Economy of Pakistan over the Years
With an external debt exceeding 130.1 billion dollars, Pakistan faces precarious debt levels, political instability, and deteriorating economic indicators.
The global economic downturn spurred by Covid-19 hit advanced economies hard and sent the growth rates of developing and underdeveloped states plummeting. The PTI government made modest gains, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. However, deep-seated challenges such as energy crises and regulatory hurdles persisted.
Hamza Shariff concludes that Pakistan must prioritize structural reforms, invest in human capital, and diversify energy sources to unlock the nation’s economic potential.
Paradigm Shift’s Magazine: February 2024 Edition
The February 2024 edition of the Paradigm Shift magazine is now available for download.
The magazine features a diverse list of articles, op-eds, and book reviews centered around the latest news and developments in Pakistan and abroad.
From national and regional developments regarding the IMEC to international conflicts such as the war between Venezuela and Guayana, this edition covers all important topics that you need to keep an eye on.
Kidnapping of the Century: The Case of Charles Lindbergh Jr.
In 1932, America witnessed the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr., the infant son of pioneer aviator Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow. With only a ransom note and a broken ladder left behind, the kidnapper disappeared into the night. Labeled “The Kidnapping of the Century,” the crime garnered both international and domestic attention, propelling the US Congress to pass the Federal Kidnapping Act.
Marxist Analysis of The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins proves to be an excellent case study for a Marxist analysis.
Baseerat Mushtaq applies the theory of interpellation, put forth by Louis Althusser in the 1970s, to the film adaptation of the first book.
She explains the formation of ideologies through ISA (ideological state apparatuses) and RSA (repressive state apparatuses). The former directly forms the ideology while the latter indirectly reinforces it.
Israel’s Heinous Targeted Killing Programme
The ongoing Israeli war in Gaza has brought to the fore the violations of international law committed by Israel. Sarmad Ishfaq discusses one such violation—Israel’s targeted killing program—and the moral and legal debates surrounding it. Highlighting the historical context and prominent operations, he outlines Israel’s use of targeted killings to eliminate perceived threats, including Palestinian leaders and Iranian nuclear scientists.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Tapestry: Unraveling the Threads of Foreign Policy in Support of Palestine
Mishayam Jan Ayub explores Pakistan’s enduring support for Palestine, tracing its diplomatic positions and public sentiments. She highlights Pakistan’s unwavering backing for Palestine in the country’s foreign policy, one rooted in historical and cultural ties as well as geopolitical considerations.
Shaping History: The First General Elections in Pakistan
In 1970, Yahya Khan, who imposed Pakistan’s second martial law, issued a Legal Framework Order for the first general elections. The landmark elections of 1970 ushered in a new era, setting the stage for significant changes in Pakistan’s political and territorial landscape. They not only left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s electoral history but also paved the way for future developments and decisions in the country.
NIMA’s Hybrid Seminar on the Indian & Pacific Oceans
Today, the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Navy – Sea Power Centre (RMN – SPC), Pakistan Embassy in France, Centre for International Studies (CeSI) in Italy, and the Institute of Regional Studies held an international hybrid seminar on the regional and international significance of the Indian and Pacific Oceans at the NIMA Head office in Islamabad.
The Indian Economic Model: A Story of Progress & Paradox
Jana Awez provides a critical analysis of India’s economic growth, revealing the harsh realities that exist beneath the surface of its impressive economic achievements. Despite economic gains, citizens grapple with debt, inflation, unemployment, and poor infrastructure. India’s dream of becoming an economic superpower clashes with existing social issues.
Pakistan’s Greatest ODI Batters: A Data-Driven Journey Through Cricket History
Zain Ul Hassan presents a meticulous analysis of legendary players’ performances against top-tier bowling sides.
He explores statistical insights derived from the careers of iconic cricketers such as Babar Azam, Zaheer Abbas, Misbah-ul-Haq, and others.
He employs a unique metric called the “Quality Adjusted Average” to assess how these batsmen fared against formidable bowling attacks, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of their achievements.
Unveiling the World Of 3D Weapons: Technology, Risks, Legal Aspects, and Regulatory Challenges
Technological evolution has led to a crossover between AI and 3D printing. In the wrong hands, this combination can prove to be lethal. 3D-printed weapons are becoming commonplace in wars and rebellions, as witnessed in the 2021 Myanmar civil war.
Zoya Usman contemplates the challenges and risks these weapons pose in the modern world. Some view these developments with alarm, while others debate the urgency of the threat they pose.
Do these concerns warrant immediate attention?
The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842)
Laiba Umer Malik offers a brief history of the First Anglo-Afghan War (1838-1842). This Afghan war, fought in the midst of the Great Game, set the stage for future foreign interventions in Afghanistan. It marked the start of centuries of torment for the people of modern-day Afghanistan.
Singapore’s Giant Digital Economy
Despite the global economic hiccup, a tiny island nation often termed the “Lion City,” Singapore remains one of the world’s strongest economies.
Its robust “smart nation” initiative, which mobilizes advancements in digital technologies to create smooth, tech-driven actions, has firmly put Singapore in a good position to develop a strong digital economy and a force to reckon with in the tech-oriented society.
The Anglo-Soviet Invasion of Iran
The Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran officially began on 25th August 1941 and concluded on 31st August 1941, a day after the Iranian government had agreed to surrender and establish a ceasefire.
However, the invasion was more than a mere military operation; it assisted in setting the stage for Iran’s role in global politics along with shifting the perspective of the Iranian government and its populace concerning the West.
BizNet 2024: Embracing Financial Inclusion & Business Transformation
BizNet, Pakistan’s premier platform for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, celebrated its third successful edition at the President House Islamabad in association with Women Business Network.
Artificial Intelligence and National Security: A Way Forward for Pakistan
Noman Ali Kalhoro identifies the loopholes and shortcomings in the draft national AI policy by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, a document that has the potential to shape Pakistan’s roadmap towards a competitive posture in this technological era.
By examining the US’s National Artificial Intelligence Initiative and China’s New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, he showcases their guiding principles, ideology, and implementation methods while investigating the influence of AI in the national security paradigm.
Canada-Philippines Defence Agreement and the South China Sea Dispute
The recent defence agreement signed between Canada and the Philippines is focused on cooperation in military education, information sharing, training exchanges, peacekeeping operations, and disaster responses regulated between the military and defence establishment of both countries.
Although it doesn’t mention a direct aim of safeguarding the claims of the Philippines in the South China Sea, the defence agreement would surely play its role in the ongoing dispute.