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.
The Economic Cost of Political Instability
Afflicted by political instability and uncertainty, Pakistan has faced a difficult trail in economic growth.
Laiba Umer Malik points out the economic costs that Pakistan has paid due to political uncertainty—elections, protests, and terrorism—in its history.
Propelling Pakistan’s Automotive Industry to Embrace Technology
In the automotive industry of Pakistan, procuring spare parts and then providing the same have always been burdensome. There are several reasons for the sluggish growth of this industry, but the overriding factor that’s holding it back is the lack of an adequate technological infrastructure.
Buzzwords in the National Climate Change Policy of Pakistan
Seemal Nadeem examines the climate change policies of Pakistan (2012 and 2021) to identify how terms like ‘sustainable’, ‘mitigation’, and ‘adaptation’ have been used.
She also explains how these terms became a part of the development theory, and the implications these terms have for Pakistan and its policies.
Redefining Development in Pakistan
Aleena Khan opines that the term ‘development’ usually exhibits Western ideas.
She argues that the reproduction of the Western ideals of development would be structurally and culturally unviable for developing countries, particularly Pakistan.
To remedy this, she urges the citizens of Pakistan to redefine ‘development’ in a way that reflects their values.
Myths Around Pakistan’s Nukes & National Security
Brig Syed Mushtaq Ahmed (Retd) dispels four virulent myths that have been making the rounds. These include:
1. Balkanization of Pakistan
2. Pakistan is a failed state
3. Pakistan is an epicentre of terrorism
4. The threat to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
He believes that the common objective is to debilitate and defang Pakistan—the only Muslim nuclear power that could threaten US, India, and Israel.
Chipping Away at the Katas Raj Temples
The authors recount their visit to the Katas Raj temples, a site of extreme cultural and religious significance. They shed light on the degradation of the site caused by both controllable factors like the government and multinational companies and uncontrollable factors like climate change.
Pakistan-US Relations: As Fickle as the Weather
The US has had a turbulent relationship with Pakistan since the country’s independence in 1947. Over the course of 75 years, minor changes have occurred in the way bilateral exchanges are conducted between the two nations.
Despite the rollercoaster relationship, the US has assisted Pakistan by providing necessary loans, humanitarian aid, and military equipment during exigent situations.
Moreover, the US is a major foreign direct investor in Pakistan’s economy, and its largest export partner.
However, bilateral relations between the two have been deteriorating because of scathing remarks and underhanded activities.
Pakistan Grants Tajikistan Access to Gwadar
Due to its strategic location, Pakistan is a country that the Central Asian Republics cannot ignore. Areej Haider aims to explain the recent access to Gwadar for Tajikistan, its importance for both states, and future implications.
