How a Bloody & Battered TTP Made a Comeback in Pakistan
It is difficult to understate the deadly threat of the TTP’s resurgence in Pakistan. With the country already in economic distress as it is, the growing militancy has further enfeebled the state. Sarmad Ishfaq deems three primary reasons for the TTP’s revival: the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the peace negotiations with the TTP, and Imran Khan’s ouster.
Exploring the India-China Border Dispute in Arunachal Pradesh
The absence of clear demarcations in the Arunachal Pradesh region has led to multiple conflicts between China and India. Tawang, the reason for the recent skirmish, is claimed by both India and China. Leveraging the tactical and cultural importance of the Tawang region in Arunachal Pradesh will undeniably provide a strategic advantage to either of the two nations.
An Introduction to Strategy
“An Introduction to Strategy” was originally published in French in 1965 by General André Beaufre. In his condensed book (138 pages), he defines military strategy before proceeding to discuss its patterns and evolution.
The Evolution of Nuclear Strategy
“The Evolution of Nuclear Strategy” by Lawrence Freedman, a renowned academic and historian, was first published in 1981.
The fourth edition of the book presents different political and regional developments that paved the way for policymakers to come up with different nuclear strategies at different times.
Tajikistan’s Geoeconomic Significance: Unfolding New Dimensions
According to certain economic assessments, Tajikistan has had consistent development since the end of the Tajik civil war in 1992, as well as an overall rise in the standard of living and foreign investment.
To Maha Afzal Chaudhary, the country’s great hydroelectric potential and geostrategic significance make it a prominent player in regional affairs.
Hindutva: Turning Secular India into a Hindu State
Hindutva has created divisions in Indian society by forging a ‘Muslim threat’ to legitimize the BJP’s anti-Muslim acts. Nishat Shuja analyzes Modi’s aim of creating a Hindu Rashtra (state) through Hindu supremacist policies and Muslim marginalization.
The 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the revocation of Kashmir’s autonomous status, and the Kerala hijab ban are cases in point for the systemic discrimination against the Muslim minority. Undoubtedly, PM Modi and right-wing Hindu nationalism threaten India’s constitutional foundations by creating a Hindu Rashtra.
Japan Approves Its Revolutionary National Security Strategy
Japan has unveiled an updated version of its National Security Strategy to ramp up the counterstrike capabilities of the self-defense force. The strategy consists of three documents: the National Security Strategy (NSS), the National Defense Strategy (NDS), and the Defense Buildup Program (DBP). Sajid Khan believes that the vital changes in Japan’s strategy have occurred because of the threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
Has Artificial Intelligence Become Sentient?
The debate around the sentience of artificial intelligence cropped up unexpectedly in June 2022 when Blake Lemoine, a Google engineer, experimented on LaMDA, an AI-driven chatbot.
The chatbot not only argued on philosophical questions but also demanded its rights. Sana Azhar determines if such conversations by a chatbot confirm the existence of sentient AI.
Pak-Afghan Clashes at the Chaman Border
The Taliban regime came into power by overtaking the Afghan government in August 2021. Despite the fact that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban government, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained contentious since then.
Deadly cross-border exchanges at the Chaman border on 13th November, 11th December, and 15th December have alarmed the people of the two states who fear a dramatic escalation of the conflict.
Pervaiz Elahi & PML-Q: Kingmakers in Pakistan
In a political wrestling match, we have a ruling party and an opposition—and more often than not, both form coalitions with other political parties and independents.
Imran Khan’s decision to dissolve the Punjab and KP assemblies has further polarized the political parties.
In such critical times, the kingmaker of the country—PML-Q—has found its place on the political stage once again. Raja Abdullah shares how PML-Q came to power, and eventually emerged as a kingmaker for its own political survival.
Deepfake or Real? Here’s How to Tell the Difference
Deepfake, as the name suggests, uses deep learning technology to create convincing yet fake digital media. In this article, Shahzeb Rizwan Raja enumerates specific characteristics that distinguish between an actual and a deepfake video and image.
Impact of PTI Government’s Afforestation Initiatives
While there has been a significant improvement in the number of trees and the creation of jobs through PTI’s tree-plantation initiatives, these activities are causing more damage to the country.
Seemal Nadeem does not deny the positive impact of the green programs, but she recommends greater reliance on adaptation policies.
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy, 1947-2016: A Concise History
In “Pakistan’s Foreign Policy, 1947-2016: A Concise History,” a former diplomat and foreign minister of Pakistan, Abdul Sattar, charts the foreign policy of Pakistan from its inception.
It is another book strongly recommended to CSS candidates because of the social and political aspects being used to understand Pakistan’s foreign policies.
Revolutionizing the Spare Parts Industry Through Tech
While there have been several startups and e-commerce portals for the provision of auto parts, many—like Daraz and PakWheels—largely focus on car accessories. Those that have ventured into the spare parts industry leave much to be desired.
PartEx and OkayKer, however, are two dynamic new ventures that are working towards growing the online spare parts market in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Political Circus: PDM, PTI, and the New COAS
The swift and undisturbed appointment of Pakistan’s new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on 24th November brought an end to what could have been a possible cause of political unrest.
Will the change in command at GHQ let go of the past and usher in a new era of civil-military relations?