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The article discusses the results of the latest review of Pakistan's operational risk model which reveal that the scores for government effectiveness and legal and regulatory risk have improved while dropping for three others including overall assessment, macroeconomics risk and foreign trade and payments risk. A chart is also presented that shows the risk ratings model of the country. The overall risk score has decreased by three points, to 68.

This article presents a country risk assessment for Pakistan in 2012. It highlights the impact of assassinations and kidnapping on business operations. Another setback facing the relations between Pakistan and the U.S. is discussed. In addition, the article assesses the effectiveness of the government and the performance of the economy.

This article provides a country risk assessment for Pakistan in 2012. It highlights threats to stability pose by security issues such as bombings. It describes the country's political stability risk rating as low due to political pressure to combat Islamist terrorism. The effectiveness of the government and the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP) are also assessed.

The article presents a legal and regulatory risk briefing for Pakistan as its prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani may be forced from office according to the Economist Intelligence Unit Risk Briefing as of May 2012. The Supreme Court convicted Gilani on charges of contempt on April 26 for refusing to write to Swiss authorities to reopen a dormant corruption case against president Asif Ali Zardari. The symbolic sentence lasting a few minutes is seen to increase Pakistan's political instability.

The article presents a legal and regulatory risk for Pakistan. It observes that the Pakistani government has introduced liberal economic policies to counter perceptions of high political risk. The article also predicts a high likelihood and high impact of a highly politicised judiciary delivering biased rulings and a moderate likelihood and moderate impact of domestic companies using political influence to gain preference over foreign businesses.

This article presents a country risk assessment for Pakistan in 2011. The Economist Intelligence Unit expects security issues to pose threats to the country's political stability. The firm assesses the need of the government to attract foreign investment and to protect domestic businesses at the same time. It also warns about potential escalation of the dispute between Pakistan and India over Kashmir.

This article provides a country risk assessment for Pakistan in 2011. The Economist Intelligence Unit expects security issues to pose threats to the country's political stability. The firm highlights the risk of retaliatory terrorist attacks. However, the firm forecasts that real gross domestic product (GDP) growth will increase in 2012. It also predicts high labor market and infrastructure risks facing the country.

The article describes risk scenarios in Pakistan as of May 2011. A pattern of increasing violence such as assassinations is being perpetrated by Islamist extremists. As political discourse is dominated by those who hold extremist views and the political climate in Pakistan appears to be becoming more unstable. According to the article, the risk could be mitigated if business leaders avoid championing controversial political causes and maintain a low profile.

The article presents a security risk assessment for Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. It notes that security risk remains a major threat to foreign operations in Pakistan. It cites Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtoonkwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas as high-risk areas in the country. It points out that the country also faces a risk of retaliatory terrorist attacks by al-Qaida supporters as a result of the killing by U.S. forces of their leader Osama bin laden. Particular focus is given to the unstable political climate in the country.

The article presents an analysis of the foreign trade and payments risks faced by Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. Concerns were raised on the possibility of a balance-of-payments crisis in 2008, as the country had a history of defaulting on its external debt. The government is expected to face pressure to protect domestic businesses amidst initiatives to attract foreign investment.

The article presents an analysis of the legal and regulatory risks faced by Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. The government is deemed to have significant influence over legal deliberations as a Supreme Court ruling legitimized the 1999 military coup that appointed General Pervez Musharraf as president. Liberal investment policies have been introduced as part of an initiative to counter perceptions of high political risk.

The article presents a risk assessment for targeted assassinations in Pakistan.

The article presents a risk assessment for the effectiveness of the Pakistani government as of May 5, 2011. It notes that the replacement of a military-backed quasi-authoritarian regime by a civilian democratic coalition in 2009 has worsened government effectiveness. It expects policymaking to be influenced by inter- and intra-party divisions. It points out that national security is still a key issue in the country amid uncertain prospects for the army's offensive against Islamist militants.

The article presents a risk assessment for the Pakistani government as of May 5, 2011. Particular focus is given to the uncertain political climate facing the country. It notes that relations between India and Pakistan at the government level are much stronger than in the past. It points out that there is a low probability of a military takeover of the government. It also notes that national security will still be a key issue for the government amid uncertain prospects for the army's offensive against Islamist militants.

The article presents an analysis of the macroeconomic risks faced by Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. Several issues may hinder economic growth in fiscal year 2010/11, including energy and water shortages, security concerns and damages from the August-September 2010 floods. Real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is forecast to slow down from 4.4% in 2009/10 to 2.6% in 2010/11.

The article presents a risk assessment for the political stability of Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. It notes that Pakistan has a low political stability risk rating as inter-party conflicts led to a full-scale political crisis in January. It also notes the growing pressure facing the Pakistani government from opposition parties, the military and the judiciary. It points out that there is a very low probability of a militant takeover of the government.

The article presents an analysis of the financial risks faced by Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. The Pakistan rupee may be boosted by inflows of official loans but political instability and inflation remain on the downside. Efforts to reduce the level of non-performing loans (NPLs) have resulted to a stronger banking sector than in the past.

The article presents an analysis of the tax policy risks faced by Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. Among the tax policy concerns were the opacity of the system despite government initiatives to simplify it and higher tax rates. Despite the importance of a reformed general sales tax (RGST) under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) guidance, it has been opposed by traders' organisations.

The article presents an analysis of the labor market risks faced by Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. It is noted that the occurrence of strikes is low, as trade unions remain weak while wage restrictions are not considered troublesome since the government has fixed minimum wages in firms employing more than six people. There is a lack of skilled labor as many of the better educated graduates and business people have emigrated from the country due to better opportunities and political stability concerns.

The article presents an analysis of the infrastructure risks faced by Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. Infrastructure has been an impediment to business operations even prior to flood damages to roads, bridges and electricity networks. There government's motorway projects are deemed underused due to high tolls and their failure to address transport needs while there are also frequent common power supply shortages and disruptions.

The article focuses on the security risks faced by Pakistan following the death of al-Qaida's leader, Osama bin Laden. It was noted that the incident on May 1, 2011 raised concerns about the country's commitment to counter-terrorism operations and further strain its relations with the U.S. Reprisals within the country and a global operation by al-Qaida to demonstrate its continued significance are among the security risks facing Pakistan.

The article presents an analysis of the political and economic risks faced by Pakistan as of May 5, 2011. Political stability in 2011-12 is expected to face significant threats from security issues, including extremist Islamist influences on areas bordering Afghanistan and the risk of retaliatory terrorist attacks by supporters of the al-Qaida international terrorist group. The country's economic growth will slow down from 4.4% in 2009/10 to 2.6% in fiscal year 2010/11 amidst numerous debt write-offs.

The article presents an overview of country risk for Pakistan as November 2010. It states that overall risk is high in the country and security concerns is expected to present threats to stability in 2011 to 2012. It mentions that security risk is E-rated which reflects an increasing threat to foreign operations.

The article discusses the high legal and regulatory risk facing foreign operations in Pakistan as of August 27, 2010. It cites the slowness of the legal system and the frequency of bribery and highlights the biased rulings of a highly politicized judiciary and the domestic companies' use of political influence to gain preference over foreign businesses. The conflict generated by President Pervez Musharraf's suspension and arrest of Supreme Court judges who did not sign his provisional constitutional order (PCO) in 2007 is also noted.

The articles assesses the probability, impact and intensity of specific risk scenarios in Pakistan. These scenarios include a terrorist strike against a business interest, the escalation into full-scale war of Pakistan's dispute with India over Kashmir, and the takeover of the government by the military or Islamist forces. Aside from the areas of security and politics, risk scenarios for government effectiveness, macroeconomy, labour market, tax policy, infrastructure, and foreign trade and payments are also evaluated.

The article discusses the significant and rising threat posed by security risk to foreign operations in Pakistan. Areas with high security risk include Khyber Pakhtoonkwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) where Islamist groups influenced by Taliban and al-Qaeda have a significant and growing presence. Since 2007, bombings and attempted bombings have increased across Pakistan, specifically in Islamabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi. Tensions between Shia and Sunni sects and the Baluchi tribes' struggle for greater presentation are also cited.

The article discusses the low political stability risk rating of Pakistan as of August 27, 2010. It cites the possible persistence of political conflict in Pakistan despite the Parliament's passage of the Constitution Bill on April 29, 2010. The bill strengthens the establishment of fully parliamentary democracy in Pakistan and improves political stability. However, the disputes among various stakeholders in the run-up to the vote and the personalised domestic politics could undermine efforts to boost the country's security situation and economy.

The article discusses the government effectiveness risk facing foreign operations in Pakistan as of August 27, 2010. It cites the failure of the civilian democratic coalition that replaced a military-backed quasi-authoritarian regime in February 2008 to improve government effectiveness. Policymaking in the current civilian government is being undermined by inter- and intra-party divisions. The response of the government to the insurgents' creation of parallel states in the north-west and the flooding disaster are also highlighted.

The article discusses the moderate tax policy risk in Pakistan as of August 27, 2010. The tax system's relatively opaque nature and higher tax rates are the major risks. Key sources of government revenue includes salaried workers, large companies, tariffs and taxes on trade. The traditionally high tax rates have been falling in recent years but weak exports and imports may encourage the government to increase other taxes to curb revenue shortfalls. The government has introduced an agricultural tax and is implementing a General Sales Tax (GST).

The article discusses the high foreign trade and payments risk in Pakistan as of August 27, 2010. It cites the sharp escalation of such risk in 2008 when the country faced the possibility of a balance-of-payments crisis late in the year. It notes Pakistan's history of defaulting on its external debt and its poor policy implementation that threatens funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It also highlights the government's likely imposition of restrictions on trade due to inflationary pressures and looming shortages caused by floods.

The article discusses the high macroeconomic risk in Pakistan as of August 27, 2010. It notes the expected negative impact of water and energy shortage, security concerns, and the destructive floods in August on the country's economic growth in fiscal year 2010-11. However, the disaster is likely to boost government consumption and investment because of the need for post-flood reconstruction. The real gross domestic product (GDP) for the current fiscal year is predicted to fall to 3.2 % from 4.4 % in 2009-2010.

The article provides an overview of various risks facing foreign operations in Pakistan as of August 27, 2010. The country has a high overall risk and its stability in 2010-2011 is being threatened by security concerns. Sources of threats include sectarian violence, extremist Islamist influences, bombings, and a civilian government saddled with inter-party tensions and fractured coalition. Aside from a low political stability risk rating, Pakistan also has a very high infrastructure risk, a relatively low labour market risk, and a moderate tax policy.

The article discusses the relatively low labour market risk in Pakistan as of August 27, 2010. The country's labour market is characterized by weak trade unions, rare strikes, and low minimum wage rate that is increased only irregularly. There are also restrictions in hiring and firing employees including expatriates. The shortage of skilled workers in Pakistan is attributed to poor educational system and the emigration of many better educated graduates due to better opportunities elsewhere and concern over political stability.

The article indicates that Pakistan's infrastructure risk was very high and a major impediment for business operations even before floods destroyed roads, bridges and electricity networks. It notes the lack of basic infrastructure in rural areas where most Pakistanis live. Motorway projects are underused due to expensive toll charges. It also cites lack of telephone landlines, low Internet penetration, frequent power supply shortages and disruptions, and sharp decrease in foreign direct investment in infrastructure projects between 2008-2009.

The article discusses macroeconomic risk scenarios in Pakistan. It notes that a liquidity crunch and slowdown in real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the country have resulted from the global financial crisis. One risk scenario involves the negative effect of inflation on private consumption growth and on the improvement of the economic environment. Another risk scenario concerns problems with balance-of-payments caused by a widening of trade deficit.

The article presents an analysis of the political stability risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. Between November 2002 and February 2008, the country was subjected to partial civilian rule. Although popular protests against the government have declined, the current president, Asif Ali Zardari, receives very low popular support. Overall weakness and hostility within the coalition government are deemed the main threats to political stability in Pakistan.

The article presents an analysis of the risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. Security risk in the country is deemed high, threatening foreign companies operating in Pakistan. The main concerns include Baluchi tribes' call for greater representation in Baluchistan and the presence of Taliban- and al-Qaeda-influenced Islamist groups in the North West Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The country's capital, Islamabad, has been subjected to bombings and attempted bombings.

A chart on the political and economic risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010 is presented.

The article presents an analysis of the government effectiveness risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. The transition from a military-backed quasi-authoritarian regime to a civilian democratic coalition was deemed to have worsened government effectiveness in the country. Despite the low popularity of the previous government, it was considered successful in reducing corruption and improving the economy.

The article presents an analysis of the legal and regulatory risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. The country's legal system is described as slow, with bribery deemed common and legal deliberations are sometimes influenced by the government. Liberal investment policies are introduced by the government as part of an initiative to address perceptions of high political risk.

The article presents an analysis of the labor market risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. The country's labor market is characterized by weak trade unions and low incidence of strikes. Minimum wage is implemented in companies with over six employees but the rate is considered low and increases irregularly. The low level of education in Pakistan is demonstrated by the workforce's low skill levels.

The article presents an analysis of the financial risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. The Pakistan rupee is boosted by official loan inflows and the reduction in the country's current-account deficit. However, the currency is threatened by political instability and inflation. Local financing for foreign companies are hindered by few formal regulations while volatility characterizes Pakistan's stockmarket, which is comprised by a few large firms.

The article presents an analysis of the foreign trade and payments risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. A projected balance-of-payments crisis in 2008 led to the increase in foreign trade and payments risk. Trade and investment sanctions were lifted by the U.S. after the country expressed support to the U.S. military action in Afghanistan.

The article presents an analysis of the macroeconomic risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. The country experienced a liquidity crunch induced by the global financial crisis. Investment in Pakistan is forecast to increase by just 1.5% in 2009/10 following a contraction of 6.5% in 2008/09. The growth in public consumption is expected to be regulated to reduce the fiscal deficit.

The article presents an analysis of the tax policy risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. Risks mainly come from the relative opacity of the system despite efforts by the government to simplify it and the high levels of tax rates in the country. Taxes are concentrated on salaried workers and large companies while agricultural tax is relatively new despite the vast wealth held by landowners.

The article presents an analysis of the infrastructure risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. The country's infrastructure risk is deemed very high, hindering business operations. This was despite government initiatives to allocate funds in the improvement of roads, railways, water and power provision. Although mobile phone usage is prevalent, telephone land lines are deemed insufficient. A decline in foreign direct investment into infrastructure projects was observed.

The article presents an analysis of the political and economic risks faced by Pakistan as of March 10, 2010. The country's overall risk is considered high, with security concerns threatening political stability in 2010-11, particularly in areas bordering Afghanistan. The influence of extremist Islamists have expanded to more central area while inter-party conflict arose in the coalition government. Growth in Pakistan's economy is forecast to decelerate from 3.7% in 2008/09 to 2.9% in 2009/10.

The article presents an economic risk assessment for Pakistan. It notes the two percent growth posted by the Pakistani economy during the fiscal year 2008-09. Some of the problems facing the domestic economy include high inflation level, dismantling of fuel and energy subsidies, and dried up credit lines. It points out Pakistan's dependence on external resources for its energy. Particular focus is given to the loan secured by Pakistan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with reasons behind the Pakistani economy's downturn.

The article presents a country risk report on national security in Pakistan as of December 2009. According to the report, the country has received an E rating in security risk with a substantial and increasing threat to foreign operations. The report states that there are insurgencies in the North West Frontier Province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Analysts recommend that businesses within the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan should withdraw their presence.

The article presents a country risk report on the political stability in Pakistan as of December 2009. According to the report, the country's political stability rating is low due to the overall weakness of the administration and the dispute between the leading political parties in parliament. The report states that the democratic coalition government has failed to resolve the issue of Islamist extremism. Analysts encourage business enterprises to look for advice from embassies and consulates.