An invitation to American University, Washington DC on November 10, 2018While visiting the United States for official work a few weeks ago, I was bestowed the honour to be invited as a special guest by eminent Pakistani-American scholar, author and former diplomat Professor Akbar S. Ahmed to attend alecture by Mowahid Hussain Shah, another distinguished member of the diasporas’ legal community, at the American University’s School of International Service (SIS) in … [Read more...] about An invitation to American University, Washington DC
Indian intransigence exposes who doesn’t want peace in South Asia: Maleeha Lodhi on October 20, 2018Date: 17th October 2018 Her Excellency Dr Maleeha Lodhi is a Pakistani diplomat currently serving as the country's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. She has previously served as envoy to London and Washington DC. This interview was recently conducted by Hassan Khan at Pakistan's UN Mission in New York City, United States. Q- In an increasingly unstable global order, as … [Read more...] about Indian intransigence exposes who doesn’t want peace in South Asia: Maleeha Lodhi
Locked horns! on October 2, 2018New York City: Dialogue? What Dialogue? New Delhi and Islamabad have once again locked horns against each other at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The events preceding the respective addresses of the foreign ministers of the two countries were no less than a dramatic scene out of a political thriller, with bilateral talks being stalled at the 11th hour by the Indian government. … [Read more...] about Locked horns!
India major impediment to regional progress: Pakistan on September 29, 2018NEW YORK: Pakistan has accused India of creating hurdles in the way of promoting regional cooperation from the platform of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), after Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj left a SAARC meeting before hearing the Pakistan's statement. "One country is holding SAARC hostage to its unruly attitude," he told reporters after participating … [Read more...] about India major impediment to regional progress: Pakistan
Macron defies isolationist approach on September 27, 2018NEW YORK: French President Emmanuel Macron defied the notion of isolationism and called on the world to adopt multilateralism in his address to the 73rd UN General Assembly session held in New York City on Tuesday (25 Sept). He was indirectly referring to US President Donald Trump's speech earlier in the day which embodied the notions of nationalism and 'self-styled' patriotism. Moreover, he also … [Read more...] about Macron defies isolationist approach
Additional Secretaries heading important Federal Divisions in PTI Government? on September 26, 2018As per the rules of business, a Federal Division is headed by a federal secretary of BPS-22, which is the highest possible rank attainable by bureaucrats in Pakistan. If no suitable grade 22 officer is available, a grade 21 officer can be appointed as Additional Secretary in charge to run a division, temporarily. However, there have to be exceptional circumstances, and that too just as an adhoc … [Read more...] about Additional Secretaries heading important Federal Divisions in PTI Government?
Does High Commissioner to UK project ‘Naya Pakistan’? on September 16, 2018Earlier this week, various mainstream news channels have carried reports of Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sahibzada Ahmed Khan, making a mockery of him self and the exalted office he represents; at an awards ceremony hosted by HUM TV last Sunday evening. In the midst of prominent film stars, Ahmed Khan was allegedly intoxicated at the event. He initially amused the stars … [Read more...] about Does High Commissioner to UK project ‘Naya Pakistan’?
Mr PM: the world awaits you in New York City! on August 28, 2018The newly elected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government led by Prime Minister (PM), Imran Khan, has chosen Foreign Minister (FM), Shah Mehmood Qureshi, to represent the state at the 73rd UN General Assembly session to be held in New York City, next month. With over a hundred world leaders expected to be in attendance at the event, the PM should visit personally, and address the international … [Read more...] about Mr PM: the world awaits you in New York City!
Why did the National Security Advisor resign? on July 15, 2018At a time when relations with India and Afghanistan are potentially heading towards reduced hostilities given the recent overtures for promoting peace, National Security Advisor (NSA) Lt General (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua unexpectedly resigned a couple of weeks ago. Janjua had played a key role in resuming back-channel dialogue with New Delhi ever since taking charge in October 2015. Not only … [Read more...] about Why did the National Security Advisor resign?
FATF blues on July 14, 2018As widely expected, Pakistan has officially been placed on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list. The interim government, despite all diplomatic efforts in recent weeks, remained hapless in averting the decision since it was bound to happen owing to China and Saudi Arabia's 11th hour withdrawal of support back in February 2018. Only Turkey supported Pakistan which signifies how the … [Read more...] about FATF blues
