PM’s USA Visit: Need to be cautiously optimistic on July 25, 2019In my article published on 7th July 2019 titled “Silver lining in Pakistan-US Relations”, I had analyzed the background leading to the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister along with a composite and meaningful delegation including COAS and DG ISI to USA on invitation from White House instead of through traditional State Department channel. As the […]
What do people want on July 16, 2019Accountability breeds response-ability—StephenR Covey In my article “Pakistan politico-economic crises; perils of losing hope”,(Daily Times, July 4, 2019), I had tried to point out the brewing political crisis in the country, and briefly hinted at public dismay with the slow pace of accountability of the political elite, which was the main political promise of the […]
Silver lining in Pak-US relations on July 7, 2019Prime Minister Imran Khan shall leave for his maiden visit to USA on 20th July 2019 and meet United States President Donald Trump on July 22, according to media reports quoting Foreign Office Spokesperson. The confirmation of the meeting between the two leaders comes a day after the US State Department on Tuesday, 2nd July […]
Pakistan politico-economic crises; perils of losing hope on July 4, 2019We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. ~Martin Luther King, Jr. PM Imran Khan formed Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf government along with coalition partners in August 2018, raising public hopes with the great promises of providing justice at the door steps to the needy, eradicate poverty, eliminate corruption, revive economy, finish foreign loan dependence, […]
Afghan peace process remains sluggish on June 21, 2019According to latest reports, the US and Taliban negotiators were expected to conclude an agreement covering two issues in their last meeting in May 2019. But the discussions stalled over Taliban’s refusal to cease hostilities and participate in an intra-Afghan peace dialogue until Washington announced a troops drawdown timetable. Afghan Taliban spokesperson, Sohail Shaheen, stated, […]
SCO is world’s greatest regional alliance on June 17, 2019Shanghai Cooperation Organization or Shanghai Pact is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. Its creation was announced on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China, by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Formally establishing the organisation, the SCO Charter was signed in June 2002 and entered into force on September 19, […]
No mercy for traitors on June 3, 2019The Inter Services Pubic Relations has recently announced that the chief of the army staff has endorsed the punishments awarded to three people, including two senior army officers for alleged espionage. It was announced on Thursday, May 30, that Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had confirmed the death sentences for Brig Raja Rizwan (retired) and Dr […]
A game of Jenga on May 29, 2019The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, our beloved homeland, is a gift from Providence. The way it continues to stand tall despite having been ruled by a self-serving political and bureaucratic elite reminds one of classic game of Jenga. For more than 70 years now building blocks have been removed from it. The entire edifice could […]
The military build up in Persian Gulf on May 28, 2019US President Trump unilaterally withdrew in May 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal called JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), signed by P5+1(permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the Europen Union) and Iran in 2015 under the Obama Administration. His imposition of new sanctions on countries buying Iranian oil (primarily China, India, […]
Recognising the spoiler in the Afghan peace process on May 10, 2019As 2020 presidential elections in the US draw close, President Trump should be feeling the need to deliver on his promise to disengage from unnecessary wars, particularly from the war in Afghanistan. This will save American lives and leave him more money to spend in America to make it great again, develop infrastructure and create […]