Pakistan & Uzbekistan: Celebrating 30 Years of Bilateral Cooperation
President Shavkar Mirziyoyev’s two-day state visit to Pakistan marked the 30 years of diplomatic ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The delegations deliberated over matters of regional and bilateral significance. The author, Syed Haris Shah, notes that this visit is immensely important for Pakistan to cultivate better economic and political relationships with the Central Asian Republics (CARs).
A Review of the National Judicial Policy (2009) in Pakistan
To bring a semblance of structure and convenience within the judicial sphere of Pakistan, the National Judicial Policy 2009 was framed. The authors, Alyan Waheed, Palwasha Khan, Shaheer Ahmed, and Syed Hassam Ali, discuss the policy’s underpinnings and address its failures and drawbacks.
The Trans-Afghan Railway: Connecting Pakistan & Uzbekistan
Culturally, historically, and religiously, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are tied together. Yet, since the two states became independent, they have not been able to establish strong bilateral relations. However, under the leadership of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan, new prospects for trade and cooperation have opened up. The author, Zohra Asif, notes that the Trans-Afghan Railway – a 573-kilometer corridor connecting Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan – serves as one such opportunity. She argues that the project will not only link Central and South Asia but also create room for peace in Afghanistan through economic development.
Re-examining Pakistan’s NFC Awards
Pakistan has introduced seven National Finance Commission (NFC) awards for the distribution of revenue between the center and provinces since 1975. The author, Mohammad Ali Zafar, argues that while the 7th NFC Award has increased the share of the provinces in the divisible pool, it has also raised concerns for the center, especially when it comes to debt servicing and defense. Moreover, since the provinces of Pakistan have been, somewhat, unable to generate provincial revenues as per their capacity, they have remained financially dependent on the center.
Pakistan’s Economic Problems & the Need for Regional Connectivity
Economic security is necessary for every state but Pakistan’s economic problems have made it difficult for the South Asian state to acquire it. The author, Badshah Gul, notes that to improve its economic condition and to efficiently utilize its national resources, Pakistan needs to strengthen its relations with its neighboring countries—China, India, Afghanistan, and Iran—and engage with regional organizations like SAARC and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
The OIC Conference on the Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan
A little over a month has passed since Pakistan organized the 17th extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, but Afghanistan’s situation shows no signs of optimism. The author, Mairaj ul Hamid Nasri, gives a summary of the deliberations and the commitments made at the meeting.
Analyzing Pakistan’s Second Strike Capability: Pakistan’s Babur 3 vs India’s INS Arihant
The nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan has led to both states attaining a second strike capability. To be capable of a second strike, India has developed a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with ballistic missiles (SSBN) – the INS Arihant. In response, Pakistan introduced the Babur 3 missile, which is a submarine-launched cruise missile, and declared its second strike capability. While analyzing the credibility of the second strikes of India and Pakistan, the author, Rauf Khalid, notes that there is an asymmetry between them.
Efficient Laws & Systems for Domestic Violence in Dubai: Where Did Pakistan Go Wrong?
The legal measures and reporting mechanisms for domestic violence in Dubai are functional. That is in stark contrast to Pakistani systems that counter domestic violence.
To ensure safety for the victims, Pakistan, too, must adopt Dubai’s best practices in confronting domestic abuse.
From Persecution to Open Calls for Muslim Genocide in India
Is India’s democracy buckling under the weight of its endless anti-Muslim hate speech? Gandhi really did not wish for his beloved state to become what it is now — a secular state that inspires antipathy to its Muslim citizens. Hindutva or Hindu nationalism has recently sparked calls for Muslim genocide, distancing the notion of democracy in India.
Peace Talks with the Pakistani Taliban (TTP): Then vs Now
Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), formulated in 2007, is one of the deadliest terrorist groups in Pakistan. It has carried out massive attacks against Pakistan’s security forces and also targeted civilians. As a result of its actions, Pakistan has lost thousands of lives. The author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, notes that although Pakistan has tried to negotiate with the TTP on several occasions and even signed peace agreements, all of its efforts have failed. He explains that while the state favors a peace deal with the TTP, many analysts believe that this move will prove damaging for the country.
How MNCs Are Destroying the Foreign Exchange Reserves in Pakistan
The writer, Mir Mohammad Alikhan, reflects on the cause of plunging foreign reserves in Pakistan. Is it because of businesses’ proclivity for imports, like many believe it to be? That truly isn’t the case. Multinational corporations are actually the ones sending shock waves to the foreign reserves by importing a considerable amount of raw materials for their products and then selling them at prohibitive prices. Naturally, huge profits are made, which are declared as dividends before being converted into dollars and sent abroad to a parent company.
Pakistan in 2021: A Tumultuous Year
2021 was truly an unpredictable year for Pakistan. The country saw turbulence in the political realm with protests by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and dharnas by various other entities. The country’s economic woes only intensified as it failed to exit the FATF grey list. On the bright side, Pakistan’s athletes were given the due spotlight at several games this year, particularly at the Tokyo Olympics. Take a look at some of the major developments that took place in Pakistan in 2021.
Essay on Energy Crisis in Pakistan
Power outages and high electricity bills have become commonplace in Pakistan. Although the government’s poor planning and management are to blame for this predicament, it seems, according to a European think tank, that the World Bank is the main culprit behind the country’s energy crisis.
The author, Ayesha Zafar, explains how the World Bank’s three power projects — PACE, SHIFT, and IGCEP — are destabilising Pakistan’s energy plans.
Pakistan’s Debt & the $3 Billion Saudi Loan
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has granted a loan of $3 billion to Pakistan. The state is obligated to return the loan after a year, however, Saudi Arabia can ask for repayment on a three-day notice anytime within that one year. In addition, Pakistan will have to pay $120 million in interest on the loan and Saudi law would be applicable in case of any dispute. The author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, explains that since the IMF has restricted Pakistan from borrowing from the State Bank of Pakistan, the economic condition of Pakistan is likely to take a toll. At such a crucial time, Pakistan cannot afford to offend any of its allies, namely China.
Pakistan-Turkey Relations: A Harmonious Partnership
After Pakistan became an independent state in 1947, Turkey was one of the first states to recognize it. The two states are bound together by cultural and religious links. The author, Muhammad Abdullah, notes that throughout the years, they’ve cooperated and shown support for each other on several fronts. When Pakistan was hit with a devastating earthquake in 2005, Turkey sent millions of dollars in aid to Pakistan. Similarly, after the Van earthquake of 2011, Pakistan’s Red Crescent Aid Society donated $100,000 to the people of the Van province in eastern Turkey.
Pakistan Hosts the 2021 OIC Meeting on Afghanistan
Pakistan will host the 17th extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers today. The fact that it will be the largest ever conference on Afghanistan since the Taliban took charge in mid-August is momentous not only for Pakistan but also for other regional countries whose role in Afghanistan has remained significant throughout.