Pakistan's military
All topics-
Extortion and intimidation in Swat Valley
Pakistan Taliban racketeering hits borderlands
A lawmaker in Pakistan's rugged northwest was sipping tea with voters when his phone chirped to life – the Taliban were calling with a demand for 'donations'. "We hope you won't disappoint" read the chilling text from a shady go-between of the Pakistan chapter of the Islamists, known as Tehreek–e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
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Khan attack aftermath
Pakistan in turmoil
The attempt on the life of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan marks a turning point in the country’s politics. Having come to power in 2018 with the help of the military, Khan is now increasingly distancing himself from his former patrons. Analysis by Mohammad Luqman
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Geopolitics and jihadism
Biden’s dangerous embrace of Pakistan
The Biden administration could have used Pakistan’s economic crisis to compel the country to sever its longstanding ties to terrorist groups. Instead, the U.S. protects and rewards it, putting short-term geopolitical considerations ahead of long-term interests. Commentary by Indian analyst Brahma Chellaney
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Pakistan turns 75
Islamabad has serious issues
Seventy-five years ago, Pakistan emerged, along with India, from the British Raj. A country with potential – were it not for the ongoing tensions with India and many home-grown economic problems. Haroon Janjua reports from Islamabad
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India and Pakistan – 75 years of independence
A pair of troubled nations
On 14 August 2022, Pakistan marked the 75th year of its founding. One day later, neighbouring India celebrated its own independence with much pomp. Despite the historical and cultural similarities, the sense of estrangement between the two countries could hardly be deeper, writes Mohammad Luqman
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Pakistan
How will Imran Khan’s removal affect Pakistan's fragile democracy?
Now, out of power, Imran Khan actually has a better chance of striking a blow for democracy and civilian supremacy – if he chooses to do so, writes Ahsan I Butt
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Pakistan's no confidence vote
End of the road for Imran Khan?
Pakistan's opposition is looking to topple the Khan government in a vote of no confidence on 28 March. The prime minister, meanwhile, is threatening to prosecute opposition politicians even more harshly for corruption. Mohammad Luqman has the details
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Pakistan's troubled province
Balochistan – tradition versus globalisation
Attacks by separatist groups in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, have increased recently. Mohammad Luqman looks into what is driving the flare-up in this frequently overlooked region
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Bangladesh turns 50
Pakistan's greatest defeat remains taboo
In 1971, Bangladesh seceded from Pakistan after a bloody civil war to become independent. But the events of that time are still largely taboo today. A reappraisal of this central chapter in Pakistan's history has yet to take place. Analysis by Mohammad Luqman
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Afghanistan and its neighbours
Is the Taliban takeover still in Pakistan's interest?
It is no secret that sections of the Pakistani security services have maintained close relationships with the Taliban for years. So what do Pakistan’s leaders expect from this victory, and what effect will it have on the country? Answers from Mohammad Luqman
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Indo-Pakistani relations
Detente over Kashmir following decades of conflict?
Over the years, the relationship between arch-rivals India and Pakistan has been shaped by conflict and confrontation. For some time now, however, both countries have been singing a more conciliatory tune. Is this the dawn of a lasting detente in South Asia? By Mohammad Luqman
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Radicalisation among Barelvis in Pakistan
The spread of violent fanaticism
In the early years of the new millennium, Pakistan's leaders were keen to promote the Barelvi movement as the embodiment of traditional, peaceful, Pakistani Islam. In recent years, however, certain Barelvi elements have become radicalised. Now, the violence is spreading beyond Pakistan's borders