Dear Readers, Since that fateful day on 9/11 when the USA came under terrorist attack, Pakistan has come to be regarded by many nations as the epicenter of terrorist activity committed in the name of Islam. While this is not entirely true, we have given space and opportunity to extremists and terrorists to prosper. Many…
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif recently visited China and had very meaningful interactions at many levels. He met with his counterpart Li Keqiang and the Chinese President Xi Jinping and thoroughly discussed the matters of mutual interests. Pakistan and China enjoy an all-weather friendship. It is trustworthy and above all, time-tested too. Their multi-dimensional cooperation is…
Recent visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has provided further impetus to the strong and time tested friendship that Pakistan and China have nurtured over the previous decades. Twelve agreements signed during the visit include a number of arrangements which are of strategic consequence. Focus on economics, connectivity and finding a solution to Pakistan’s energy…
The moment of truth is fast approaching in Pakistan on May 11, when close to 50 million voters will elect a new national assembly. The outcome, preceded by a sharp rise in extremist’s violence, is likely to reverberate far and wide. Pakistan’s post 9/11, poorly planned and hurried, participation in war on terror and its…
Most recently, the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Pakistan. Both countries share strategic trust, mutual respect which continues to flourish and deepen despite various regional and international geo-strategic problems and emerging trends and hopefully after this official visit of Chinese premier the bilateral relations would further enhanced. Chinese Premier said “China will continue to support…
IntroductionJustice, tolerance, equity and moderation is the hallmark of Islam which accords great value to all human life, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The Islamic political system emphasises consultation (shura) which is the democratic way. Democracy has taken a number of forms, both in theory and practice. Some varieties of democracy provide better representation and more…
IntroductionSince my childhood, each year on the 11th Rabius Sani, I have been attending the proceedings of the death anniversary of Hazrat Ghaus-E-Azam Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani (Jilani) Rehmat Ullah Aleh (RA), The Sultan of Saints, the Royal Falcon of mystic way. The proceedings invariably commenced with TILAWAT, reciting of Darood Sharif and few…
Pulitzer Prize winner Mark Mazzetti’s book The Way of the Knife is a welcome addition to an increasing amount of work on ongoing conflicts. Mazzetti’s work is based on extensive research and interviews with key players in a secret war that is going on for the last decade. The book provides details of debate within…
My married life of 63 years was replete with love, warmth, trust and grace. How can I forget, even for a moment, the years spent in my wife’s company; twinkling before my eyes like the soothing rays of the full moon. For all those she met, she was a flower of courtesy, free from narrow…
Pakistan’s security objective places a heavy requirement on maintaining a consistent level of defense spending. The newly elected government will have a lot on its plate when dealing with the budgetary and the financial condition of the economy of the country. Presently the economy is on life-support even if all the indicators are turned around…
