Her appointment is a first big step; but to make it meaningful, there has to be constitutional provisions and practices to have women judges at the higher level, and also a conducive legal environment...
Afghanistan, China and Russia were three success stories in 2021, where Islamabad achieved what it wanted, while the FATF, US and Kashmir were three areas that Pakistan failed to, despite serious efforts.
In April 2021, had proscribed the TLP for engaging in terrorism, acting in a prejudicial manner to the peace and security of Pakistan. Why would it then accept most of its demands in October 2021?
Despite the chief minister meeting with Imran Khan, the opponents have table a no-confidence against him. The tables are turned for Jam Kamal Khan Alyani
The change of command at the ISI and army reshuffle is a significant development amidst the current political and military situation in Pakistan and also shows the influence of the Miltablishment
While the others were talking about an idea of talking to the TTP, or giving them an amnesty, Imran’s statement refers to an ongoing process. Is the rest of Pakistan ready for the same?
Among the Baloch nationalist, there is a unanimous opinion that the current initiative lacks seriousness and government neither has the authority to make offers nor the capability to fulfil them
Despite the Pakistani government making strides in its battle against polio, the recent attacks on polio workers and security personnel once again highlight the resistance from civil society.
Imposing ban on popular social media applications based on moral or ethical grounds, seriously undermines the right to liberal expression in a democratic set up.
Jahangir Tareen, one of the closest friends of Imran Khan and the former Number 2 in the party, has seen ups and downs in the short time he has spent in PTI. Despite being at loggerheads...
The scholars of the NIAS-PR Course on Contemporary Pakistan debate on the likely outcomes over the PDM differences. Following is the debate - placing two different arguments - that the PDM will split,...
After the abrogation of article 370, Pakistan adopted an offensive diplomatic strategy trying to gather international support against the Indian move. Imran Khan had also gone ahead to declare that the...
The mixed public response to the pay hike questions the government’s financial capacity for that. Inadequacy of the raised amount is also under criticism.
There are three questions: Why is the PTI government not passing the bill in the parliament? Why is Imran Khan and his government in such a hurry? What is the Opposition's problem?
Will the opposition parties converge on the strategy of the no-confidence motion? Is the establishment ready to let go of Imran Khan or the opposition has misread the civil-military relationship?
The local civil society is missing in the decision-making process. There is a widespread expectation that a provincial status would provide the people of GB a say in the local governance.
The real problem is the cosmetic nature of the government's attempts. In 2001, when the government started the proscribed list, there was so much pressure from the US, after the 9/11. During the recent...
Finally, the Deep State would prefer a Taliban rule from Kabul, than a secular and liberal Afghanistan. This is a part of how the Deep State looks at even Pakistan internally
The Afghan security forces may not collapse in the immediate withdrawal but would fight back. Taliban would want to capture the cities one by one as it did in the 1990s; the former would want to prevent...
During the 1960s and 70s, when the US academia was focused elsewhere, Steve was one of the early American birds to look at South Asia. On South Asia, there would always be a Cohen reference in the US.
The results of 2018 elections for the national and provincial assemblies highlights a new reality for the TLP. The party has made an electoral beginning. Though the number of seats that the TLP won is...
PTI providing an alternative to the PML factions in Punjab should be one of the most significant development of the 2018 elections. The most critical aspect of the PTI’s rise – its performance...
Islamic State in the region may be a smaller group when compared to the Taliban. But should the size matter, when fighting a militant group? Does the strength of matter while confronting a virulent ideology...
Given the restrictions of track-I and track-II led dialogues as an option for the Prime Ministers to break the ice, and make substantial progress, perhaps it is useful to invest in silent back channel...
It is ironic, the rivers that defined the multiple civilizations in South Asia, are seen as a “problem” today in the region. The Indus, after which our ancient civilization is referred to...
In the Indo-Pak context, are are there “big ticket items”, which could change the current cyclic pattern between India and Pakistan? Alternatively, are there low hanging fruits? This commentary...
While discussing their significance, it is also equally important to find out who will fill their shoes and replace them?...we have to move beyond and ask the crucial question: is there bench strength...
We need to “democratize” the water debate and take charge. Our region seems to have abdicated the water debate to war mongers. This in turn has affected our focus on impending water problems....
Three issues/questions are pertinent in this context: is the Daesh, with its base in Syria and Iraq is looking for new recruits and regions, or are the individuals and groups in South Asia see the IS as...
Did the civilian administration of Pakistan during Zardari’s tenure
gave intelligence information to the US on Osama bin Laden’s presence in the
country, leading to the latter’s killing?...
Nusrat Abbasi, Shireen Mazari and Marvi Sirmed are not ordinary women. If this is what could happen to them in the halls of the legislative assembly, or on TV shows, imagine the plight of other women....
The focus should be on responsibility, follow up actions and the omnipresent culture of impunity. There is no point in blaming only the ground staff, pilot and the purser. If the management is relaxed,...
All the best Tehmina Janjua. Given the inherent limitations, we sincerely wish, you take proactive measures to stabilise the LoC, strengthen it further with pursuing the earlier agreements between two...
Certainly Afridi deserved a better farewell for his contribution to Pakistan Cricket. Is there something that could be learned – balancing between being a player and a captain, building skills rather...
One could understand the rightwing parties and their student wings in Universities objecting to the celebration of Valentine Day for political reasons. But why would the learned courts and the highest...
Though a section within Pakistan, especially Punjab, considers the CPEC as a game changer, there are serious challenges to the project. Though the political opposition by non-Punjabi provinces –...
What happened in Peshawar was not a revenge attack, but blackmail. Pure and simple. Taliban is blackmailing us not to target them; if we do, they will respond and attack us in those areas where it would...
The Axact scam is only one side of the story. Perhaps, it highlights the “supply” side of the issue, where any degree can be “purchased” for the right price. What about the other...
The issue today seems not to be on how leaders from political to scientific establishment engaged in money laundering, tax avoiding and tax evading. Rather it seems to be on how use it for political purpose...