ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that Asia-Pacific, including the Indian Ocean, should become a Zone of Peace, an area of expanding cooperation and prosperity through strict adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and the Bandung Principles of peaceful coexistence. In his virtual address at Nikkei’s 26th conference on ‘Future of […]
south asia
‘Economic recovery ‘under threat’ amid surging coronavirus’
NEW YORK – While the global growth outlook has improved, led by robust rebound in China and the United States, surging coronavirus infections and inadequate vaccination progress in many countries threaten a broad-based recovery of the world economy, according to the latest United Nations forecast. According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) […]
UAE bars travellers from Pakistan, other 3 South Asian countries
The United Arab Emirates will suspend from Wednesday the entry of all travellers, including transit passengers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka amid the Covid pandemic. The UAE, which is made up seven emirates, has already suspended flights from India, as coronavirus cases in the country spiked to global records. The surge has […]
South Asia needs a Batman to Modi’s Joker(s)
“[S]ome men aren’t looking for anything logical, like money. They can’t be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn;” this memorable remark – made by Batman’s butler Alfred Pennyworth – rings true in a world where national leaders are growing increasingly ultra-nationalist. Here is an instance, finally, […]
Air pollution, the silent killer
Sir: According to recent studies, the main cause of most deaths in South Asia is air pollution. It contributes to heart strokes, lung cancers and pulmonary diseases. Despite clear evidence of the rising problems and the seriousness of the issue, governments in South Asia seem to be helpless and clueless on resolving it. Moreover, it […]
ISIS in South Asia
Though defeated militarily in Syria and Iraq, it’s caliphate now gone, ISIS continues to pose a threat to the world. This was made amply clear by the group’s April 21 attack in Sri Lanka, which killed 250 people, making it one of the deadliest terror attacks in the history of South Asia. Meanwhile, it has […]
India’s space ambitions
On March 27, 2019 India has tested its first ever Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile code named as ‘Mission Shakti’. India shot down one of its own Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite through a ballistic missile and became fourth country in the world after USA, Russia and China having the capability. ASAT weapons are the space weapons […]
Nuclear powers and poverty in South Asia
India tested its first nuclear device on May 24, 1974, at Pokharan in its Rajasthan desert. Raja Ramanna, the leader of the team, is said to have informed then prime minister Indira Gandhi that “Buddha Smiles”. India continued to vigorously pursue its nuclear programme. On May 11, 1998, it conducted three more nuclear tests at […]
Pakistan-Russia strategic relationship
A fast evolving strategic environment in Central Asia and South Asia and Asia-Pacific regions has helped Pakistan and Russia to ignore their Cold War past. In March 2019 they engaged in discussions for strengthening their strategic relationship, including potential Russian participation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. They are also seeking to increase trade and cooperation […]
Nuclear prospects of South Asia
In the last decade and thereafter Pakistan’s nuclear programme has received a further boost since Jul y 2005 when the US and Indian governments unveiled their nuclear cooperation agreement. A basic feature of this agreement is that by acquiring uranium from foreign sources and by placing a set of nuclear facilities on the military list […]