Author: Faheem Rafique

In a notable affirmation of regional solidarity, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir recently underscored the mutual commitment between Pakistan and Iran to thwart any attempts by detractors to disrupt the brotherly ties between the two nations. This assertion resonates amidst the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and security concerns that often challenge bilateral relationships in the region. Both Pakistan and Iran have historically navigated a complex web of regional alliances and conflicts, yet this latest statement from the COAS signals a dedicated effort to foster a stable and cooperative partnership. Such an approach is pivotal for…

In recent years, cricket enthusiasts have been embracing digital platforms to catch live actions of their beloved sports. PSL 2024, or the Pakistan Super League, is no exception, with live streaming services offering fans the convenience of watching matches from anywhere, at any time. The technology has bridged geographical gaps, allowing a global audience to engage with the tournament, providing a boost to the event’s viewership and popularity. Advanced streaming features such as multi-angle views, in-depth analytics, and interactive commentary further enhance the viewing experience, making it more immersive and interactive than traditional broadcast methods. Accessibility and user-friendliness of these…

Pakistan’s recent economic unraveling is a crisis with profound impacts, affecting millions with the sting of poverty, hyperinflation, and unemployment. The crux of the challenge lies at the crossroads of human rights and economic policymaking, a labyrinth often fraught with difficult decisions. The Human Rights Watch’s thorough assessment peels back the layers on the effects of austerity, the climate crisis, and societal fractures, presenting a tableau of lived realities and systemic struggles. In its 740-page ‘World Report 2024,’ released on Friday, HRW reviewed human rights practices in more than 100 countries. The report observed that the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF)…

In the heated run-up to Pakistan’s general elections set for February 8th, the political arena buzzes with a blend of challenges and rhetoric as leaders from major parties sharpen their narratives. The latest twist? A public debate call-out between venerable political entities that sets a new precedent in Pakistan’s electoral process. Shehbaz Sharif, the President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), recently addressed a rather unconventional invitation directed at his party’s Quaid, Nawaz Sharif. The invitation extended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari proposed a U.S.-style pre-election debate, a move that seems aimed at not just energizing their respective political bases but…

Is Pakistan on the verge of embracing a new era of democracy? As the country gears up for general elections set for February 8, 2024, a crucial development underscores its commitment to fair and transparent democratic processes. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in a bid to bolster the integrity of the upcoming elections, has invited an international observer group from the Commonwealth to oversee the electoral proceedings. In a significant move that reinforces Pakistan’s dedication to democratic principles, the Commonwealth has responded to the ECP’s request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A team of 13 distinguished members, led…

As the people of Pakistan prepare for the general elections on February 8, 2024, a pivotal moment looms on the political horizon. This election could reshape the National and Provincial Assemblies and set the course for the country’s future governance. According to a report by Topline Securities, a renowned brokerage house, all eyes are on the potential formation of a coalition government—a prospect that holds as much uncertainty as it does promise. The significance of these elections cannot be overstated. Investors and political analysts alike are keenly interested in the electoral outcome, particularly regarding the majority control. Should one party…

Is Pakistan on the cusp of a political revolution? This is the question on many minds as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) unveils its manifesto for the upcoming general elections, with a call to the public to back the youthful Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for a transformative change in the nation. Senator Sherry Rehman, the vice president of the PPP, presented the party’s goals and vision under the banner “Chuno Nai Soch Ko,” which translates to “Choose a New Thinking.” This platform centers on economic upliftment tied to the principles of social justice, a concept set to resonate with a broad spectrum…

In a significant stride towards modernizing its electoral processes, Pakistan has recently put its Election Management System (EMS) to the test. The mock exercise carried out by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on a Saturday offered a glimpse into how technology might streamline the future of voting in the country. The exercise gathered presiding officers from across the nation, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the EMS in a simulated environment. The EMS is designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the election process, covering critical steps from the log-in procedure to the final tallying and…

Are U.S. troops finally charting a course out of Iraq? In the bustling corridors of power where the fate of foreign military presence hangs in the balance, a consequential dialogue unfolds. Iraq and the United States recently engaged in pivotal talks to discuss the future footprint of American and coalition forces on Iraqi soil. These initial discussions could mark the dawn of a new military stance in Iraq, with Baghdad pushing for a definitive timeline to scale back foreign troops. The Genesis of Strategic Negotiations Saturday bore witness to a historic engagement between Iraq and the United States as the…

In a significant move toward bolstering their defense and strategic partnership, India and France have solidified their commitment to deepen bilateral ties through the joint production of critical defense equipment. During a high-profile visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to India, both nations advanced discussions that could reshape the defense landscape in the region. The talks, which encompassed cooperation across various sectors, highlighted the converging interests of the two countries in a fast-evolving geopolitical environment. The state visit, which included engagements with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a state banquet hosted by President Draupadi Murmu, resulted in a broad…