Prospects of a Technocratic Government in Pakistan
Rumors of technocracy have been echoing in Pakistan for a few weeks as the country’s economic plight worsens with each passing day.
A technocratic government is a form of government in which the ministers of the government are not politicians by career and do not necessarily belong to any political party.
FATF Exit: Benefits for Pakistan
Placed on the FATF’s grey list in June 2018, Pakistan was finally removed from the list in October 2022. The country has undoubtedly undergone strict scrutiny from the global monetary watchdog.
Of course, there should be benefits that come with being white-listed, but what are they? And how much loss has the country suffered from being placed on the grey list for over four years?
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.
Will Saudi Arabia and Israel Normalize Relations?: Understanding the Arab Peace Initiative
On the condition that Israel will implement the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, Saudi Arabia has expressed its willingness to improve its relations with Israel. The initiative proposes a two-state solution for the Palestine issue and an end to the Israeli illegal annexation of the territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, notes that although an alliance between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Israel would be beneficial for them, the condition imposed by the kingdom is not pragmatic for Israel, even more so after the change in its leadership.
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.
Nine Famous Straits of the World: Exploring Trade Routes
This article describes some of the most important straits of the world. Straits are narrow stretches of water that serve as significant strategic and trade routes. As almost 80 percent of the world’s trade is carried over the waves, these straits provide navigable routes to various ships thus playing a critical role in the trade of the world.
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.
The Flawed Justice System of Pakistan: Delays, Biases & the Rana Shamim Fiasco
According to the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2021 report, Pakistan ranks 130th out of 139 countries. The index is a measure of a nation’s commitment to the rule of law that is assessed by considering several factors. The author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, outlines the flaws — such as protracted proceedings — in the justice system of Pakistan. Cases such as the Noor Muqaddam case and the Model Town case are mired in endless delays thus besmirching the courts in the country.
China’s Currency Devaluation Explained: Yuan vs Dollar
In 2019, the former US president, Donald Trump, declared China a currency manipulator. Although his predecessor, Barack Obama, had refrained from labeling China as such, he had shown frustration with its currency devaluation. For China, the low currency has been a cause for greater foreign investment. Since the state has a cheap production cost and labor, the international community now relies heavily on China’s exports. The author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, notes that China stockpiles American dollars and then uses them to purchase US treasuries which, in certain cases, can prove disastrous for the US. He explains that the US and China are ensnared in the Thucydides’ Trap and any development in their relations will affect the entire world.
Welcoming Digitalization in Pakistan
The demand for a digital transformation in Pakistan is critical in creating a transparent and efficient system for the public. The author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, explores the current state – and the digital prospects – of voting and government services. He also praises the introduction of training programs such as DigiSkills and E-Rozgar.
The Forgotten Pakistanis: Biharis of Bangladesh
Urdu-speaking people in Bangladesh, commonly known as Biharis, were the people who decided to migrate to Pakistan from India after the 1947 partition. They initially went to East Pakistan, but the civil war of 1971 between the two wings of Pakistan resulted in shattering their dreams. They were stranded in Bangladesh in 1971.
It was decided that they would be sent to Pakistan, but they still wait for the Pakistani planes to take them out of Bangladesh’s ghettos.
The Unrelenting Indian Separatist Movements: From Khalistan to Nagaland
Today, India is facing several secessionist movements which represent the territorial, ethnic, and humanitarian issues within the state. The author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, notes that for decades, separatists in Nagaland, Manipur, Kashmir, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Indian Punjab, have been demanding freedom from India. While some of these movements have been mitigated over the years, the mere existence of the secessionist element provides fault lines to China against the US ally. More often than not, India has used force to suppress these movements. In the case of Kashmir and Khalistan, in particular, India has committed grave human rights violations and killed thousands.
The New Canal Project of Istanbul & the Montreux Convention
Each year, around 48,000 vessels pass through Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait, making it the world’s busiest sea route. The Montreux Convention, under which Turkey regulates the strait, imposes several limitations on countries not bordering the Black Sea and prevents Turkey from taxing the vessels of the Black Sea littoral states. However, the author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, reveals that by constructing the Istanbul Canal, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aims to overcome these restrictions, since the convention is inapplicable to the canal. While the Turkish government defends the canal project, the Turkish opposition, environmental experts, and Russia are concerned about its implications.
The Border Dispute Between China and India: An Uncompromising Standoff
The author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, discusses the escalating border conflicts between India and China. Alongside highlighting the history of the conflict, he showcases how the Indian media has reported new confrontations between India and China over the area of Arunachal Pradesh, and how this is heightening tensions between the two countries again.
Pandora Papers in Pakistan: A Boost to Polarized Politics
The writer, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, explains the possible impact of the Pandora papers on the politics of Pakistan in the future. This article intends to explain what an offshore company is and under what circumstances could the holder of the offshore company be held accountable. It also throws a brief highlight on the famous people, from inside and outside the country, who are accused of having offshore companies.
Analyzing the Climate Change of Pakistan
The devastating effects of climate change can be felt all around the globe, making it impossible to ignore this threat. Being the 8th most vulnerable state to climate change, Pakistan has lost 9,989 lives and $80 billion due to climate-induced disasters. The author notes that climate change has not only impacted Pakistan’s economy but its agricultural sector and the lives of the state’s citizens as well. The author asserts that to fight against this hazard, the state’s government has introduced several measures. The Billion Tree Tsunami project, the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project, and Pakistan’s first-ever electric vehicle policy are all steps taken by Pakistan to combat climate change. Although Pakistan’s efforts are commendable, it alone cannot rid the world of this threat.
Pakistan and US Relations: A History of Betrayal
Despite being close allies during the Cold War, the author believes the relations between Pakistan and the United States to be rather strained — and almost at a breaking point. The domineering United States has always taken advantage of Pakistan’s prominent yet vulnerable position in the South Asia region. clearly embittering Pakistan.
