3.1. State Actors
Pakistan’s military and security forces are comprised of the Pakistan Armed Forces, which operate largely independently with little oversight by civilian authorities, and the forces affiliated with the Ministry of Interior (MoI), including the police.172 Several paramilitary forces engage in security work as part of the Pakistan Army173 or under the MoI.174 The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is the country’s main intelligence agency.175
- 172
US, CIA, World Factbook – Pakistan, last updated 30 December 2025, archived page from 4 February 2026, url
- 173
Britannica, Pakistan, Political Process, last updated 30 March 2026, url; US, CIA, World Factbook – Pakistan, last updated 30 December 2025, archived page from 4 February 2026, url
- 174
US, CIA, World Factbook – Pakistan, last updated 30 December 2025, archived page from 4 February 2026, url
- 175
Britannica, Pakistan, Political Process, last updated 30 March 2026, url; VOA, Pakistan's ex-spy chief indicted on political interference, other charges, 10 December 2024, url