Pakistan in 2022

Even by the standards of Pakistan’s historical political instability, 2022 was extremely challenging. The year began with Pakistan on the cusp of sovereign default, with rapidly depleting foreign exchange reserves and skyrocketing inflation. The economic situation was worsened by devastating floods during the monsoon season that directly impacted the lives of 33 million Pakistanis. An energized opposition called for a no-confidence vote against prime minister Imran Khan that in set in motion a chain of political crises that exposed the weakness of political parties, the meddling of the military in politics, and judicial activism. The year ended with Pakistan’s national security being threatened by religious extremist groups operating from Taliban-led Afghanistan.