(By Khalid Masood) I. Introduction: Significance of Trump’s Visit Reports of U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential visit to Pakistan on 18 September 2025, the first by a U.S. president since George W. Bush’s 2006 trip, have sparked anticipation, though both Pakistan’s Foreign Office and the White House have clarified no such visit is confirmed at…
(By Khalid Masood) I. Introduction In an era where nations leverage cultural heritage as a tool of soft power, Pakistan stands poised to harness its ancient Gandhāra civilization—a cradle of Buddhist philosophy, art, and scholarship—as a cornerstone of its diplomatic strategy. Termed Gangadhara Diplomacy, this initiative seeks to revive Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage, centred in sacred…
(By Quratulain Khalid) I. Introduction In July 2025, Pakistan faces relentless monsoon rains, marked by cloudbursts and urban flooding in major cities from Lahore to Rawalpindi and even in water-scarce regions like Chakwal, transforming streets into nullahs and exposing the nation’s fragile disaster management. This deluge, a natural gift, flows unharnessed into drains, rivers, and…
(By Khalid Masood) I. Introduction Pakistan’s pursuit of military modernization is a cornerstone of its strategy to ensure maritime security, CPEC security, and regional deterrence, particularly in the context of asymmetric warfare and tensions with India. Central to this effort is the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAAC), which relies on attack helicopters for anti-tank warfare,…
(By Khalid Masood) The Abraham Accords, a landmark initiative in Middle Eastern diplomacy, have redefined regional alliances by fostering normalization between Israel and several Arab states, challenging decades of hostility. Signed in 2020, the Accords have spurred economic, security, and cultural cooperation, but their expansion faces hurdles amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the May 2025 India-Pakistan…
(Ayesha Mohsin) Pakistan stands at a transformative crossroads, orchestrating a strategic reorientation that positions it as a formidable force in global diplomacy, military resilience, and youth-driven innovation. The May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, a defining moment, showcased the unparalleled bravery of the Pakistani Armed Forces, who decisively countered Indian aggression, downing six Indian Air Force (IAF)…
(By Khalid Masood) Every year on July 13, Kashmir Martyrs’ Day (Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir) is solemnly observed across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and by Kashmiris worldwide to honor the 21 martyrs killed by Dogra forces outside Srinagar Central Jail in 1931. This day marks a pivotal moment in the Kashmiri struggle for freedom, symbolizing resistance…
(Quratulain Khalid) The death of Humaira Asghar Ali, a 32-year-old Pakistani actress, model, and visual artist, in her Karachi apartment in July 2025 or earlier, sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s entertainment industry and sparked a national conversation about isolation, family dynamics, mental health, and the ethics of media coverage. Found in an advanced state of decomposition…
(By Khalid Masood) Rare earth elements (REEs), a group of 17 chemically similar metals including neodymium, dysprosium, and lanthanum, are pivotal to the global high-tech, green energy, and defence sectors. From smartphones and electric vehicle (EV) batteries to wind turbines and precision-guided missiles, these minerals underpin modern technology and the transition to a low-carbon economy….
(By Khalid Masood) On the night of 10 to 11 July 2025, the N70 highway in Balochistan’s Zhob district became the site of a chilling act of violence. Armed militants intercepted two Lahore-bound passenger buses, checked passengers’ computerized national identity cards (CNICs), and singled out nine individuals of Punjabi origin. These victims were abducted and…
