Articles

Pakistan's Economy and Regional Challenges: A Comprehensive Overview

By: FARAZ AHMED CHANDIO Pakistan, a country of approximately 220 million people, is strategically located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This geographic positioning offers significant strategic advantages but also places Pakistan at the center of complex regional dynamics. These dynamics influence its economic stability and growth prospects. This article delves into the multifaceted economy of Pakistan, highlighting its sectors, the challenges it faces,

Its time for women-centric foreign policy

In 2014, Margot Wallström, the former foreign minister of Sweden, announced the adoption of a groundbreaking foreign policy approach termed “feminist foreign policy,” making Sweden the pioneer in this area. Since then, several other nations, including Canada, France, and Mexico, have followed suit. More recently, Luxembourg, Malaysia, and Spain have also committed to developing similar policies. These declarations have sparked inquiries among foreign policy experts, raising questions about the precise

Why the liberal world order must win?

By Faraz Chandio By nearly every measure, the credibility and influence of the United States in the world have diminished since President Barack Obama and I left office on January 20, 2017. President Donald Trump has belittled, undermined, and in some cases abandoned U.S. allies and partners. He has turned on our own intelligence professionals, diplomats, and troops. He has emboldened our adversaries and squandered our leverage to contend with

It is time for India and Pakistan to annul their treason laws

By Faraz Chandio The legislative measures established during the British Raj era are still being employed to suppress dissident voices on the Indian subcontinent. A season of allegations of sedition has emerged in this region. The sedition law, originating from colonial times, has transformed into a potent tool for the Pakistani and Indian governments to quell opposing viewpoints. In December 2019, Pakistan’s government utilized sedition charges against numerous individuals involved

Reforming democracy can save democracy

By Faraz Chandio The state of democracy today is subject to intense scrutiny and dissatisfaction, as evidenced by widespread disillusionment among voters. While Winston Churchill’s assertion that democracy is “the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried” holds true, the fact remains that democracy falls short of being truly effective. This sentiment is echoed by voters globally who are increasingly frustrated with the

How Pakistani media ignore SDGs?

By Faraz Chandio In the contemporary landscape, journalism has ascended to unprecedented levels of influence, wielding the potential to enlighten and galvanize global audiences. It is now better poised than ever to champion the cause of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a collection of 17 overarching objectives designed to usher in a more sustainable and equitable future. These SDGs essentially serve as the cornerstone for what we consider “standard”

Is Fifth Generation Warfare upon us, already?

By Faraz Chandio Published on 21-05-2023 War has been an enduring aspect of human civilization, showcasing how what we painstakingly construct with care and dedication over decades can be swiftly demolished in a matter of days through aggression, looting, harm, and fire. A tale as old as time, even recounted in stories like that of Adam’s two sons, where the first Earth-born took the life of the second Earth-born, highlighting

Peace in Afghanistan: a distant dream

By Faraz Chandio Several factors are compelling the United States to conclude the long-standing conflict in Afghanistan. However, the likelihood of the Afghan peace process being successful is slim, and it is anticipated to encounter challenges in the current circumstances. To begin with, China’s rapid rise as a global economic powerhouse is exerting pressure on the United States and challenging its supremacy. Over the years since 2001, China’s economy has

Consequences of revoking special status of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir

By Faraz Chandio Repeal of the special status of India-occupied Kashmir (IoK) by BJP-led government would have catastrophic ramifications for the entire region, including Pakistan and India. Grave consequences for the region range from surging extremism and terrorism, the revival of Kashmiri militant movements and disruption of the Afghan peace process to the risk of nuclear war between India and Pakistan. There is a consensus that the Kashmir dispute is

In Cyberwar, There are No winners!

Faraz Chandio Remember “The Terminator,” the 1984 sci-fi hit starring a rising Austrian-American star? In the movie, a cyborg time-travels to eliminate the mother of a future war leader. Using today’s data breaches, that cyborg would have found Sarah Connor within minutes, effectively ending the war before it started. This illustrates the precision and threat level of cyberwarfare, where enemies can strike individual targets across borders. Today, you don’t even