Issue Briefs

Pakistan’s 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.
Widening gulf between Pakistan and AJK
Although most of the demands have been accepted― of course, not before securitizing the political issue by deploying FC, Rangers along with police to use force against the protesters― the people of AJK are unlikely to forget the ordeal they have had to pass through, for the last more than six months, which has certainly steeled their nerves.



Comments
Silencing Dissent, Fuelling Despair: The Arrest of Mahrang Baloch and the Dangerous Transformation of the Baloch Conflict
Syed Eesar Mehdi
The article examines how Mahrang Baloch’s imprisonment and the rise of female suicide bombers reflect a dangerous convergence of shrinking democratic space and evolving militancy, challenging Pakistan’s long-term strategy for restoring peace and order.
Fusion of Sushi and Samosa: Evaluating Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s Visit to India
Mohammed Badrul Alam
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s visit to India underscores a robust strategic partnership. Driven by China's regional dominance, both democracies are aligning on defence, technology, and economic diversification to secure a balanced Indo-Pacific.
Perspective from Bangladesh: Balancing Economics with Geography: Why Dhaka’s China Success Demands a Pivot to India
Simon Mohsin
While Tarique Rahman’s China visit delivered economic and political success, geography dictates that Dhaka must balance this by stabilising relations with India to effectively manage permanent, vital neighbourly and regional interests.