Since coming into power, Pakistan’s new government is pursing the objective of peaceful neighbourhood. A number of initiatives are on the cards to improve relations with all neighbouring counties—especially India. For example, allowing India a non-discriminatory access to Pakistani markets appears around…
First general election aimed at a peaceful transfer of power is an eye catching event. Most immediate and formidable challenge for the US and the incumbent government of Afghanistan is to make the forthcoming Afghan elections appear as a credible and popular…
As militancy and negotiations move in tandem, a recently surfaced splinter group of Taliban hit the headlines through its lethal attack on district courts’ complex in the heart of Islamabad. Fizza Malik, a young Pakistani lawyer was amongst those unfortunate ones who…
Following the Taliban’s announcement for a month long ceasefire, the government has also reciprocated by suspending air strikes while retaining the option to respond to violent attacks. Cease fire by the Taliban has thrown up an interesting opportunity in the context of our…
Pakistan has struggled with scheduled and unscheduled power cuts for decades. Problem started becoming particularly chronic since 2005 due to rise in oil prices. Bill for oil import currently stands at $14 billion approximately. “Pakistan has been facing rising oil prices and…
This is a defining year in Afghanistan’s history. The drawdown of occupation forces by the end of year will be a watershed event. Pakistan supports a sovereign, independent and united Afghanistan and hopes that drawdown will be managed while preserving regional peace…
There is no country in the world, including India, that does not recognize Kashmir as a disputed territory; and there is no country in the world except India that does not want its resolution in line with the aspirations of the people…
Week long ministerial level meeting of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue concluded on a positive note. Event has resumed after a lull of three years marked by irritants and breakdowns. Credit for re-railing the dialogue goes to both sides. Pak-US bilateral is a complex relationship…
While international focus is on bracing up for post 2014 Afghanistan, recent spiralling terrorist attacks have propped up a national contingency for us—tackling 2014 Pakistan. Unrelenting events of terrorism have weakened the pro-dialogue constituency and have strengthened the hawkish school of thought…
Last November, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif performed the ground breaking ceremony of Pakistan’s largest nuclear power projects, Kanupp-II and Kanupp-III. China is providing the two reactors alongside a concessional loan of $6.5 billion for the construction of these $9.59 billion plants. When completed…