As markets shake in the aftermath of the U.S. tariff hike unveiled by President Trump on April 2, 2025, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that this economic tempest is not merely about trade imbalances—it’s about the precarious interconnectedness of the world economy. The comprehensive tariffs, slapped on a broad spectrum of imports, especially big players in […]
Op-Ed
Pakistan’s Mineral Play
The air in Islamabad isn’t just humid; it’s electric with anticipation. As a long-time observer of Pakistan’s economic journey, I sense a real buzz around the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. For the first time in a while, I’m permitting myself a sliver of genuine hope. We’ve been here before, haven’t we? Whispers of […]
Trump’s Dangerous Fossil Fuel Nationalism
In a dramatic policy reversal framed as a renaissance of American strength, President Donald Trump has reentered the political stage by signing an executive order that reopens the country’s vast coal and oil reserves. With fervent rhetoric and populist undertones, he launched a campaign leaning heavily on the slogan “Drill, Baby, Drill” and a nostalgic […]
A Response to Misguided Politicization
Pakistan is a nation standing at the crossroads of economic opportunity and transformation. As Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 is ready to be held in Islamabad, this moment marks more than just a showcase of mineral wealth-it symbolizes a resilient nation’s march toward self-reliance, economic stability and a better future for her 240 million people. […]
New Nuclear Talks and the Dead Hand’s Shadow
In the wake of the recent proceedings of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, a statement was released from the Kremlin indicating that Russia is ready to intervene to contain diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. The situation in which Russia itself is reluctant to pursue peace talks or diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine while offering intervention in […]
US Tariff Increase
The recent U.S. decision to impose a 29% tariff increase on Pakistani exports, citing concerns over “fairness” due to Pakistan’s reported 58% duties on American goods, has sparked significant debate. While the move aims to address trade imbalances, it risks overlooking the nuanced realities of Pakistan’s trade policies and sidestepping established WTO frameworks. This approach […]
The Cobras and Canberra
Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s Squadron 15, known as the ‘Cobras,’ holds a number of notable operational achievements. Its first confirmed aerial victory occurred with the downing of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Canberra on the fateful morning of April 10, 1959. It was Eid-ul-Fitr, with most of the PAF on leave at the Peshawar base. […]
Politics of Systemic De-Politicisation
A society robbed of political agency does not collapse overnight; it erodes under the weight of systemic manipulation. When a nation’s political landscape is overtaken for decades, the consequences are far-reaching. Pakistan’s political landscape has been shaped by repeated military interventions, from Ayub Khan controlled democracy to Zia-ul-Haq Islamization and Musharraf engineered political order. The […]
Hindutvising Muslim Waqf in India
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, to amend the 1995 Waqf Act (1995 Act), recently passed by India’s upper house of parliament, is not only a manifestation of the racist ideology of Punyabhumi, it also suggests the Indian government is adopting tactics reminiscent of Netanyahu’s policies, signalling a move towards the ‘Israelification’ of India. The proposed […]
Is Pakistan’s Judiciary “Blind”? – XI
Justice Athar Minallah’s remarks about Nawaz Sharifs’ survival until the court’s next hearing were not merely controversial but also emblematic of a judiciary, perceived as increasingly entangled in political machinations, and straying from impartiality. But, perhaps even more striking than his remarks was his action to open the Islamabad High Court (IHC) at midnight on […]