The Social Exclusion of Transgenders in Pakistan
Transgenders have invariably been ostracized in Pakistan and hence suffer economically and mentally. Although recognized as citizens by law, they have yet to be accepted by society.
Recommendations for the Intra-Afghan Peace Process
Although the intra-Afghan peace process sounds promising on paper for Afghans and vested parties alike, fulfilling it will require serious work. The author considers five possible recommendations that could help achieve the objectives of the Intra-Afghan peace agreement.
Troubled Waters: Revisionist China & The South China Sea Dispute
The South China Sea is important due to economic, military, and strategic factors. This region, critical for military purposes, is rich in resources like oil and gas. The question remains: Will China fall victim to the lust for resources? Or will it use diplomacy to create a win-win situation?
Pakistan & The November Lockdown? Possibilities & Prevention
Will Pakistan’s decision of re-opening educational institutions cause another wave of COVID-19? If so, that will surely propel another lockdown, possibly in November.
Holy Places of Sikhism: The Guru Nanak’s Gift to Pakistan
The legacy of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak, can be felt throughout the subcontinent. Pakistan, in particular, is blessed with some of the most spiritually significant places for Sikhs. The Guru’s birthplace, his iconic handprint, the place where he miraculously made a spring appear, as well as where he passed on are all present in Pakistan. Thousands of Sikhs come from India to perform pilgrimage to these sites and since the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, many more will join them.
Virtual Water & UAE’s Foreign Policy with Iran: Neo-realist & Neo-liberal Perspectives
The virtual water trade, a concept introduced by Tony Allan, is the hidden flow of water if food or other commodities are traded from one place to another. The research paper briefly explains neo-realism and neo-liberalism before applying the theories to the UAE’s virtual water trade policy with Iran. The paper further details the determinants of UAE’s foreign policy with Iran.
The Libyan Civil War: Another Battlefield for Foreign Powers
The highly divisive civil war in Libya, wherein the standoff is between some of the central UN member states and the UN itself, could either decimate Libya or pave a democratic path for the people of Libya.
India vs. China in Ladakh: A Case of Indian Military Frailty
The ongoing skirmish in Ladakh against China has exposed the Indian military’s capabilities. Although India has the third-largest defense budget in the world, its conventional and outdated military approaches might cause the state to suffer substantial security losses.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Strengthening Ties, Tourism, & Trade
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the star project of the Belt and Road Initiative, holds immense potential for improved ties, increased tourism, and enhanced trade between the two countries. Moreover, due to the changing global travel policies and SOPs, particularly in the United States, Pakistan may become a more lucrative tourist destination for Chinese travelers.
Coronavirus and Migration: Redefining Global Movement
Coronavirus, like every other pandemic, has acutely impacted migration patterns. The adoption of containment measures and border closures in almost every continent has further endangered the safety of migrants — and has left them in limbo. In Hungary and U.S., for example, there is growing resentment and discrimination towards immigrants as they are viewed as carriers of the virus.
The War In Yemen: The Largest Humanitarian Crisis in the World
Yemen is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world with around 80% of the population requiring humanitarian assistance. Unfortunately states such as Saudi Arabia and non-state actors have continued to spoil Yemen for their own advantage. The article considers regional stabilization to be the panacea for Yemen.
The George Floyd Protests: A Nation Struggling For Breath
George Floyd’s death was fuel for the Black Lives Matter movement across America and the world. However, it remains to be seen whether the outcome will impact years of policy inertia. The protests have achieved a few things: from banning chokeholds to raising the issue of police brutality in the national and global consciousness. The coming American elections are likely to show how years of oppression and injustice galvanize change.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey: A Deteriorating Relationship
Both nation states are in the way of each other’s objectives, prompting both Saudi Arabia and Turkey to maneuver astutely and find their trump cards.
The Impact of Digital Information in Pakistan: The Case of Qandeel Baloch
The paper employs the case of Qandeel Baloch and the technological ramifications that followed before and after her death. It also analyses the digital revolution and its waves in Pakistan.
The GCC and Israel: An Unholy Alliance
In recent years, diplomatic relations between the Muslim Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Israel have expanded – which was previously thought to be impossible due to Israel’s mistreatment and annexation of Palestinian lands. Most recently and shockingly, however, the UAE recognized Israel as a state and both countries have officially began diplomatic relations upsetting many Muslims around the world.
The Demise of the Indian Media Under BJP Rule
India’s media today is characterized by prejudice & jingoism. The BJP is cited as the main culprit for this sordid state of the media. From the use of threats and violence to the use of bribery and fame, the BJP and its trolls have succeeded in making the media its veritable arm.
Pakistan: A Struggling Economy Amidst the Coronavirus
Like all economies, Pakistan’s too has fallen ill to the coronavirus pandemic. The article specifically focuses on the impact the virus has had on Pakistan’s tourism sector, food & agriculture, SMEs, & also the manufacturing & mining sector.