Throughout its history since independence in 1947, Pakistan has experienced different kinds of radical and extremist movements. Te �war on terror� fought by the US and NATO within the last 14 years � with a stronger emphasis on Afghanistan though � has brought several dynamics to its bigger neighbor Pakistan. This paper analyzes the root drivers of radicalism and extremism in Pakistan, from religious factors, socio-economic developments to challenges of governance reforms. It also sheds light on the confusions concerning Pakistan�s identity and gives a number of interesting recommendations for different stakeholders.