IntroductionWhen the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (or SAARC) was created in 1985 – and the consensus was that it was the product of a Bangladesh initiative – it can be said to have been a triumph of hope over experience. Till then South Asia, or the Indo-Pak Subcontinent by which the region was…
Economics is a complicated discipline and happiness too. Both have their own parameters, dimensions, dynamics and directions. Both also have their limitations, litmus tests and the last but not the least, long term plans, policies, projects and programs. Now it has become a hot topic among the policy makers, think-tanks, researchers and academia because of…
Most recently the People’s Republic of China (PRC) introduced many guidelines on military reforms. According to Chinese Defense Ministry (January, 2016) China’s military has set up 15 new units covering everything from logistics to equipment development, political work and fighting corruption as part of an ongoing drive to modernise the world’s largest armed forces. This…
The Republic of Uzbekistan celebrates its “Constitution Day” on December 8 every year. It was adopted on December 8, 1992, by the 11th Session of the Supreme Council of the 12th convocation. It has already achieved elements of stability and sustainability in the spheres of economy, politics, civility and foreign policy. It unites its people….
During his recent address to the UN General Assembly, PM Nawaz Sharif had said: South Asia needs strategic stability and this requires serious dialogue to achieve nuclear restraint, conventional balance and conflict resolution. He proposed a new peace initiative, comprising four specific and feasible steps: 1) Pakistan and India formalise and respect 2003 understanding of…
Recently the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated its 85th National Day. Saudi Arabia holds an important position in the comity of nations and is well-known for its moderate policies; it always works for global peace and collective prosperity of all people living around the globe. Its shared destiny approach changed the fates of many struggling…
Change is obvious. Change is permanent. Change is real. The Republic of Uzbekistan has achieved high rates of economic growth and social development because of its rigorous economic, financial and social reforms. Strategic planning, visionary leadership and its unique economic development model played important part in the continuous upward socio-economic development of Uzbekistan. Change brought…
President Erdogan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, inter alia, discussed the prospects of the budding Afghan peace process during their meeting in Chaklala on August 01. Over the previous years Turkey has been taking keen interest in a negotiated settlement of the Afghan crisis; initiatives like Istanbul, Ankara and Heart of Asia processes are just…
China has effectively checkmated American “Pivot to Asia” rhetoric by mobilizing the support of 57 countries for its economic venture, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). We in Pakistan welcome the setting up of AIIB and view it as an instrument of regional development. At the same time caution is due for AIIB, it should watch…
Most recently, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko visited Pakistan and inked many meaningful agreements and MOUs. This was the first ever visit of any Belarusian President to Pakistan which showed its multidimensional importance. During his stay he met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain and discussed matters of mutual interests. Both sides agreed…
