The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been a member of the United Nations since September 1947. During current democratic government, Pakistan has embarked on a major transformation of the State and its institutions involving both political and juridical results. Key opportunities and challenges characterize Pakistan’s current development performance and potential, none of which is greater than the far-reaching devolution process initiated through the 18th Amendment to the Constitution that came into full effect in July 2011. The new framework of power-sharing between federal and provincial levels has the potential to greatly increase the scope for a more inclusive development process with equal participation of men and women, but also carries transitional burdens of capacity and resource gaps, opening up a high priority role for development partners. Successful implementation of the 18th Amendment and the 7th National Finance Commission Award will be critical. Corresponding reforms in civil services and law enforcement capacities are necessary to translate constitutional guarantees into measurable impact on the lives of women and men.