Violence in Islamabad

Political violence in Pakistan: A nation on the brink of division?

Pakistan’s struggle for peace and stability is far from over. As the government seeks accountability for those responsible for this violent protest, the need for healing has never been more pressing. PTI’s leadership must be held accountable for their role in inciting violence, spreading misinformation, and damaging the country’s social fabric. 

US-India dynamics could influence ties with Bangladesh, redefine regional politics

The sensationalized reports from Indian media about attacks on minorities could further complicate this dynamic, potentially shaping Trump's perceptions and policies toward Bangladesh. The fear is that these narratives could lead to a skewed understanding of the situation in Bangladesh, undermining Yunus’s efforts to establish legitimacy and garner international support.

Marx, Mao or Modi? Sri Lanka's delicate balancing act

Things changed overnight and within hours after the presidential election results were announced, India’s High Commissioner in Colombo Santosh Jha turned up at the JVP office in capital Sri Jayawardenepura        with a bouquet of red roses. Interestingly, Dissanayake in his brief conversation with the Indian envoy, recalled his visit to India and said that too was a contributory factor in his victory.

Sharing stories and voices of South Asia: Can a Kathmandu film festival act as a catalyst for regional collaboration?

Film Southasia is more than just a film festival. It brings together creative voices from across the region, establishing Kathmandu as a regional hub where South Asian storytellers connect across borders. It has become a special space where artists can share their stories and break down the barriers that often keep South Asian countries apart. Over the years, the festival has welcomed many iconic cultural figures, including poet-filmmaker Gulzar, actor Shabana Azmi, and directors Shyam Benegal and Goutam Ghose.

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Rampant smuggling across Afghan-Pak border jeopardising regional security

Smuggling activities along the Afghan border are often linked with militant groups and organized crime. The illegal trade of arms has contributed to the proliferation of the "Kalashnikov culture" across the length and breadth of Pakistan. 

Nightmare returns in Bangladesh: Extremists aim to destabilise country under guise of student protest

Given the nature of these 'student' demonstrations, it is apparent that Bangladesh faces serious danger from a network of underground political activists and extremists aiming to destabilise the country. These issues are putting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership to the test

Securing the digital frontier: India needs to adopt a holistic strategy to strengthen cybersecurity

Google and Facebook, which collect vast amounts of user data, will be required to overhaul their data-handling practices to meet the stringent requirements of the bill. Critics argue that certain provisions grant excessive power to the government, potentially undermining the very privacy protections the bill seeks to establish.

The growing salience of India’s state governments in expansion of India-UAE ties

A growing area of cooperation between India and the UAE is agriculture. UAE has committed to setting up three food parks in India - in the states of Haryana, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh - at an estimated cost of $2 billion to address the issue of food security as both countries had also agreed to set up a food corridor. 

Bangladesh's quota movement: From peaceful protests to attempt at 'Bengali Spring'?

It is undeniable that although the movement was initially for quota reform, it later took the shape of a movement to overthrow the government. It was an attempt to taste power through undemocratic, back-alley, violent means. An attempt was made to create a "Bengali Spring: in Bangladesh in the style of the Arab Spring.

Exponential growth in India-Saudi Arabia relations: Moving past the Pakistan factor

The inclusion of the military dimension in India-Saudi Arabia relations is of great strategic significance which is expected to gain more momentum in the future.

Bangladesh's Solar Home Systems are an exemplar in energy access and climate resilience

Bangladesh's triumph in off-grid renewable energy, epitomized by the SHS program, serves as a global benchmark. The collaborative efforts of government, private sector, and public entities have ushered in a new era of sustainable energy. 

Pakistan's climate emergency cries for timely action and international support

Pakistan's climatic catastrophe requires a global response. Developed countries must fulfill their pledges to provide financial and technological assistance to developing countries like Pakistan so that they can effectively mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Gratuitous advice amid global disorder: US needs to smell the roses

Quite unequivocally, strategic autonomy would be a hallmark of India’s foreign and security policy allowing it to oscillate between strategic proximity and strategic distancing depending on the circumstances and need of the hour. New Delhi would certainly not be guided by the script the US, or its Western allies prescribe.

Can Afghanistan transcend its dubious legacy of terrorism?

Madrassas in Pakistan and Afghanistan, often funded by Gulf states, have spread extremist ideologies. Saudi-financed madrasas in Pakistan taught Wahhabism, fostering a transnational network of militants using Afghanistan as a base. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia provided substantial aid and funding to these madrassas and the Mujahideen, promoting jihad against the Soviets. 

Pakistan’s economic recovery contingent on political stability

Pakistan's continuous political turbulence, characterised by infighting and power rivalries, poses a serious threat to the country's economic development.

Bangladesh's recent violence was an expression of simmering political and social discontent

The violent conflicts have caused infrastructure damage, supply chain disruptions, and industry closures that have cost Bangladesh billions of dollars in lost revenue and negatively impacted essential industries like clothing, steel, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. Its ramifications went beyond short-term financial losses. 

Baloch national gathering: Call for a new era of struggle against Pakistani State brutalities

The whole Baloch nation has faced the worst form of oppression by the Pakistani State: they have been abducted, received mutilated bodies of their loved ones, confronted illegal raids, illegal detention, and bogus cases. They have not been allowed peaceful protests; they have been totally censored by mainstream media. 

Strategic dialogue, Track 1.5 diplomacy necessary to maintain regional stability in South Asia

It is crucial for India and Pakistan to establish new confidence-building measures (CBMs) to mitigate the potential destabilizing effects of advanced technologies. Key elements of effective CBMs include robust communication channels, bilateral discussions on emerging technologies and their implications for regional peace, and strict adherence to missile test notification protocols.

Rekindling the spirit of communal amity in Sri Lanka: A Prime Minister's quest

In this newly revived spirit of amity, PM Gunawardena travelled from Jaffna to Kilinochchi by road. There were no protests and he was received at both venues with warmth and cordiality.