The Thriving Esports Industry of Pakistan
The esports industry in Pakistan has the potential of becoming a success story as both domestic and international companies have been investing in the gaming ecosystem. Being home to leading gamers and players of e-sports, the author, Syed Haris Shah, opines that Pakistan’s commitment to the esports industry would soon bear fruit by creating multiple job opportunities for the youth.
Pakistan’s Politics: A Tedious History of Affections & Defections
The political instability in Pakistan, evident from the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, has a long-winded history dating back to the Mughal era. The author, Afifa Iqbal, notes that the Mughal dynasty and the British rule in the sub-continent embedded a personalist element and heavy reliance on patron-client networks into the political institutions of post-independence Pakistan. For centuries, defectors have benefited from the political imbalance created by the nature of politics in the sub-continent, while simultaneously consolidating it. The author argues that the current situation of politics in Pakistan is not a new phenomenon, rather, it’s a common occurrence that won’t collapse the political structure of Pakistan.
Addition of J-10C Fighter Jets in Pakistan Air Force
The signs of China and Pakistan’s defense and military cooperation has strengthened after the induction of the multi-role fighter aircraft by the Pakistan Air Force. The author, Syed Haris Shah, believes that the introduction of the J-10C aircraft made by one of China’s leading military and aviation companies, the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is an important measure taken by Pakistan’s security and political leadership to deal with potential security threats to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The No-Confidence Motion Against Imran Khan: Pakistan’s Political Tribulation
The author, Afifa Iqbal, illustrates the process of the no-confidence motion in Pakistan before delving into PM Imran Khan’s miscalculations. The uncertainty in the domestic political arena is disquieting as it is, but what will become of the democratic framework if the no-confidence resolution were to pass?
Trafficking of Drugs: The Implications of a Porous Border Between Afghanistan & Pakistan
Pakistan’s close proximity to Afghanistan has caused it to become the perfect target for drug trafficking. Rooha Javed explains that Afghanistan – one of the largest producers of opium in the world – has taken advantage of Pakistan’s transit route to not only acquire precursor chemicals for drug manufacturing but also for smuggling illegal drugs to the international market. Though Pakistan has adopted measures to counter this illegal drug trade, the number of Pakistanis suffering from drug addiction and overdose is increasing every day.
The Pakistan-Russia-China Bloc: A Consequence of US Actions?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has stirred up bloc politics once again, pitting the West against the Russia-China bloc. Pakistan’s current government is clearly leaning towards the idea of a Pakistan-Russia-China bloc, but that foreign policy truly rests on the domestic political situation of the country. Amid the political uncertainty. the author, Mr Sarmad Ishfaq, illustrates how future policies pivot on the results of the no-confidence vote.
Sehat Cards & the Sehat Sahulat Program: Imran Khan’s Visionary Health Initiative
In an effort to provide universal health coverage (UHC) across the country, Pakistan’s current government recently expanded the scope of the Sehat Sahulat Program. Rooha Javed explains how the initiative aims to provide health insurance to everyone – especially to families living below the poverty line. According to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Sehat Card will now allow every family in Punjab, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, and Tharparkar to avail healthcare facilities up to Rs 1 million at the approved government and private hospitals.
A Glimpse of History: Ancient Civilizations of Pakistan
The author, Muhammad Bilal Farooq, thinks back on the words of Rudyard Kipling, “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” In view of this quote, he traces the civilizations that were before us — the Mehrgarh, the Harappa and Mohenjodaro, the Vedic, the Gandhara, and the Indo-Greek.
The Great Gamble: The Soviet War in Afghanistan (Book Review)
“The Great Gamble: The Soviet War in Afghanistan” provides an overview of the Soviet Union’s direct and indirect involvement in Afghanistan. Gregory Feifer, the author of the book, traces the events that led to the Soviet invasion in 1979 and analyzes the war itself. In doing so, he aptly explains the role of Pakistan in bringing the Soviet war to an end, and how the US’ uncalculated actions in Afghanistan led to intensifying extremism and terrorism.
A Biography of Eqbal Ahmad: Remembering the Progressive Intellectual and Peace Advocate of Pakistan
The author, Syed Haris Shah, details the life of Eqbal Ahmad, an admirable intellectual who was even once arrested because of his anti-war stance. He dreamed of establishing an institute that would meld Islamic education with Western education. His writings are a remarkable contribution to the fields of peace studies, international relations, history, Islam, and political science.
Growth Versus Development: The Case of Pakistan
Growth or development? Which of the two would states choose and why? The author, Zahra Michelle Khan, mainly aims to explain both arguments and the pros and cons of each. She also assesses the external factors that influence the decision of a state to pick either, or both. The example of Pakistan, as well as possible ways to help the state develop, are also discussed towards the end.
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 Breathtaking Tour of Gilgit Baltistan
Tucked away in the Gilgit Baltistan province are a few of the national treasures of Pakistan. The springs, the forts, the meadows, and the historic sites of this region offer alluring and picturesque spots for tourists and nationals.
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 KPK Police & Its Unsung Martyrs
For years, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Police has remained the target of militant violence, targeted killings, suicide attacks, ambushes, and kidnappings by terrorist organizations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In the last two decades, more than 1,500 officers of the KPK Police have embraced martyrdom in the fight against terrorism in Pakistan. Among these martyrs are AIG Safwat Ghayur, SP Tahir Dawar, DIG Malik Saad, DSP Farid Hussain Bangash, and AIG Muhammad Ashraf Noor. Knowing the risks and challenges involved in this battle, the unsung heroes of the KPK Police have valiantly served their nation and sacrificed their lives.
Akbar’s Gift to Present-Day Kharian in Pakistan
Akbar, the son of Humayun, kept his father’s promise to the residents of Kharian, ordering the construction of two bawlis (stepwells). The author, Muhammad Abdullah, invites you to explore the historical mysteries of the city—and the vision that heralded the two famous stepwells of Kharian.
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: A Reappraisal by Shahid Amin
The book “Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: A Reappraisal” by Shahid Amin provides a comprehensive analysis of the state’s foreign policy throughout the years while keeping in mind the relations between Pakistan and India. The book explains, in great detail, how the perception of an “Indian threat” has influenced Pakistan’s decision-making. Apart from the India-Pakistan relations, Mr. Shahid Amin also elaborates on Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan after the 1979 Soviet invasion, and its relations with the Muslim countries and China.