Dr Zafar Khan Safdar

For decades, Pakistan has faced ongoing tensions between civilian and military governments, creating an institutional imbalance that undermines democracy and permits presidential decrees to dissolve legislatures. The military’s influence over the judiciary has often prioritized self-preservation over constitutional integrity. Following General Zia-ul-Haq’s era, the courts became more politically confrontational, compromising their objectivity. This implicit support […]

In the fiscal year 2024-25, the Government of Pakistan faces the daunting task of addressing numerous socio-economic challenges that have significantly impacted the lives of its people. With pervasive issues such as high inflation, soaring prices, stagnant incomes, escalating taxes, and exorbitant utility costs, the average Pakistani is grappling with a daily struggle to make […]

The leaders of the Afghan Taliban are set to attend a two-day conference (30 June-1 July 2024) in Doha-Qatar, to be hosted by the UN to facilitate and coordinate international cooperation with their country. Since UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres started the process in May 2023, this international conference will be the third with an emphasis […]

Coursing through Pakistan’s intricate political tapestry is a tale of resilience and upheaval, where the aspirations for political power often clash with the fragile foundations of governance. Over the years, the nation’s narrative has been shaped by formidable personalities whose ambitions have, at times, led to the subversion of democratic institutions, leaving scars on the […]

Democracy is a form of governance where all individuals have equal participation in legislative decision-making. It is characterized by an implicit agreement between citizens and government representatives, with legitimacy determined by the people’s expectations. The term ‘democracy’ has been used since ancient Greece, with the classical Athenian democracy being the most notable. The government consisted […]

With HE the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisolsadati having wrapped up his three-day visit to Pakistan, now is a perfect opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of cultural, economic, and geopolitical ties between these two countries. Being the first visit since the Israeli-Gazan conflict, this visit, accompanied by senior Iranian officials and a commercial group, represents […]

Pakistan, emerging in 1947 from a vision of Islamic nationhood, grapples with establishing unity and enduring democracy Internal divisions fuelled by religious rhetoric have widened, prompting military intervention in politics. The founding fathers envisioned a state grounded in Muslim culture, but debates over its Islamic character hindered progress. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, while fearing Hindu […]

Higher education faces a crisis in aligning its research functions and curricula with current job requirements and trends. Students demand real-world competencies and move away from theoretical knowledge. Changes in technology, social life, environment and economics necessitate a shift in traditional teaching and research methods that promote active, motivated, innovative learning and high-impact skills. The […]

The notion of security for people encompasses the complex relationship between personal welfare, social stability, and the efficient operation of institutions. It includes both psychological and physical safety as well as the government’s responsibility for maintaining public safety. Through the creation and implementation of laws, the establishment of strong law enforcement organizations, and the provision […]

Pakistan with a rich history and a complex political landscape has been plagued by recurring episodes of political instability since its inception. Pakistan emerged as a separate nation in 1947 following the partition of British India. Its early years were marked by political turmoil with the death of Quaid-i-Azam in 1948 and the assassination of […]