Part 1 Terrorism in South Asia stems from historical resistance, faith, and politics; understanding its roots is vital to securing Pakistan’s future peace Over 35 years in public service, including the senior most roles Within Pakistan’s top law enforcement institutions, I have closely studied the evolving nature of terrorism in our region. The challenges we…
Pakistan’s Federal Budget for fiscal year 2025-26, coupled with the Finance Act 2025, marks a critical juncture in the nation’s economic and strategic trajectory. This article provides a comprehensive commentary on the budget’s fiscal policy stance, its projected multifaceted impact across key economic sectors, and the substantial allocation towards defense. A particular focus is placed…
Abstract:The Pakistan Finance Bill, 2025, currently awaiting final assent to become the Finance Act 2025, introduces a series of unprecedented and significant amendments across the country’s tax laws including Income Tax Ordinance, Sales Tax Act, Federal Excise Duty, and Customs Act. These proposed changes are primarily geared towards aggressively broadening the tax base, formalizing the…
Pakistan, with a population of 24 crore (60% living in rural areas) has an alarming population growth rate of 2.4% with a demography of almost 60 % youth (under 30); the dilemma is that the youth bulge is becoming a burden on the economy instead of an asset. Labour force participation remains stagnant at 37.2%,…
Introduction Access to financial services is a cornerstone of economic development, yet rural areas in Pakistan have historically remained underserved by traditional banks due to infrastructure challenges, low population density, and high operational costs. The rise of Agent Banking, which leverages local businesses and individuals to act as financial service points, has dramatically shifted this…
At 2:30pm, on 22 April, allegedly 26 people were shot and killed (could be more), in a terrorist attack in Baisaran, 6 kms from Pahalgam in Indian Held Kashmir. True to form, the Indian media went ballistic, and even more predictable, Pakistan was immediately blamed. The attack was owned by, what the Indian media said,…
An analytical exploration of strategic defense, deterrence theory, and regional stability in South Asia’s enduring conflict. Introduction When two nuclear-armed neighbors come to the brink of war, the world watches with bated breath. The 2025 confrontation between Pakistan and India was no exception ignited by the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, it…
On 8th May, 2025; a number of air drones (Harop) were launched by India which violated Pakistan territory. As reported by DG ISPR, 25x drones were intercepted and neutralized by our Air Defense System, however, two fell very close to some sensitive areas. This created a negative impression amongst our public about such a capacity…
The recent escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the two countries but also regional stability, global power alignments, military technology perceptions, and strategic economic partnerships. As tensions rise in South Asia, this conflict emerges as a flashpoint that could reshape global geopolitical trajectories and military doctrines. Geopolitical Shifts…
Brief Summary and Background Pakistan has a long history of wars with India on the Kashmir issue due to its disputed nature, however, the root cause of tension is far beyond this regional issue which reflects India’s expansionist designs. Though diplomatic ties were established in 1947, yet, India did not accept the creation of Pakistan…
