An article and editorial published recently in leading Pakistani dailies expressed concern over an alarming rise in attacks across Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. In these two provinces in recent years, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and other groups have been waging a sustained and continuous campaign of attacks against Pakistani security forces. Dr. Gul.i.Ayesha […]

On August 26, 2024, Balochistan experienced one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in years, shaking the province to its core. Dozens of civilians and security personnel were killed in coordinated assaults that bore the hallmarks of meticulous planning and brutal execution. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a banned separatist organization, quickly claimed responsibility for the attacks, signaling a dangerous escalation […]

The myth of Balochistan as an independent state before partition that was occupied by Pakistan forcibly is not a true one. This notion sustains the current insurgencies and the continuing fight for self-rule in the area. But, the historical facts are quite contrary to this perception; the fact is that Balochistan joined Pakistan willingly and its representatives of that time […]

The U.S. State Department on September 12 imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies it said have been involved in supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems, the […]

As the Taliban celebrates three years of reign, global powers/regional neighbours are forced to ponder (just like the authors) the regime’s sustained grip to power, which appears to strengthen with every passing year. In these three years, the Supreme Leader (Emir) Haibatullah Akhundzada has strengthened his grip to power, formulating new federal institutions functioning under his decree and implementing policies […]

A clash between Pakistani and Afghan border forces in Zazi Maidan district in Khost provinces was brought to an end after the Ministry of Borders and Tribal Affairs stepped in. Reports indicate two Pakistani security posts were destroyed in the clash, Multiple reports also indicated that at least five Pakistan soldiers, including an officer, and four Afghan border guards had […]

Naval power in South Asia has evolved significantly over the decades, with India and Pakistan representing two critical players in the region’s maritime dynamics. The rivalry between the two nations extends to their naval capabilities, which are influenced by their distinct strategic requirements, geographic contexts and external alliances. Over the years, China has become a pivotal factor in shaping Pakistan’s […]

It is ironic that Pakistan and Israel are both countries created in the name of religion, at around the same time (in 1947 and 1948, respectively), and yet they have no formal relations. All Pakistani passports include the inscription that the document is valid for travel to all countries around the world, except Israel. While Pakistan’s animosity toward Israel is […]

Pakistan-US relations have evolved significantly. Despite concerns by US lawmakers over the alleged rigging in Pakistani elections in February 2024, the Biden administration has been consistent in engaging the new Pakistani government. With a new government in Pakistan and the US gearing up for its elections this year, both countries have an opportunity to transform the bilateral relationship in light […]

In the early morning of August 26, 2024, at least 23 Punjabi travellers were killed in the Rarasham area of Musakhail District in Balochistan when cadres of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) offloaded passengers from trucks and buses and shot at them after checking their identities. According to Musakhail Assistant Commissioner Najeeb Kakar, armed men blocked the inter-provincial highway in the […]