War as an Economic Earthquake The U.S.–Iran war has not only redrawn military maps but also shaken the foundations of global commerce. Unlike conventional conflicts confined to battlefields, this war has spilled into the arteries of trade, choking supply chains, inflating costs, and destabilizing economies far beyond the Middle East. For Pakistan and other import…
New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation The degenerative multi-lateral political system witnessed a beacon of hope when a significantly important event happened from 24 to 27 March 2026 in Hainan province of China. It was Boao For Asia (BFA) Conference 2026, which also marked the 25th anniversary of the founding of this non-government and non-profit…
Beyond the Battlefield: Reimagining Pakistan’s Security Discussions on national security in Pakistan have been dominated by one central concern for decades: military threats. The possibility of conflict with neighboring countries, the challenge of terrorism, and regional geopolitical rivalries have traditionally shaped Pakistan’s strategic thinking. While military strength remains essential for safeguarding sovereignty, Pakistan’s most serious…
Pakistan’s National Tech Fellowship and the race to build a digital workforce in Web3, AI, Analytics & Zero-Trust A Pathfinder CITADEL nation-building initiative· Career JumpStart Institute Pakistan stands at a demographic crossroads. Sixty-four percent of its people are under thirty, and the United Nations Development Program estimates the country must generate 2.5 million new jobs…
The continuous and exceptional sacrifices of the martial Sharifs have secured them a legendary place in the annals of modern Pakistan. The 16th volume of my series, “A Personal Chronicle of Pakistan,” is dedicated to the family that embodies the nation’s finest qualities. The unparalleled familial commitment and service of the martial Sharifs remain truly…
Pakistan’s Structural Opportunity in a Fragmenting Global Trade Order The escalating conflict in the Middle East is not confined to the battlefield; it is increasingly a contest over trade, energy, and the control of global supply lines. It increasingly resembles a modern proxy war, where major powers are influencing the flow of goods and resources….
“The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn.” Gloria Steinem Human mind simplifies complex problems with multiple facets to ease the burden of processing. In this process quantifiable measures take precedence over the unquantifiable. In case of conflict, quantifiable measures such as numbers and quality of weapons…
The modern American presidency depends not only on constitutional powers but on a network of democratic norms, institutional restraints, and public trust that give those powers legitimacy. Many scholars, journalists, and former officials argue that Donald Trump’s conduct in office, and in the political arena more broadly, has weakened both the institution of the presidency…
When the Pakistan Air Force used the PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles for bringing down Indian aircrafts during the May stand-off with India; that particular moment produced a spark that the international community could not set aside. In Islamabad, the reaction was relief as much as pride. It revealed decades of Chinese aerospace partnership that had given…
Pakistan’s Role in the US-Iran-Israel Crisis and South Asian Stability “The pursuit of peace cannot end in a few years in either victory or defeat.” (Dag Hammarskjold) The US- Iran- Israel war is not just a not-too-distant conflict in the Gulf region, but one with intense geopolitical and economic consequences to South Asia. What has…
