LONDON – Iceland remained world safest country, according to the latest Global Peace Index. The European nation follows closely in second place, while New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland round out the top five.
The index, which ranks nations based on crime rates, legal system strength, social justice, governance transparency, public trust, and welfare, reveals some startling contrasts.
Among Muslim-majority nations, Malaysia remained as the safest at 13th place, but Pakistan remained at 144th, and war-torn Afghanistan is 158th on the list. Even more shocking, Russia lands at the very bottom, 163rd, while Israel is 155th and India is 115th.
Other countries in the global top ten include Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland, highlighting the dominance of stable, welfare-oriented nations at the pinnacle of global safety.
This ranking shows growing safety divide worldwide, where citizens of some countries live in peace and security, while others face daily risks and instability.
Factors such as crime, terrorism, regional conflicts, political instability, and challenges in law enforcement contribute to Pakistan’s low ranking, especially in rural Punjab and Karachi. While some areas, like Islamabad, parts of Lahore, and tourist regions such as Hunza and Skardu, are relatively safe, the country’s border regions near Afghanistan faces security challenges.
Despite plethora of challenges, Pakistan is taking steps to improve safety and stability through social initiatives and stronger community policing.
