Elections in Pakistan mark an important milestone in the country’s democratic development but there is little cause for celebration, according to Tim Holt, Head of Intelligence for Alert: 24, Willis’ crisis and risk management consultancy, in his latest blog.
“A series of violent, politically motivated attacks, kidnappings and arrests have marred the delicate process of transformation. Worsening socio-economic, political and ethnic tensions continue to shape the security environment, broadening threat and adding further concerns for companies and individuals living and operating in Pakistan,” according to Holt.
Key highlights from the blog include:
· Security Threats: “The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office are advising against all travel to Pakistan with a few exceptions.”
· Corruption: “Within Pakistan, the underdeveloped and fragile democratic and judicial infrastructure has left political institutions open to systemic corruption, mismanagement and the influence of external players.”
· Economy: “Pakistan’s economic growth is slowing and the economic outlook remains bleak in comparison to its Asian neighbours.”
· Business Environment: “Political, economic and security concerns shape Pakistan’s business environment which ranks 105th in the World Bank’s comparators on the ease of doing business, illustrating some of the multitude of legislative, security and political challenges.”
Key recommendation: According to Holt: “It would be prudent to suspend all travel plans to Pakistan during this year’s election cycle to avoid being caught up in any peripheral or collateral violence. If you already have employees or travellers in the country then it would be wise to for organisations to review their contingency, evacuation and crisis plans and ensure that these plans are effectively communicated so that staff know what to do the in case of an emergency.”