For Pakistan, the first quarter of the century (2000–2025) reflected ups and downs in the realm of domestic and foreign policy. Starting with General Musharraf’s military rule in October 1999, the first quarter of the 21st century ended with the military establishment dominating the so-called civilian government. With the end of Musharraf’s rule in August 2008, civilian governments tried to carve out democratic space, but following the end of Imran Khan’s government in April 2022, the assertion of the military in political matters and the mode of governance became a reality. Except during Musharraf’s era, when the economy performed relatively better in terms of the value of the rupee versus the US dollar, economic growth rate, and the performance of state institutions, the post-2008 era witnessed a downward slide in the economy and governance.

An analysis of Pakistan in the first quarter of the 21st century, however, reflects a surge in extremism, violence, and terrorism. Following 9/11, Pakistan became a frontline state in the US-led war on terror. While Islamabad received enormous military and economic assistance from the United States from 2002 to 2009, it paid the price of attaining the status of a major non-NATO ally by experiencing hundreds of drone attacks on its tribal areas and a surge in terrorism.

The manner in which the Red Mosque operation was conducted in Islamabad in July 2007, and the mishandling of the lawyers’ movement, reflected a surge in religious and political polarisation. To a large extent, the first quarter of the century for Pakistan ended on a pessimistic note because political pluralism, good governance, and the rule of law were undermined, and the country witnessed severe curbs on the media and the opposition, particularly the PTI.

One can examine six main characteristics shaping and influencing events during the first quarter of the 21st century. First, 9/11 changed the world and led to the US-led attack on Afghanistan in October 2001. Afghanistan remained a major flashpoint during the first quarter of the 21st century for 20 years, remaining under the control of the United States and NATO, and then, following the American withdrawal in August 2021, coming under the control of the........

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