Pakistan has locked down Imran Khan's stronghold - but it could backfire

But Pakistan has plenty to contend with. Militancy is rising. The country was ranked number one in the Global Terrorism Index 2026 as the country which had been affected most.The country is at loggerheads with two neighbours; it has repeatedly hit Afghanistan with air strikes accusing the Afghan Taliban government of harbouring militant groups, a claim it denies. It would take little to reignite its long-running simmering conflict with India.Meanwhile, it has promised to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against attacks as the conflict against the Houthis has become increasingly dangerous.Short of solving one problem, some have warned this state of emergency could lead to more challenges. It risks increasing political instability, with Islamabad taking responsibility for a province without a buffer - the provincial government - they can blame."I would argue that this could actually backfire," Kugelman says. "You're playing with fire because if this move ends up adding to the anger and the discontent among so many there, then you have a very big problem on your hands.""It is reckless, given the challenges, multiple challenges the country is facing," Hussain says. He fears that more of...