December 2012

The quest for security monopolised the entire course of foreign policy options in Pakistan over the decades. The overarching goals of national development, economic stability, people’s prosperity and pursuit of an independent foreign policy as laid down under Principles of Policy in the constitution were compromised. But still, the goal of ensuring national security was not achieved as the country …

Endgame in Afghanistan and the Future Prospects in the Region Jahangir’s World Times organised a discussion forum at the Department of International Relations, Karachi University.  The event was presided over by Dr. Shaista Tabsum, chairperson of the department while assistant professor Dr. Farhan Hanif Siddiqi was also present at the occasion. The students of BS programme shared their views on …

‘PD (public diplomacy) is one of the embodiments of soft power and the latter is about making your country, its system of values, your culture and aspirations likable, acceptable and attractive in the world. Unlike traditional diplomacy PD is not about state-to-state communication but about state-to-society or society-to-state interaction. This kind of communication is a two way street. It implies …

Dr. Ahsan Akhtar Naz Director Institute of Communication Studies University of the Punjab Dr Ahsan Akhtar Naz serves as the Director of the Institute of Communication Studies, Punjab University. He has been associated with the University since 1993. He has worked as Public Relation Officer for PU as well as UET, Lahore. In addition to administrative and academic jobs, he …

The army should also recognise that its meddling in matters of foreign policy has not brought us good results as our present US dependency is a product of decisions taken by army due to Indian fear factor. The army must evolve a new concept of security as our present day challenges are not posed by some external aggression but have …

The Chinese-Pakistani friendship was consolidated further throughout the cold war, in the post-cold war era and the war on terror but with important qualifications. China no longer supports Pakistan for its position on Kashmir but advocates and invokes the letter and spirit of the Simla Accords of 1972. China fears that if it favours the self-determination movement in Kashmir, such …

What actually drove both countries apart were their respective approaches to Afghanistan imbroglio, especially in the background of Washington’s declared intent to complete its drawdown by December 2014. Having legitimate interests there and being a next door neighbour that stands to benefit or lose depending upon how situation transpires in the war-torn country, the American efforts to give greater role …

‘The main focus remained on the child education. In the beginning, education did not give dividends but it paid gradually in terms of tangible results. So, what does higher education means to us, it means technical skills and practical learning, etc.’ Q. South Korea fought a war soon after its independence and has been facing a constant security problem, but …

Now when Obama’s second term has just begun and he is back to the White House, we shall naturally look at his past as president and anticipate thereupon that in the guise of his ‘compassionate and democratic’ foreign policy, he would go to any length for the fulfilment of what he could not do during his previous term. Since, he …

It is generally argued that developing countries can never have an independent foreign policy in absolute terms. They are compelled to think dependently as well as act dependently. In that case a country can gain benefits through its foreign policy only if it manages to play its cards well. Compromise and collaboration can work in favour of a developing country …