Pakistan cannot free itself from the IMF through one emotional speech, one patriotic slogan, or one strict budget. Real freedom comes only when the country stops moving from one balance-of-payments crisis to another. That can happen only when Pakistan earns enough foreign exchange, collects taxes fairly, spends public money carefully, and grows strongly enough to […]
National Interest First
Thomas Hobbes once reminded the world that the first responsibility of any government is to protect society from falling into chaos, and Niccolò Machiavelli observed that the preservation of the state must come before every other political consideration. These reflections are not distant philosophical abstractions. They speak directly to nations that have endured instability, conflict, […]
Why an Attack on Iran would Backfire?
Some wars begin with the illusion of strength, but end with the reality of regret, and a war with Iran would almost certainly be one of them. In my view, the United States will not attack Iran, and it should not, not because Iran’s rulers are harmless, but because a direct military strike is unlikely […]
A Pragmatic Turn in Foreign Policy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump have reignited diplomatic debate. What began as a routine round of engagements evolved into a defining moment for Pakistan’s foreign policy, reflecting a renewed confidence on the international stage. The meetings in Washington, New York, and Sharm El Sheikh were less about protocol and […]
Future of Universities
For centuries, universities have been regarded as the guardians of knowledge, the engines of innovation, and the gateways to opportunity. They produced scientists who unravelled the mysteries of nature, leaders who shaped nations, and thinkers who redefined human progress. Yet today, in the twenty-first century, universities stand at a decisive turning point. Never before have […]
How BRICS and SCO Redefined 2025?
The year 2025 stood out as an important milestone for two of the world’s leading international groupings, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Both held high-profile summits that highlighted their rising ambitions and expanding influence in global affairs. BRICS came together with an energetic agenda that blended calls for institutional reform, fresh ideas on financial […]
Capitalism in the Age of AI
In today’s fast-paced technological world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often hailed as one of the most groundbreaking innovations of our time. From automating routine tasks to making complex predictions and analysing vast datasets, AI is revolutionising industries and reshaping the way businesses operate. The promise of AI is undeniable: it will boost productivity, drive economic […]
Humans After AI
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots has sparked a profound discussion about the future of human purpose in a world that is increasingly being shaped by machines. While these technologies undoubtedly bring unprecedented convenience, efficiency, and productivity, they also raise important questions about the role humans will play in society in […]
Can the Digital Economy Drive Pakistan’s Growth Surge?
The economic activities that emerge from connecting individuals, businesses, devices, data and operations through digital technology are known as the digital economy. It includes online connections and transactions across multiple sectors and technologies, such as the Internet, mobile technology, big data and information and communications technology. The digital economy differs from a traditional economy because […]
Geopolitical Gains Amid Regional Tensions
The recent flare-up in tensions between Pakistan and India has once again put the spotlight on the delicate and often precarious geopolitical situation in South Asia. This new round of conflict was triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people, […]