Pakistan

How Governments Make Enforced Disappearances Appear To Be Legal

The article discusses enforced disappearances globally, focusing on Global South countries using legal cover. It mentions historical cases from Nazi Germany to Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Specifically, it details enforced disappearances in India (Punjab, Kashmir), Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina, and Pakistan. It cites numbers from various sources: 300,000–500,000 disappeared between 1970–2000 globally, 3,744 recognized by India from 2000–2003, 8,000–10,000 in Kashmir by APDP, over 8,000 in Punjab, 530 reported to UN from India, and 708 in Bangladesh by Odhikar. It notes the interim Bangladesh government committed to sign the International Convention on Enforced Disappearances but has not disbanded the RAB.

Changing Geopolitics Puts India’s Foreign Policy at the Crossroads

India's foreign policy faces challenges from deteriorating regional relations and US pressure under President Trump. Recent events include the Pahalgam attack, a military conflict with Pakistan, and India's independent stance on global issues like Russian oil and Iran's Chabahar port. India's efforts to isolate Pakistan have had limited success.

Impact of Pakistan-Türkiye-Azerbaijan Axis on Eurasian Geopolitics

The article analyzes the geopolitical axis between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, highlighting its basis in shared Islamic identity, conflicts with India and Armenia, and Türkiye's ambitions. The axis gained prominence during the India-Pakistan war from 7 to 10 May, triggered by a terror strike in Kashmir on 22 April, after which Türkiye and Azerbaijan openly backed Pakistan. India subsequently imposed an informal boycott of Turkish products. The axis is also supported by military cooperation, such as the use of Turkish drones by Pakistan. The article notes substantial trade between India and Türkiye (US$3.78 billion in 2023-24) and discusses the role of religion and territorial disputes. Also mentioned are the Second Karabakh War and the 'Three Brothers' military exercises in 2021.

G7 Condemns Pahalgam Attack, Echoes India’s Call for Peace and Security

On April 22, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam killed 26 tourists. India responded by convening a high-level security meeting led by PM Modi, putting armed forces on high alert, and tracking aerial threats. G7 nations condemned the attack, urged Pakistan to show restraint, and called for dialogue. India advocated for peace and stability.

India Turns Missile Threat into Scrap Metal: Pakistan’s Attack Completely Foiled

Indian defense forces successfully intercepted a large-scale drone and missile attack launched by Pakistan on Thursday night, targeting military installations across 15 cities in northern and western India, including Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. India's S-400 missile defense system effectively neutralized the threats. The attack followed the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack where 26 tourists were killed by gunmen affiliated with The Resistance Front, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, neutralizing over 100 terrorists. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed this. Former UK PM Rishi Sunak stated India was justified. India maintains its actions are defensive.

In Addition to Ukraine and Russia, US Eyes Pakistan’s $8 Trillion Mineral Deposits

The US is eyeing Pakistan's $8 trillion mineral deposits amid efforts to secure resources from Ukraine and Russia. US State Department official Eric Meyer attended an international minerals investment forum in Islamabad, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed cooperation with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. However, China is already entrenched in Pakistan's mining sector, having invited Chinese firm MCC Tongsin Resources. Pakistan has the second largest coal and salt reserves and fifth largest copper and gold reserves. Other obstacles include security issues and potential strain on US-India relations.

Defence Minister Attends IDEAS 2024, Meets Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff

Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon met Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah on the sidelines of IDEAS 2024 in Karachi on 20 November 2024. Discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation. The exhibition hosts 38 countries, 350 foreign delegates, and expects over 52,000 trade visitors.

Maldives Dismisses Envoy to Pakistan After Unauthorised Meeting With Taliban Representative

The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed High Commissioner to Pakistan Mohamed Thoha after he held an unsanctioned meeting with Afghanistan's acting Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb on November 1, 2024. The government stated the meeting was not authorized and that appropriate actions were taken, reaffirming recognition of the UN-represented Afghan government. Thoha was appointed Ambassador to Pakistan in June, after being assigned to Saudi Arabia in May. The Maldives has had diplomatic relations with Afghanistan since 2006 and acknowledged Afghanistan's right to self-governance in 2018, before the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Maldives Sets Record Straight on High Commissioner’s Meeting With Afghan Diplomat

The Maldives government clarified that a meeting between its High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohamed Thoha, and Afghanistan's Acting Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb was not sanctioned by the government. The meeting, held on 1 November 2024 in Islamabad, focused on enhancing bilateral relations and trade. The government affirmed it recognizes the UN representative government of Afghanistan and has taken appropriate actions. Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Afghanistan were established in March 2006.

Maldives’ High Commissioner to Pakistan Meets Afghan Counterpart, Discusses Bilateral Relations

Maldives High Commissioner to Pakistan Mohamed Thoha met Afghanistan's Acting Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb in Islamabad on Friday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and trade ties, including facilitating trade with Central Asian nations via Afghanistan. The article notes that Maldives acknowledged Afghanistan's right to self-governance in December 2018, the Taliban established a government in August 2021, and formal diplomatic relations were established in March 2006.

Imran Khan’s Party Secures Lead in Pakistan Elections, Faces Coalition Challenge

Pakistan's election saw PTI-backed independents secure a lead with over 90 seats, while PML-N got 69 and PPP 52. PTI faces coalition challenge as many candidates were independents. Nawaz Sharif claimed victory and invited other parties excluding PTI. Allegations of rigging and irregularities emerged, leading to suspension of result reporting and mobile internet. Protests resulted in two deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. UK expressed concern; army chief congratulated conduct. Former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi voiced apprehension about excluding PTI.

MNU to Establish Medical School and Training Hospital via Pakistani Grant Aid

Pakistan, under grant aid, will establish a medical school and teaching hospital at Maldives National University (MNU). The designs were shared at an event on 8 February 2024. The medical school will accommodate 100 students, and the teaching hospital will have 300 beds. Both will be built in Hulhumalé on 5,700 square metres of land. MNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam noted that current facilities are inadequate and a teaching hospital will improve training. Pakistan's Ambassador Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries. The foundation stone will be laid in 2024, with completion expected in two and a half years. The design was by Atif Nazar Associates.

Pakistan Ex-PM Imran Khan Sentenced to 10 Years for Leaking Official Secrets

Nawaz Sharif Returns to Pakistan Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from self-imposed exile in London after four years, igniting political turmoil ahead of the 2024 general elections. Sharif, 72, had been imprisoned on corruption charges but released on health grounds in November 2019. His return is seen as a possible shift in military's stance towards him. His rival Imran Khan, who replaced him as PM in 2018, is currently behind bars. Sharif is expected to arrive in Islamabad from Dubai on Saturday before heading to Lahore for a public rally. He has secured bail until a hearing next week. Sharif's party PML-N has named him as prime ministerial candidate for the delayed 2024 elections, though he faces challenges including Pakistan's struggling economy and questions over election fairness due to Khan's incarceration.