PAKISTAN INSIGHTS 2021-22 is the third in the ‘Pakistan Insights’ series brought out by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) to deepen the understanding of Pakistan. Ideas for the various chapters are based on the discussions held in the Pakistan Study Group (PSG) that was set up in February 2018 in the VIF. The previous two editions- Pakistan Insights 2019 and Pakistan Insights 2020 received widespread acclaim and it is hoped that this edition too would be well received.

Pakistan Insights 2021-22 takes a granular look at some of the critical issues facing Pakistan. The book begins with a look at the recent developments in Pakistan including the ousting of Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence motion and the challenges before the new Shehbaz Sharif-led government; an overview of developments in Pakistan in 2021-22;internal developments and civil-military relations during the period; Pakistan`s persisting ethnic fault-lines and the danger they pose for the state; growth of extremism due to Pakistan`s strategic choices; Pakistan`s non-traditional security threats that includes the looming water crisis, the education emergency, the economic meltdown and the demographic challenge; the National Security Policy announced in January 2022; the development and growth of the media and the challenges it faces; Pakistan`s foreign policy in its various dimensions; the Pak Army`s war fighting doctrine and the role of nationalism and identity in it; and the role of Pakistan in the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and its aftermath. The book concludes with some thoughts on the future trajectory of Pakistan.

Tilak Devasher is a consultant with the Vivekananda International Foundation.  He is a former Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India.  During his professional career, Tilak specialized in security issues, especially pertaining to India’s neighbourhood.  He is the author of  Pakistan: Courting the Abyss (December 2016);  Pakistan: At the Helm(June 2018); and Pakistan: The Balochistan Conundrum (July 2019). All the books have been published by Harper Collins India.  He is currently a member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).