Cover Story

A Bangladesh-Pakistan partnership would be a notable counter-weight to the US-Indian axis that unwisely aims to contain and curb China.

Our biggest challenge today is to convert Pakistan’s pivotal location into an asset rather than letting it remain a liability.

Pakistan’s ruling elite has denied the country a longer-term national and foreign policy.

Pakistan’s foreign policy has increasingly encompassed economic dimensions, recognising that national interest is not solely defined by security but also by economic stability and growth.

Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture in an era marked by rapidly shifting global power dynamics.

US sanctions on Pakistan’s missile programme are emblematic of the complex and evolving strategic landscape shaped by the growing confrontation between the US and China.

America’s true motives are different, and the allegations made by the likes of Jon Finer are nothing but an elaborate deception and discrimination.

Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme was conceived as ‘The Great Equalizer’ against India. It was always India-specific, and it will remain India-specific. Pakistan has no other agenda.

As far as political relations with Pakistan go, there is a long and distraught history of violence that Bangladesh has suffered and is in no rush to forget.

If the Awami League has been marginalized after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina from power, it doesn’t mean that India’s role and influence in Bangladesh is over.

The 36th of July has created a window of opportunity for Pakistan and Bangladesh to enhance trade, economy, sports activities, and cultural exchange.

Pakistan and Bangladesh will continue to be sovereign nations, but nothing should stop them from being formidable partners for their citizens, the region, and the world.

For Pakistan’s part, it is vital for the country to retrieve and strengthen its capacity to firmly assert its right to adopt its own choices, regardless of US preferences or pressures.

The narrative is true that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will take a stand to undo the political victimization against Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan.

During Donald Trump’s second term as US President, Washington should engage more holistically with the region and may have to work with China and Pakistan to stabilise the overall situation in the region, especially Afghanistan.

During the second term of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, any significant changes in U.S. policy towards Pakistan will depend on the pros and cons of its strategic relationship with India.

Pakistani policymakers must consider strengthening the linkages between exports and imports to ensure that the producers produce their goods more efficiently and produce goods that the global consumers need.

For decades, the prevailing political mindset has been the root cause of the economy’s precipice—the prime reason for applying for IMF loans despite harsh conditions.

Pakistan needs to work systematically to enhance its capacity to generate additional net foreign exchange earnings compared to the current levels.

As a step in the right direction, the IMF program provides a framework to strengthen our governance, improve the fiscal system, and build capacity to implement reforms for long-term economic stability.

The solution to the country’s fiscal and economic challenges is embedded in the sincerity or effectiveness of implementing the stipulated reforms while rising above political and vested interest considerations.

New signs are on the horizon in Pakistan. A five-year plan is on the table, and the PIA, insurance companies, utility stores, and state-owned engineering and industrial units are under the hammer. However, will the privatization spree see the light of day?