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.
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.
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.
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.
Astola Island of Pakistan: The Mysterious Island in the Arabian Sea
Astola Island in Balochistan province is Pakistan’s largest offshore island, with a sizeable tilted plateau and seven hillocks.
The island has long been a hidden gem of Pakistan, and because of its remote location, the remarkable beauty and serenity of the island have remained unblemished.
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.
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?
Navigating Cybersecurity Cooperation Between China and Pakistan
Afaq Ahmad examines the nature of the Sino-Pak relationship in regard to cybersecurity including the ways in which both countries are working together to address common threats and any potential challenges that may arise.
He also discusses the broader implications of improved cybersecurity cooperation for regional security, and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in the face of evolving cyber threats.
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?
Seed Out: A Non-Profit Microfinance Organization in Pakistan
Seed Out is a non-profit organization formed by Zain Ashraf in his attempt to bring sustainable economic stability and progress to underprivileged neighborhoods in Pakistan.
It is a crowdfunding platform for budding entrepreneurs in Pakistan, as declared on its website, meaning that it fosters direct relations between the donors and the beneficiaries.
The Dissolution of Punjab and KP Assemblies: An Unavoidable Path
Imran Khan is poised to announce the date for the dissolution of the Punjab and KP assemblies on 17th December. Once his party members resign on the decided date, elections are to take place within 90 days of the assemblies’ dissolution. Will the likely dissolution of these two assemblies strengthen Imran Khan’s resolve to inspire general elections?
The Woes of Pakistan’s Livestock Sector
Seeing that the livestock sector contributed about 14% to the national GDP in 2021-12, Tayyab Aleem is certain of its importance to Pakistan’s economy.
He examines the key issues being faced by Pakistan’s livestock sector.
Rasool Pur: A Model Village with 100% Literacy
Far in the southwestern part of Punjab lies Rasool Pur village known for its unprecedented 100% literacy rate.
Rasool Pur also boasts zero reported crimes in the last 100 years, and they credit these achievements to the cohesion and combined effort of the residents.
Importance of Geographic Information System (GIS) in Securing Pakistan
Muhammad Osama Asghar discusses a feeble branch of geography that can prove to be a vital source of security in Pakistan.
If implemented in an effective manner, the Geographic Information System (GIS) can be the lifeline that sustains the Pakistani economy while allowing us to prepare ourselves for impending natural, external, or domestic calamities.
All Hail Extremism
Raja Abdullah addresses the prevailing extremism, and its detrimental impact on the sociopolitical environment in Pakistan.
He observes that extremism (religious and political) started growing roots since the early years of the state’s inception. The full extent of that extremism now threatens to engulf the people of Pakistan.