On September 28, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), during its meeting in Algiers, the Algerian capital, agreed to reduce oil output to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day from the current output of 33.24 million bpd. It is for the first time in eight years that the oil cartel has decided to lower output. Saudi Arabia, …

It seems that Afghanistan’s problems aren’t going to end anytime soon. At a time, when the country is slowly yet steadily slipping into the hands of Taliban and the influence of already fragile Unity Government is waning, the top political leadership of the country has resorted to political wrangling. The cleavages in the unity government became more than evident when …

On July 12, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)  in The Hague ruled that China’s sovereignty claims over the South China Sea, and its aggressive attempts to enforce them, violate international law. It is a decision that comes with no enforcement measures, so its effect will depend on how China’s neighbours and the United States respond. China …

“We can’t afford a setback to the agriculture sector and will take collective measures. It’’ a very big challenge for us.” Muhammad Ishaq Dar (Federal Minister for Finance) Agriculture sector plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy. It provides the raw materials to down-the-line industries and also helps in poverty alleviation. Traditionally, this sector has been performing well but in …

The Council of Common Interests (CCI) recently decided to put off national census for an indefinite period while decided to work out modalities and availability of servicemen for the nose count. It is important to note here that census is a periodic activity and it must be conducted regularly, and should never be missed out on. Conducted at regular intervals, …

It was almost certain that the stage was set for face-to-face talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government within the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group, which consists of US, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Positive signals to that effect had been received by the concerned quarters in Pakistan and by the governments of the other members of the QCG. …

The support for the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, spanning all political parties as well as the general public, with the objective of militarily dealing with terrorists continued successfully in 2015 with a visible decline in the number of terror attacks in the country. The heinous attack on Army Public School on 16th December 2014 continued to galvanize the nation in support of …

Since the emergence of the country on the world map in 1947, the foreign policy of Pakistan has been facing grave challenges. But, the challenges in the 21st century are far more serious and daunting in nature. The challenges like globalization, extremism, terrorism and economic decline have impeded the effectiveness of the foreign policy of Pakistan. Today, the world community …

Climate change presents a grave threat to the security and prosperity of almost all countries across the globe. Pakistan, which ranks tenth in 2014 global index of fragile states, is also no exception to it. This phenomenon is turning out to be the most fundamental of all non-traditional security threats for Pakistan. These threats arise primarily out of non-military sources, …

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visited Pakistan recently, as part of a multi-country tour to explore opportunities for greater economic and security cooperation in the region following the landmark nuclear deal with the P5+1. Addressing a joint press conference during his day-long visit to Pakistan, he said that Iran intends to expand economic cooperation with Pakistan, along with increasing regional …