It is refreshing that Pakistan and Afghanistan have decided to develop a ‘robust and effective’ bilateral border-coordination mechanism as part of efforts to deal with cross-border attacks, as well as to arrest the movement of terrorists. Last month the two sides had…
In the back drop of resonation about usage of Indian origin arms and ammunition by the attackers of Karachi airport and recovery of huge cache of such weapons and munitions, Indian Prime Minister has condemned the recent terrorist attack on Karachi Airport.…
Amid hopes and fears, Afghan presidential elections held in the first week of April. The initial results showed Dr. Abdullah, of the three candidates, having a lead in the elections. Though these are not the final results, but Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, former…
National economy suffers from five perennial ills: deficit; debt; black economy; lack of capacity for capital growth and negative effects of population expansion. Budget 2014-15 makes an attempt to mitigate all five, though in varying degrees. Government presented the budget amid rising…
Millions of Afghans defied Taliban threats and rain, thus underscoring their enormous hope from the elections. As NATO/ISAF continue to draw-down, country's new leader will find an altered landscape as the country's wobbly security forces struggle to face down a ferocious insurgency…
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…
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…
In a press conference held on Saturday, 25 January 2014, Afghan President Mr. Karzai has once again refused to sign a Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the US stating that he will not sign that unless Washington and Pakistan launch a peace…