Cover Story

The Saudi-Pakistani defense pact represents a strategic recalibration for Pakistan, elevating its role in the Arab world while reinforcing its global standing as a middle power and reliable security provider

The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia contains no ambiguity and is very specific in its language, clearly providing politico-strategic benefits and comfort to both countries

The implications of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense pact, which positions Pakistan as a pivotal South Asian military power and an influential actor in the Middle East, are more far-reaching on the region than those of other agreements

The spectre of authoritarianism looms large, and the judicial actions seem to be part of a move to take away whatever independence of the judiciary is left.

Thanks to the 26th Amendment, the Executive, which by virtue of its majority in the Parliament, will be able to influence the Judiciary to its advantage.

The 26th Amendment violates all norms and the principles set forth by the international organisations.

Inevitably, Pakistan’s future relations with China and the USA will remain a continuing challenge.

While the US deliberately pushes the Doomsday Clock towards midnight, China is leading the global effort to avoid this man-made Armageddon. Pakistan must avoid making a strategic fool of itself.

Pakistan should be concerned about U.S. President Donald Trump’s transactional and unpredictable policies, and it would be in its best interest to be prepared for sudden policy shifts.

For Islamabad, tilting in favor of the U.S during the Donald Trump presidency will be risky and counter-productive.

Democracy now lies firmly in the grip of rascals who, by the inconsistencies of destiny, sit in the chair of authority.

A grand huddle of political representatives and the security establishment must evolve a new Constitutional Charter to salvage the Federation from anomalous governance.

If the government goes ahead with controversial constitutional changes, Pakistan will become a totalitarian state, silencing citizens who dare to speak up for their rights.

The shrinking of democratic space in Pakistan is a significant threat to the very survival of the country.

The current government is rapidly losing all its credibility by operating under a hybrid system and depriving the public of its fundamental human rights.

Unless a plausible solution is sought to manage India-Pakistan disputes, the two nuclear-armed neighbors will again be eyeball to eyeball.

The only winner in the India-Pakistan conflict is US President Donald Trump, whose presidency inspires no confidence in peace or conflict resolution.

What is visible is a reset in the relationship between the United States and Pakistan and a US departure from judging the South Asian region through the Indian lens.

A new global order, led by China, is evolving as a 4th Industrial Revolution.

After the four-day war between Pakistan and India, the emerging diplomatic mosaic reveals an evolving global order that is multipolar, dialogue-driven, and deeply skeptical of adventurism.

The future of the South Asian region and, in fact, of the world, depends on the restraint of Pakistan and India, without which the world could face detrimental consequences.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion that Operation Sindoor is still intact reflects the fragility of the ceasefire.