Pak Affairs

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 …

Water wars is a phrase used to describe increased competition for water resources, due to drought, climate change, or increasing populations; controversies over and reduced access due to privatization of water services; or the role of these tensions in leading to physical conflicts, within or among nations. This century would be an era in which rivers, lakes and aquifers will …

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian security organisation, which was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Except for Uzbekistan, the other countries had been members of the Shanghai Five, founded in 1996; but after its inclusion in 2001, the members renamed the organisation. During the SCO’s June 2002 …

Until the recent past, wars were fought to pursue oil interests. But, now the era of wars for protection of energy interests is over. The world is fast moving towards a new kind of wars and that is wars over water. The way water security has emerged as a key theme in overall national security frameworks underscores the importance of …

The All Parties Conference (APC) convened by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on September 9, 2013 to discuss the national security crisis, called upon the Federal Government to initiate the dialogue with all stakeholders to bring peace in Pakistan. The APC authorized the Federal Government to take all necessary steps, including development of an appropriate mechanism and identification of interlocutors. The …