The Middle East may be approaching a diplomatic turning point that only a few months ago appeared impossible. What is unfolding today is not merely an extension of a fragile ceasefire but a broader effort to redefine the regional balance of power after months of military confrontation, economic disruption, and diplomatic brinkmanship. Following nearly two […]
Pakistan’s Ports and the New Economics of Regional Conflict
Geopolitical crises often create economic losers and strategic winners. While most countries view regional conflicts primarily through the lens of security threats, some states are able to identify and exploit the commercial opportunities that emerge from shifting trade patterns. The ongoing instability in the Middle East presents such a moment for Pakistan. For decades, Pakistan’s […]
75 Years of Pakistan-China Relations
Diplomatic relationships in international politics are often tested by changing governments, shifting alliances, and evolving global power structures. Few, however, withstand decades of geopolitical turbulence with the consistency demonstrated by relations between Pakistan and China. As the two countries commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the milestone is more than ceremonial. It is a […]
Marka-e-Haq at One: The Battle Beyond the Battlefield
The first anniversary of the 2025 Pakistan-India confrontation-popularly framed in Pakistan as Marka-e-Haq-is less about revisiting battlefield events and more about understanding how modern conflicts are constructed, communicated, and capitalized upon. What emerges from the evolving discourse is not merely a claim of military success, but a broader attempt to shape strategic perception across military, […]
Islamabad Talks: Early Signals and the Road Ahead
The recent Iran-US talks held in Islamabad did not result in an immediate agreement, but it would be inaccurate to describe the outcome as a failure. The current situation suggests that both sides are still willing to keep the diplomatic channel open, despite their fundamental differences. The core issue remains Iran’s nuclear program, which continues […]
Why Pakistan Does Not Import Oil from Iran?
The question is increasingly being asked with urgency: why does Pakistan not import “cheaper” oil from Iran? At first glance, the argument appears both logical and economically appealing. However, the reality is far more complex. Pakistan’s decision is shaped by a combination of economic constraints, diplomatic considerations, financial systems, and strategic priorities. The issue is […]
The Strategic Economics of the Recent Gulf Confrontation
Recent military tensions in the Middle East have once again demonstrated that modern wars are no longer fought solely on battlefields. Their consequences now extend far beyond military confrontation, shaping global economics, strategic narratives, technological competition, and international trade routes. Viewing the recent confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel purely through a military […]
When the Shade is Gone
Returning to Islamabad from my ancestral home a few days ago, I felt something I had never felt before. It was not the vastness of the city that struck me – it was its emptiness. A week in the village, surrounded by siblings and relatives, had somehow kept the heart occupied. But the moment I […]
Pakistan’s Strategic Posture amid Escalating Iran-US Tensions
After reaching a moment of peak tension, the standoff between the United States and Iran appears to have entered a phase of cautious de-escalation. While US naval assets remain deployed in close proximity to Iranian waters and the risk of confrontation has not entirely disappeared, the diplomatic language, signaling, and operational restraint on both sides […]
Post Mark-e-Haq: New Strategic Consolidation in Pak-China Relations
The Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing on Sunday, 4 January 2026, took place at a moment when regional peace and global stability once again appear fragile. Rising tensions around Iran, sustained US pressure and intervention in Venezuela, the unresolved tragedy of Gaza, and Afghanistan’s uncertain trajectory have collectively pushed the international system […]