The Single National Curriculum (SNC) in Pakistan: An Inadequate Option
The current government has proposed a single national curriculum (SNC) for all educational institutes in Pakistan. The curriculum encompasses the indoctrination of a singular view of religion (and may continue to encourage rote learning) posing a continuing threat to pluralism, child development, and the quality of education in the underfunded education sector.
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.
Islamophobia in Canada: An Increasingly Vicious Trend
The recent terrorist attack on a Muslim family in Canada is just one case of the rising Islamophobia in the West. While Western state governments usually express solidarity with the victims, no effective steps are really taken to dismantle and eradicate the intensifying xenophobia in these countries.
CPEC: China’s Soft Balancing Against the United States
The paper deals with China’s ‘soft balancing’ in Pakistan through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and explains how such has helped limit the influence of the United States in Pakistan after 2015. The author argues that the CPEC is a step towards a more Beijing-led regional order —part of Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and greater ambition of extending his country’s influence — which has been working in China’s favor.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Expectations, Myths & Realities
The social, political, and economic landscape of Saudi Arabia is being dynamically reformed under Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s rule.
Providing newfound freedom to women, limiting gender taboos, and promoting education and recreation, Saudi Arabia is rapidly moving towards modernism.
In this paper, the author discusses the underlying factors driving these changes – with a focus on the aims and objectives of the ‘modern’ Vision 2030 program.
The Sheikh Jarrah Evictions & the Occupation of the Holy Land
There was widespread outrage on social media, as people across the world, especially Palestinians, protested against the forced displacements in Sheikh Jarrah by Israeli Forces. Israel attempts to constitutionalize such actions with the help of its state institutions. The reality however remains unchanged: Israel’s intends to annex all land, leaving no room for Palestine.
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.
China and the United States’ Pandemic Diplomacy in Central Asia
The coronavirus pandemic has set the course for pandemic diplomacy, a strategy that could reinforce the soft power image of the state wielding it. The author reports the pandemic diplomacy taking place in the Central Asian states, with both China and the United States competing to gain the upper hand in this new area of diplomacy.
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.
The Failure of Nations in Combating Climate Change Globally
Climate change is slowly becoming uncontrollable. Despite the extreme weather conditions around the world, the pledges, conferences, and discussions around climate change are proving to be ineffective. Collective action must be taken immediately to mitigate the intensity of this issue.
Insanity Plea in Pakistan: An Unsettled Loophole
It would come as a surprise to many that the presumption of innocence is not applicable to those that suffer from insanity. To familiarise the public with the legal dimension, the author explores the precedents that are the foundation of the insanity plea, or otherwise known as the insanity defense. The paper uderscores the importance of reforming the policies and laws related to mental illnesses.
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.
The Need for Strategic Autonomy in Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Pakistan’s foreign policy choices have been consistently subservient to exogenous factors and demands.
This paper aims to build a case for the introduction of strategic autonomy in Pakistan’s foreign policy and in the pursuit of security.
The palpable shift in global powerhouses has brought a rare moment for Pakistan to reset its security policy and move towards a more autonomous course of foreign policy.
Pakistan’s Team Foxtrot Eyes Victory in the 2021 UAS Challenge
The members of Team Foxtrot are engineers from the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), one of Pakistan’s most prestigious universities. Team Foxtrot competes again this year in the international UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Challenge by IMechE. Having won the 2019 Highest New Entrant Award in their first year, this time they have their eyes set on first place – and in doing so, making Pakistan proud.
Farewell Afghanistan: Consequences of the US Troop Withdrawal
The author reflects on the possible events and scenarios that will spiral as the September deadline for the US’s departure nears. The article frames a careful analysis of Afghanistan’s future in view of the past courses taken by the Afghan government, the Taliban, the US, and regional states. One matter remains decided, however, and that is the US troop withdrawal.
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.