Heterogeneous fragility in Pakistan

This chapter argues that Pakistan presents a complex case for the study of state fragility and its impact on economic growth and development. Pakistan presents a complex case for the study of state fragility and its impact on economic growth and development. The country has long been perceived to be at risk of economic and political instability due to uneven economic growth and heightened militancy, especially along the western border. Fundamental causes such as geography and history are less amenable to policy interventions that seek to tackle fragility, and its relationship with economic development. Pakistan's struggles with instituting political stability can partly be traced back to its initial conditions of statehood. The country was formed as a seceding state with major resource constraints during an uncertain and hostile process of decolonisation. Pakistan's multi-ethnic composition acts as another important driver of fragility and instability.