Issue Briefs

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.
National Report by China in the 45th UPR Session: Hiding More than it Reveals
China’s report on human rights in the 45th session of the UPR on 23 January 2024 has drawn the attention of human rights activists worldwide. It has painted a rosy picture of the human rights situation within China.



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Sacred Ties, Contested Borders: India and Nepal Between Civilisation and Geopolitics
Afroz Khan
As Nepal’s historic 2026 “Gen Z” revolution elevates political outsider Balen Shah to Prime Minister, Kathmandu and New Delhi navigate territorial friction to forge a modern, development-driven bilateral partnership.
Islamabad’s Grip and Local Aspirations: The GB Election and the Constitutional Void
Mohammad Usman Bhatti
Gilgit-Baltistan’s 2026 elections exposed federal overreach, economic exploitation, and constitutional ambiguity. Despite PPP’s lead, unresolved grievances over rights, resources, and representation fuel persistent unrest and demands for autonomy
Reinforcing India’s Energy Security: Imperatives for India’s Strategic Oil Buffer
Mohammed Badrul Alam
India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves remain limited, but expansion through new caverns and UAE partnerships is vital to shield its economy from supply shocks and global energy volatility.