Iftikhar Ahmad

The study of comparative administrations and case studies helps us understand bureaucracy and its various shades and consequences in terms of change in society and the issues of power and power play. The structure of bureaucracy reflects on behaviours and the need for norms desirable for a way forward. The political challenge of the permanent […]

We can have no effective understanding of public administration unless we keep in mind the wide range of considerations relevant to the administrator’s behaviour. Each administrative situation is unique, suggesting an innovative and creative approach, and the importance of analytical skills to seek solutions appropriate to ever-changing scenarios. Effective bureaucracy immediately responds to the issues, […]

Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad strongly condemned the horrific events of September 11 in New York and reaffirmed support and solidarity for innocent victims’ families and loved ones. In the strongest possible terms, Islamabad has also condemned the recent planned terrorist attacks supported from across our borders. In a statement on the 20th anniversary […]

The Taliban have urged the international community to recognise them and re-open embassies in Kabul. An inclusive arrangement in this context would require strategies from within Afghanistan as well as sources outside such as the UN Security Council. There is a need to review the conflict in Afghanistan for the last 40 years and what […]

The national flag has been lowered to half-mast at the prime minister’s secretariat amid mourning on the death of iconic Kashmiri leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Indian forces snatched the mortal remains of the Kashmiri leader from his family. India has hit a new low over Geelani’s burial. The foreign office said that the incident […]

Before the Taliban set off to establish their government, Afghanistan first needs structure and functions. Pakistan is keen for Afghans to work out a political solution acceptable to all. Our sincere efforts in the Afghan peace process are aimed at a region that is peaceful and prosperous. We have relayed this to the international community. […]

External environment refers to the outside institutions or forces that potentially affect an organisation’s performance. The specific environment is the part of the environment that is directly relevant to the achievement of an organisation’s goals. Organisations exist to meet the needs of customers. This is true even for governmental organisations. They exist to provide services […]

Education creates an enabling culture. University qualifications generally lead to better-paid jobs and higher social class positions. Quite expectedly, teachers and even students look down on vocational qualifications as ‘inferior’ or a second-rate option compared to more traditional academic subjects and courses. Those from working-class backgrounds are more likely to enrol in vocational subjects and […]

It is a historic opportunity for Afghans to end the conflict, which has for long led to the destruction of infrastructure and loss of humans and humanity. Pakistan and regional countries have, and will continue, to support the Taliban and Afghan government in hammering out a solution and rebuilding the country. Peace in Afghanistan is […]

Why the poor remain poor is a question that requires a look at linkages of poverty. The culture of poverty passes poverty from one generation to the next through the process of socialization. The poor lack skills and so get low wages or are unemployed. Poverty and low wages benefit the rich. The existence of […]