Sabena Siddiqi‏‏

Over the last few weeks, the Taliban-led administration in Kabul has been making strategic moves towards new regional cooperation. Although this Afghan regime remains unrecognized, it is exploring geopolitical and strategic options that have attracted attention.

Understanding Taliban's Geopolitical Maneuvers in the Region

Regional Posturing:

After a recent spate of air strikes from Tehran, Iran-Pakistan relations hit rock bottom. On 16 January, Iran attacked the Pakistani province of Baluchistan. Although Iran claimed to have destroyed terrorist strongholds, Pakistan said that the strike had killed two children. 

How is the Iran-Pakistan Recent Conflict Sparking Regional Concerns?

Rising Tensions:

Pakistani-Afghan ties have been paralyzed by frequent border tensions, a fresh wave of terror attacks in Pakistan this year, and the forcible expulsion of illegal Afghan migrants by Islamabad. 

What Are the Dimensions of the Increasing Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan?

Strained Ties:

After Pakistan and the GCC recently signed a free trade agreement (FTA), Gulf investment promises to become a mainstay—and indeed a lifeline—for Pakistan’s economy.

What are the Prospects of the Recent Pakistan-GCC FTA?

Promising Opportunities:

Islamabad is currently discussing how to revive Pakistan’s agri-based economy. In the wake of a prolonged economic crisis caused by political instability and flooding, the South Asian country is looking for long-term sustainable solutions to get its economy back on track.

How Pakistan’s Green Initiative Attracts Gulf Investors?

Sustainable Growth:

The Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) recently met in Goa, India. According to a press release issued by Moscow, foreign ministers from SCO member states discussed "drafts of the relevant [SCO] documents and decisions" and examined "topical" issues in international and regional affairs. The recent meeting was held in preparation for the annual SCO summit, which will be attended by heads of state from SCO member countries and will be held in India from 3-4 July 2023.

How is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Expanding Its Geopolitical Influence?

Structural Challenges:

During his recent visit to Pakistan, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan hinted that Abu Dhabi would greatly broaden its investment footprint and prop up foreign inflows in Pakistan in the coming days. Some Pakistani media outlets mentioned that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed promised to make huge investments in Islamabad. Citing the decades-long friendly relations between the two countries, the Emirati president also recalled his father’s immense love for Pakistan.

Understanding the Strategic Dimensions of the UAE President’s Visit to Pakistan

A Pakistani View:

After an emergency law was passed to ban illegal fishing and trawling in the Arabian Sea, protests erupted in the port city of Gwadar in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. This ban has negatively affected the livelihoods of indigenous Baloch fisherfolk and sparked a wave of unrest. 

Could Pakistani Protests Threaten China’s Belt and Road Initiative?

Unrest in Gwadar:

General Syed Asim Munir became the 17th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan’s nuclear-armed military in a recent handover ceremony. Given the fraught political atmosphere and economic and security challenges the country is facing, this routine transition had been the subject of debate and speculation for months.

Sabena Siddiqi‏‏

Sabena Siddiqi‏‏

الإصدارات