Qamar Bashir

The recent wave of high-intensity attacks on Iranian interests in the Middle East, coupled with strikes on symbols of power and authority within Iran itself, has left the entire Iranian nation and its leadership in a state of shock and mourning. Just as Iran was beginning to grapple with the devastating loss of lives following […]

Pakistan’s geopolitical trajectory has been deeply intertwined with the interests of superpowers since its inception. Positioned as a frontline state during the Cold War, Pakistan found itself at the epicentre of the ideological battle between communism and capitalism. Opting for the latter, Pakistan forged significant alliances with the United States and its allies through agreements […]

President-elect Asif Ali Zardari has secured a significant mandate from both provincial and national assemblies, excluding the KP assembly, which is a comprehensible outcome. However, his forthcoming tenure may differ substantially from his previous stint, characterized by extensive executive authority, especially with his close ally, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, as Prime Minister. With Shahbaz Sharif […]

Shahbaz Sharif, who took oath for the second time as the country’s 25th Prime Minister amid looming financial and economic challenges, stands out as a rare example of unwavering loyalty to his elder brother, Mr Nawaz Sharif. Despite numerous offers of the premiership by various chiefs, including Musharraf, in exchange for shifting his allegiance, Shahbaz […]

Mr Shahbaz Sharif, known as “Shahbaz Speed” for his dynamic leadership, is poised to assume the top executive role in Pakistan, bringing relief to the establishment and coalition partners but concern to the bureaucracy due to his assertive governance style. Taking charge in April 2022 amidst a looming default, he navigated through IMF negotiations after […]

In light of Mr Chatta’s startling confession of orchestrating rigging across the Rawalpindi division that turned 13 winning candidates into losers, the PML(N) Chairman should have tasked a team of stalwarts to strategize a response. Some may have advocated vehemently countering his statement while others may have advised against it. Those in favour must have […]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) finds itself embroiled in a multifaceted crisis, grappling with significant challenges that threaten its political standing and influence in both the National and Provincial Assemblies. At the heart of this turmoil is a contentious legal struggle to reclaim seats that PTI alleges were unjustly wrested from its grasp, amidst accusations of a […]

During my tenure as Director of Media of former President Asif Ali Zardari in 2013, I worked closely with media advisor Farhatullah Babar in the President’s Secretariat Public office. In 2021, I assumed the role of Press Secretary and Media Advisor to President Alvi, occupying the same office. Across from us was Bilawal Bhutto’s office, […]