This has led to armed hostilities several times. Recently both countries have tested nuclear devices, which has heightened the animosity. There have been frequent changes in the government of Pakistan following charges of corruption and the result has often been a military government. Twice the size of California, Pakistan has a population of about 138 million. The country includes some of the highest mountains in the world, a desert, and large plains.
Agriculture is the main occupation, and there is some mining and manufacturing.
Global Health Ministries has supported health work in Pakistan for many years, although there is no Lutheran Church there. Recipient has been the century old hospital in Tank, which has been sponsored by the World Mission Prayer League for about 50 years, with aid also from a Finnish group. The 105-bed hospital is located on the frontier of tribal lands. It serves local residents but has a primary ministry to five nomadic tribal groups that have no other source of health care. It treats up to 500 patients a day and also reaches out to surrounding communities.