Issue Briefs

Fall of Hasina and Political Transition in Bangladesh: What has Happened and Why?
This Issue Brief seeks to analyse the events leading to the ouster of Hasina from power, identify the issues that brought about her fall, and the stakes for India in the evolving situation on Bangladesh.
Pakistanâs UPR National Report: Hides more Than it Reveals
Months after its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report on the human rights condition in the country was approved by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during its 53rd Session on 30 October 2023, Pakistan continues to violate most of the agreed recommendations to alleviate the concerns of all the stakeholders and improve the rights situation in the country.
The Chabahar Port and India-Iran Agreement
On 13 May 2024, India and Iran signed a 10-year long-term contract for operation of Shahid Behesti terminal at the Chabahar port in Iran, eight years after concluding the general framework of cooperation on the Chabahar port. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in May 2015 for the development of this port by India and on 23 May 2016, the contract was executed during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Iran.


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Bridging Rivals, Managing Risks: Will Pakistanâs Quiet Strategic Recalibration Work?
Syed Eesar Mehdi
Pakistanâs offer to assist the US in recovering abandoned Afghan weapons signals strategic pragmatism, diplomatic repositioning, and a desire for relevanceâyet its security gains remain limited without repairing ties with India.
âSelf-Determinationâ as Empty Rhetoric: How Islamabad Undermines SelfâRule in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
Idress Aftab
Pakistanâs celebration of âself-determinationâ masks a deeper reality of disenfranchisement and control in both parts of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmirâthe so-called Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. When judged by quality of life, representation, and rights, the narrative falls apart.
How a Potential Regime Change in Iran might affect Gilgit-Baltistan
Senge Sering
Potential regime change in Iran could reshape GilgitâBaltistan, weakening Shia networks, disrupting ChinaâPakistan strategies under CPEC, and intensifying regional contestation between Western influence, local identity, and strategic resource exploitation.
The NA-130 Verdict and the Rigged Reality of the Pakistani State
Mohammed Shoaib Raza
The NA 130 verdict exemplifies Pakistanâs hybrid system, where elections, courts, and constitutional amendments serve elite management. Imran Khanâs confinement underscores military dominance over civilian politics and managed democracy.