70 Years of Sino-Pakistan Relations
On 21st May 1951, Pakistan established its diplomatic relations with China – the year 2021 marks 70 years of Sino-Pakistan relations. These seven decades have not only reinforced the friendship between Pakistan and China but also engineered CPEC to strengthen economic ties. This time-tested alliance is the envy of India and the United States, as it expands China’s influence in the world.
Azad Kashmir Elections 2021: Who is Likely to Win?
Elections for the 45 out of the 53 seats in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Legislative Assembly will take place on 25th July. Other than the major parties – PML-N, PPP, and PTI – AJKMC and TLP are also contending.
The people of AJK are strongly inclined to vote for PML-N and PTI, and so the dominating party could be either of the two. TLP, though proscribed by the government, may also prove to be a formidable opponent.
Ebrahim Raisi vs Naftali Bennett: The Rise of Conservative Leaders in Israel and Iran
The rise of Naftali Bennett as the prime minister of Israel has increased the possibility of the situation in Palestine worsening. The Israeli prime minister has not only openly supported violence against the Palestinians (and all Arabs), but also made it clear that he’s against the two-state solution to end the conflict. Furthermore, the election of Ebrahim Raisi (a hardliner) as the president of Iran will take tensions between Israel and Iran to new heights. The author asserts that the election of these leaders might also directly impact Iran’s economy, and the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
“Absolutely Not” To US Military Bases in Pakistan: The Possible Consequences
PM Imran Khan’s ”absolutely not” may be assertive, even liberating, but the political overtones of such a policy will certainly bring trouble to Pakistan in the international arena – where it is already in a vulnerable position.
While this policy of standing up to the U.S. may win points with China – another superpower – how beneficial that will be for Pakistan, remains to be seen.
The Untapped Potential of Tourism in Pakistan
From natural to cultural attractions, Pakistan’s tourism industry holds limitless untapped potential. Even as international travel journals & bloggers play an impactful role in attracting attention to the country’s vast scenic landscapes, substantial national investment in the sector can lead to great economic and social benefits for the country.
The Financial Action Task Force and Pakistan: A Political Agenda
Despite complying and delivering on 26 of the 27 points of the FATF’s action plan, Pakistan finds itself caught in a spider web, spun by the United States and India. The FATF has now issued a new six-point action plan for the country, leaving Pakistan in a bind. The FATF’s discrimination against Pakistan raises concerns about the impartiality of the intergovernmental body.
India’s Likely NSG Membership: The Bias Against Pakistan
India and Pakistan are entangled in a security dilemma which is leading to a costly and perilous arms race in the region. With the support of the global superpowers, India is set to be made a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) despite the serious threats and risks w.r.t. their nuclear technology. Pakistan, however, continues to be barred from gaining NSG membership, despite the relatively more secure set-up.
Parliamentary System vs Presidential System: What’s Better for Pakistan?
The failure of the parliamentary system in the country has raised concerns regarding its effectiveness. The populace is divided between the pros and cons of transitioning to a presidential form of governance yet again after the pathetic display of the politicians in the Parliament over the budget proposals. The overarching concern, in either case, is for the delivery of democracy and good governance to the grassroots level.
An Insight into the 2021 Presidential Elections in Iran
The 2021 presidential elections of Iran are scheduled to take place this week on 18th June. Many wonder about any impact that these elections may have, considering that the Supreme Leader is always at the helm of the state. However, with the ongoing pandemic and a debilitating economy, the President has to create and ultimately present the plan of action to the Supreme Leader for approval.
5th Generation Warfare in Pakistan: Internal and External Hands
The modes of warfare have now shifted from conventional to 5th generation warfare. Electronic and social mediums are now being widely used by external foes to malign Pakistan, and create an anti-military narrative amongst the country’s populace. Muhammad Hamza Tanvir critically analyzes the internal and external hybrid threats being faced by Pakistan today.
Jahangir Tareen vs PTI: Will PM Imran Khan Complete 5 Years?
Will the incumbent Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, be able to complete his five-year term? Or will he be met with the same fate as those who preceded him? The author poignantly assesses the various forces steering the future of the current government.
The Rationale and Significance for Soft Power in Pakistan
Has soft power become an esoteric term? The term alone calls for priority in the agenda of states in a world that hurriedly ushers a digital global community. Last month, Paradigm Shift conducted a poll, wherein 86% of the participants considered it crucial for Pakistan to develop its soft power. In view of that, the author underscores the importance of soft power not only for Pakistan but for every state.
What is the BDS Movement Against Israel?
Palestinians and their supporters have realized that the most effective way of fighting against Israel is the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction (BDS) movement.
By boycotting Israeli products and pushing for divestment and sanctions on Israel, the movement aims to exert international pressure on Israel, the world governments, and international institutions to dismantle Israel’s apartheid wall, ensure the rights of the Palestinians, end the colonization of Arab lands, and impose the UN Resolution 194.
Muhammad Hamza Tanvir explains that since the drive is a threat to Israel and its allies, the Western media has labelled the movement as “racist”. He further explains that supporting the movement will not only benefit Palestinians but also the people of the countries backing it.
Israeli Attacks on Palestinians: A Third Intifada?
The author considers the violence against Palestinians to be a threat to international human rights, as Israeli attacks on Palestinians have continued since last Friday, shaking Jerusalem and its inhabitants. Indiscriminate violence by Israeli forces mounted after protests by Palestinians against the forceful eviction and occupation of Palestinian land. The attacks inside Al-Aqsa mosque – a place held sacred by both Muslims and Jews – have sparked outrage and calls for condemnation of the Israeli forces.
Rising Covid Cases in India: A Nation on Its Knees
The second wave of COVID-19 is causing India’s health sector to come apart at the seams – resulting in more than 3000 deaths every day. Prime Minister Modi’s government is being heavily criticized (locally and internationally) for the carelessness in controlling the virus. The author suggests the adoption of more liberal policies, and the abandonment of the Hindutva ideology – which may help in undoing the many wrongs.
How French Colonialism in Africa Never Ended
Through the example of the Franc of the Financial Community of Africa (CFA franc), the author argues that France is practicing a form of neo-colonialism in Africa. France ensures this euro-backed currency for the 14 states part of the CFA franc zone—12 of these states are former French colonies. In return, it demands 50% of their foreign reserves to be deposited in the French treasury. Moreover, France has maintained a presence in the banks established for the implementation of the CFA franc policy, giving it control over the financial and exchange rate policies of the former colonies.
Pakistan and Russian Relations: A New Dawn
Although Pak-Russia relations have been marked by distrust and suspicion in the past, ties between the two states seem to be positively changing due to diplomatic visits and joint exercises. The recent visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to Pakistan and the mutual stance on the Afghan peace process have emboldened ties between the two nations. These bilateral relations have enormous potential in the areas of defence, mining, energy, tourism, among others.