As Pakistan enters a new year, the nation once again stands between hope and hardship. Every new year in Pakistan arrives with renewed promises from those in power and fresh expectations from the people. Yet history shows that political optimism is often short-lived, overshadowed by recurring crises, confrontational politics, and governance failures. The country’s political challenges are not abstract or generic; they are deeply tied to the conduct, priorities, and conflicts of its political parties both in government and in opposition. The new year, therefore, forces an uncomfortable but necessary question. Can Pakistan’s political actors rise above personal and party interests to serve the state?

At the centre of Pakistan’s political struggle lies the chronic rivalry among major political parties. The Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and several regional parties dominate the political arena. Each claims to represent the people, yet their collective behaviour has often weakened democratic culture. Governments tend to rule with a siege mentality, while opposition parties frequently focus more on destabilising the government than on offering constructive alternatives. This adversarial politics has become a defining feature of Pakistan’s democracy.

The party currently in government faces immense pressure. It must manage a fragile economy, public anger over inflation, and demands from international lenders, while also navigating hostile opposition politics. Instead of receiving space to govern, the ruling coalition is constantly challenged by protests, court cases, and allegations of illegitimacy. While accountability is essential in a democracy, the line between accountability and political vendetta is often blurred. Governments, in turn, respond defensively, sometimes using state institutions to silence critics or weaken opponents. This cycle erodes democratic norms and deepens political instability.

The opposition, particularly large parties that have previously ruled, plays a crucial but controversial role. Rather than acting as a policy-focused watchdog, opposition politics in Pakistan often revolve around agitation, slogans, and calls for early elections. Parliamentary boycotts, street protests, and refusal to engage in dialogue have........

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