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The article focuses on the convergence between the theoretical and empirical understanding of structural determinants of violent extremism in Pakistan. Given its broad-spectrum, the explanations accord special attention to Francis Stewart's thesis of horizontal inequalities. Coalescing the theoretical explanations and data, the research argues that the drivers of violent extremism in Pakistan are diverse and centrally rooted in horizontal inequalities. The prevalent drivers of violent extremism and terrorism in Pakistan are the economic, political, and governance-related factors that add to the existing sense of alienation; eventually leading to the deepening of grievances resulting in the violent mobilization of (ethno-religious) identities. Moreover, the economic drivers of violent conflict also seem to overlap with political drivers. Emanating from the cases of erstwhile FATA and South Punjab, this article also establishes the nexus between regional inequalities (i.e., spatial exclusion) and violent extremism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]