Conflicts and geopolitical tensions today are reshaping the Middle East; global energy and trade patterns are under pressure, and technology is transforming economies and societies at unprecedented speed. Pakistan cannot stand apart and only be an observer of these developments. Our challenge is to respond with confidence, cohesion and a clear national purpose. In a…
In the changing landscape of an emerging multipolar world, no nation can secure sustainable progress in isolation; success increasingly lies in combined efforts, knowledge-sharing and enduring partnerships. China’s approach to international engagement, rooted in the Confucian principles of mutual respect, harmony and shared development, offers a compelling perspective on how economic cooperation can contribute to…
The assumption that has fortified international diplomacy since the end of the Cold War that negotiated ceasefires automatically produce peace has proven to be wrong. Witness the continuing hostilities between the United States and Iran despite the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), it demonstrates that modern wars are no longer fought or concluded solely by…
The continuous and exceptional sacrifices of the martial Sharifs have secured them a legendary place in the annals of modern Pakistan. The 16th volume of my series, “A Personal Chronicle of Pakistan,” is dedicated to the family that embodies the nation’s finest qualities. The unparalleled familial commitment and service of the martial Sharifs remain truly…
Approaching my 80th birthday, my reflections have shifted from personal accomplishments to understanding the divine wisdom that shapes human destiny. The vigor, enthusiasm, and successes we often attribute solely to our own efforts are, in reality, sustained by faith, resilience, and Tawakkul – complete trust in Almighty Allah. Having witnessed wars, economic upheavals, political instability,…
“No Complications” Greenfield Port With Courtesy and thanks to “The Nation” Opening NarrativeThe April 2026 disruption of the Strait of Hormuz (and the implied threat to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait) has opened a rare 5–10 year window for Pakistan to strive for a permanent share of regional transshipment. Pakistani ports have already responded: Karachi handled a…
The current turbulent times have made international relations increasingly unpredictable. They are increasingly influenced by conflict, coercion, and the decline of the norms that once governed state behavior. The escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran has brought into sharp focus the reality that the so-called rules-based international order is under severe strain, if…
The conflict in the Middle East which has the potential of becoming a wider conflict involve more countries actively (US and Israel versus Iran) and passively (Gulf Countries and Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon and even Cyprus) has once again raised troubling questions about the future of humanity. The focus across the world inevitably turns toward…
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in DAVOS unfolded at a time when global politics is increasingly shaped by strategic competition, economic recalibration, and technological acceleration. The liberal certainties that once framed globalisation are steadily giving way to realism, fragmentation, and power politics. For Pakistan, engagement at such a forum is not optional….
In an era defined by accelerating complexity and deepening global fragmentation, the need for a trusted and impartial platform for meaningful dialogue has becomeindispensable. From volatile geopolitical realignments to systemic economic and societal risks, rebuilding trust today demands broader perspectives and a willingness to engage positively across the various divides. Convened under the theme “A…
