Pakistan, like other developing economies of South Asia; grapples with the persistent challenge of corruption and misgovernance, which is deeply rooted in its social and governmental fabric. The Corruption Perception Index report by Transparency International highlights the pervasiveness of corruption across all levels of society and government in Pakistan, that has plagued country’s economy with serious challenges, including surging inflation, escalating commodity prices, and notable declines in foreign reserves and investment. The report paints a bleak picture of its struggling economy, underscoring the pressing need for innovative approaches to address these critical challenges.

“Project launched to strengthen anti-corruption efforts and improve governance in Balochistan”, Sohail Anwar Hashmi, Director General, ACEB

The ILO reports that Pakistan has 8.5 million domestic workers, with women comprising over half of the informal labor force. However, domestic workers are not entitled to benefits like minimum wage, which is only preserved for other workers. This results in women and young girls receiving only a pittance for their labor, insufficient to cover rent and other household expenses.

The recent tragedy of losing lives to human trafficking is a moment of reflection and much neglected Feminist perspectives is well-suited for this purpose. Feminist analyses of the economic causes of human trafficking of men in Pakistan looks at the exploitative economic system and structural inequalities which make men vulnerable to economic exploitation and trafficking.

After the 9th May vandalism on the state's military installations, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) faces a massive crackdown. PTI leaders are leaving the party one after another and those staying face arrests and a pending trial in the controversial military courts.  As PTI awaits a potential permanent ban and its Chairman Imran Khan may be tried in a military court and disqualified, the uncertainty around general elections in 2023 grows further in a politically unstable Pakistan.