Pakistan, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is located in South Asia and is the fifth most populous country in the world, as well as the second-largest Muslim-majority country, with a population of 251.7 million as of 2024. Islamabad is the nation's capital, while Karachi in the south is by far the largest city and the financial and industrial centre. Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic in which provincial governments enjoy a high degree of autonomy and residuary powers. Executive power lies with the national cabinet which is headed by the prime minister. Pakistan's economy is one of the largest in South Asia. As of 2023, Pakistan’s GDP was around $375 billion, yet it is still considered a developing economy with serious challenges that have created a number of crises. Challenges with water, energy, high inflation and national disasters have caused widespread poverty and discontent.

The Pakistan Armed Forces is the 6^th largest military in the world, with approximately 600,000 active-duty personnel and hundreds of thousands more reservists. The military has significant capabilities. In addition to nuclear weapons, it also has advanced aircraft, and a wide range of armoured vehicles and naval ships. Pakistan is known for having one of the world’s most disciplined and battle-hardened forces, largely due to its involvement in numerous internal and external conflicts as well as peace keeping missions.  

Military Cooperation has been a major part of Pakistan’s defence strategy with several key partners, including China, America, Turkey, and the countries of the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pakistan and Australia have developed growing military cooperation over the past few decades, focusing on training, counter-terrorism, and naval exercises.