Afnan Wasif

Regional cooperation plays a pivotal role in enhancing the state’s economic security. Economic security involves maintaining a manageable trade and fiscal deficit and achieving sustainable economic growth through sound, stable and indigenous economic solutions and policies. It also includes fostering bilateral and multilateral economic and trade relations with regional and global partner states that are […]

Pakistan, a nation of immense potential, struggles with a fragmented socio-political landscape. Though culturally and ethnically diverse, Pakistan does not match the scale of diversity seen in the United States or India. The US, often described as a melting pot, houses almost every nationality, while India boasts over two thousand ethnicities and over 300 languages. […]

In recent years, the discourse surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) has reached a fever pitch, with opinions sharply divided over whether it is a dangerous force or a beneficial innovation. To grapple with this dilemma, one must first delve into the complexities of human nature, our historical precedents, and the duality inherent in all technological advancements […]

In international relations, the concept of the balance of power is a foundational tenet of Realism, a school of thought that sees the international system as inherently anarchic, where states act primarily in their self-interest to ensure survival. This balance ensures that no single state becomes dominant, preserving the sovereignty of all. The theory posits […]

The US has consistently demonstrated its unwavering support for Israel, particularly following the October 7, 2023, offensive launched by Hamas and the subsequent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the chief of Hamas’ political wing. This incident has prompted the US to increase its military footprint and diplomatic endeavours in the Middle East, justifying the move as […]

Punjab is carelessly divided into South Punjab and North Punjab (Upper Punjab). South Punjab comprises three divisions: Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur. According to the 2023 Census, the total population of Punjab is 127,688,922, with 40,377,576 individuals residing in these three divisions. This accounts for more than 30% of Punjab’s total population. Most of […]

Imran Khan had launched the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 1992. It emerged as an anti-status quo force in the country, with a unique manifesto: aiming to ensure justice and establish the rule of law. After struggling for about 22 years, the PTI finally came into power, with Imran Khan as the 22nd Prime […]

The criterion set forth by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to appoint a professor at a university requires a Ph.D. degree from an HEC-recognized Institution, 15 years of teaching/research experience in an HEC-recognized university, and 15 research publications. The scholars give their sweat, blood and tears to secure the prestigious title of Professor. However, Pakistan’s […]

Pakistan has availed of 23 IMF programs since 1958, but due to internal and external reasons, the adoption of IMF policies has not benefited substantially. Pakistan has earned the unfortunate title of “one-tranche nation” which alludes to the nation’s history of taking out loans at crucial junctures and then prematurely abandoning them due to a […]

Pakistan inherited a well-established primary and secondary educational system, especially in the urban centres and much of Punjab, although it had been predominately manned by Hindus, many of whom left for India after the partition. The major educational assets Pakistan inherited were situated in Lahore, where several elite states and missionary schools had taught several […]