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The 18th Amendment, that was hailed by all and sundry as a step in the right direction, has rather curiously contributed to the ethnic divide within the provinces. The devolution plan, designed to be administratively effective, has become a victim of political partisanship and nationalist politics. If this be the case then the devolution plan cuts at the heart of …

Pakistan is faced with roaring headline inflation and monetary hangover these days. The government has once again approached the International Monetary Fund to obtain dollars to run its affairs. The IMF has tasked the government with an ambitious economic reform programme to reverse the current large fiscal deficits, fostering inclusive growth and addressing Pakistan’s short- and medium-term problems. The IMF …

The acts of terror, insurgency and crime in Balochistan have reduced significantly in recent weeks. The most probable reason appears to be the assertive civil services, FC and Police, which have worked more or less without the political interference. The Chief Minister keeps offering negotiations to militants. However, governance is still very weak which cannot even ensure payment of dues …

With the drawdown of the US and Allied forces in Afghanistan approaching fast, there has been a sudden surge of terrorist attacks across Pakistan. The recent deadly assaults on the DI Khan central jail, the ISI office in Sukkur and All Saints Church in Peshawar are chilling reminders of the outreach and ease with which the perpetrators of these attacks …

Musharraf regime embroiled Pakistan into a new epoch in its history by assuming the role of ‘Most Allied Ally’ of the US in ‘War on Terror’. In this role, new dimensions for Pakistan’s international relations came to light and its significance in international politics was redefined. To comprehend the present state of affairs in Pakistan, it’s important to understand that …

The much-hyped meeting between the prime ministers of India and Pakistan, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session (UNGA), has raised hopes for bettering the often-battered bilateral ties. But sceptics say that the meeting is merely another round of parleys at the highest level and is unlikely to produce any solid results. Nevertheless, such a summit, coming …

It is a dream of every patriotic Pakistani to once again make Karachi the ‘City of Lights’. That’s the reason why all the patriotic Pakistanis pray earnestly for the success of the recent rangers-led targeted operation against extortionists, kidnappers, target killers and mafias in Karachi. Pakistan prospers only if the residents of the mega city live in a peaceful and …

In the past decade, Brazil achieved sustainable economic growth, became the sixth largest economy in the world, and was also able to significantly reduce income inequality. Hence, the country was able to lift 40 million people out of the poverty and now have more than 50% of the population in the middle class. One of the sectors that has benefited …

International Law of Trade or Disarmament? Introduction Is the international law evolving itself or is it defying the very basic principles of law? Quintessentially, it’s a product of agreements between the states and of the consistent conduct, which constitute the customary law. The list of its new subjects, however, is increasingly growing and is including non-state actors and multinational companies …

The tiny Persian Gulf state of Qatar is an oasis of peace and prosperity in the volatile Middle East. While neighbouring Bahrain convulsed with social unrest and a brutal government crackdown, Qatar ‘a gleaming, wealthy sovereign nation’ has been largely untouched by the revolutions sweeping across the Arab world. Fuelled principally by large liquefied gas/energy projects and high oil prices, …