and domestic unrest

Centralisation and Local Governance

Pakistan’s governance remains heavily centralised in 2025. Local government systems are not constitutionally protected, and civil services are not aligned with local needs. Transparency International Pakistan advocates structural reforms, including:

Digitization of services
Empowering parliamentary committees
Introducing conflict-of-interest laws

These changes aim to decentralize power and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

Corruption and Accountability

Pakistan ranks 135th on the Corruption Perceptions Index. Key governance challenges include:

Lack of a unified anti-corruption framework
Selective accountability by institutions like NAB and FIA
Elite capture and politicisation of public offices

The IMF and World Bank have linked financial support to improvements in transparency and accountability across civil institutions.

Military’s Role in Economy and Politics

The military’s increasing influence in economic sectors—from agriculture to infrastructure—raises serious governance concerns. Critics argue this dominance compromises democratic integrity and deters foreign investment. Politically, the army continues to shape narratives, evidenced by the suppression of opposition voices.

Restriction of Civic Space

Pakistan’s transition towards hybrid authoritarianism continues. Issues in 2025 include:

Media censorship
Repressive cyber and disinformation laws
Political interference in judiciary and elections

International watchdogs and the EU have raised concerns about the shrinking space for democratic participation and human rights.

Economic and Fiscal Reforms

To stabilize its economy, Pakistan is working with the IMF on a $7 billion program and the World Bank on a $20 billion 10-year package. Key reforms include:

Tax base expansion
Public sector enterprise reforms
Reduction of government expenditures
Increased female representation in governance

Domestic reforms include AI-based digital IDs, border smuggling crackdowns, and workforce downsizing to control fiscal deficits.

National Security and Governance

Security remains a pressing concern with increasing threats on borders and unrest in provinces like Balochistan and Sindh. The newly established National Intelligence Fusion and Targeting Center (NIFTAC) is aimed at improving coordination between agencies.

Recommendations for Good Governance

Constitutional Protection for Local Governments
Unified, Depoliticized Anti-Corruption Agencies
Digitized Judicial and Administrative Systems
Clear Separation of Military and Civil Authority
Reforms to Safeguard Media and Civic Rights
Adherence to International Standards for Human Rights

Conclusion

Governance in Pakistan faces serious structural, political, and security challenges in 2025. However, with consistent reforms, support from international partners, and strong political will, the country has the potential to improve transparency, accountability, and institutional efficiency. The future of Pakistan’s democracy and development depends on urgent, inclusive, and sustained governance reforms. Stay tuned with Bloom Pakistan.