Deconstructing India’s policy shift on Kashmir on October 30, 2017The Indian government has announced that it is ready to hold talks with the Kashmiri leadership in Jammu and Kashmir. Indeed, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, confirmed that the appointment of a Special Representative to the region. Dineshwar Sharma is a former head of the Intelligence Bureau and is considered by many as a dove. He […]
Electoral reforms and democracy on October 20, 2017Last month the Electoral Reforms Bill was passed by the Senate. It was approved and signed by President Mamnoon Hussain on 2nd October. The provision submitted by PPP, ANP and PML-Q leaders suggested an amendment was rejected in the Senate by one vote. The provision read, “Provided that the person shall not be appointed or […]
Pakistans economic woes on October 13, 2017The World Bank in its South Asia Economic Focus 2017 report has described Pakistan’s external sector as particularly vulnerable, and that remedial action is becoming urgent. The report says that immediate action is needed to rectify it through revival of exports, slowing down of imports and stabilising remittances. The report went on to state that […]
Strategic depth is a misnomer on October 5, 2017After obtaining nuclear capability, the concept of strategic depth for Pakistan has become irrelevant. Yet, analysts, panelists and chattering classes continue criticising Pakistan claiming that it wants strategic depth in Afghanistan Strategic depth, in military terms, refers to the internal distance within a state from the frontline to its centre of gravity or Heartland, its […]
Eye of the storm on September 24, 2017Pakistan has strongly protested over posters and billboards titled ‘Free Balochistan’ with the Swiss government. The posters are put up by an organisation named Balochistan House, which is supposedly linked with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). In a letter to the Swiss government, Pakistan’s permanent representative in UN, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the issue and called […]
US playing good cop, bad cop? on September 17, 2017 Theoretically, foreign policy goals of any country primarily safeguard its national interests. At the same time, it is important to have cordial relations with all countries of the world; focusing on commonality of interests and relegating the divergences to the secondary position. Unfortunately, our foreign policy has been susceptible to manipulations because of political […]
Pakistans economy in dire straits on September 10, 2017Pakistan faces challenges of a growing debt burden, fiscal deficit, trade deficit, and current account deficit, which are not of any less importance than the threats to internal and external security.In fact, since Pakistan joined defence pacts with the West and bilateral agreements with the US, Pakistan became dependent on aid and grants from them. […]
Who doesnt want peace in Afghanistan? on August 30, 2017Pakistan, Russia, China and Iran wish to see peace and stability in Afghanistan, whereas the US, the Afghan government and even the Taliban are opposed to it for different reasons. Last year, the Taliban had declared that it would not take part in peace talks brokered by representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and the United […]
Afghan refugees and Pakistans problems on March 6, 2017Before dwelling on the subject, it would be pertinent to identify the causes and genesis of the refugee crisis especially during the last seven decades. After the World War-II, the US approach was to involve all major regions and countries that were vital to its global strategy in military pacts such as CENTO, SEATO and […]
Indias ambitions vs ground realities on February 27, 2017Indian leaders have the desire to be counted as world power and member of the Nuclear Supplier Group, but India’s track record vis-à-vis human rights violations, the treatment meted out to the minorities and showing utter disregard to the UNSC resolutions hobbles its ambitions. India’s attitude and behavior with its neighboring countries has been contrary […]