Syed Akhtar Ali Shah In order to talk about counter terrorism strategy with the seriousness it demands, one must draw upon the experience of those who have been at the forefront of the state’s response. My own career in the Police Service of Pakistan began in 1988, and from my early assignments in the […]
In a significant development for regional security, the Afghan Taliban in May 2025 reiterated its official policy prohibiting Afghan fighters from engaging in armed jihad outside Afghanistan. The statement, seen as a diplomatic gesture towards Pakistan, underscores a shifting dynamic in Kabul-Islamabad relations amid rising tensions over cross-border militancy. The announcement was made by Sheikh
Taliban Reasserts Ban on ‘Foreign Jihad’, Signals Shift in Ties with Pakistan Read More »
In a rare and significant acknowledgement, U.S. CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla recently praised Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, specifically highlighting the country’s success in neutralising high-value ISIS-Khorasan (IS-KP) commanders, many of whom remained elusive even for top American agencies like the CIA. His comments, made in a classified briefing to U.S. lawmakers, are not only timely
Pakistan’s Dual Battlefront: Fighting Terrorism and Framing Its Case on the Global Stage Read More »
Zahir Shah Sherazi Pakistan has secured a remarkable diplomatic breakthrough at the United Nations by being entrusted with the vice-chairmanship of the UN Counter terrorism Committee and the chairmanship of the committee responsible for overseeing sanctions related to Afghanistan, the Taliban, and other designated groups. This achievement is not only a recognition of Pakistan’s
Mushtaq Yusufzai The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been a complex and tumultuous one, marked by periods of mistrust, miscommunication, and missed opportunities. However, recent developments signal a much-needed thaw in relations, driven in large part by China’s diplomatic efforts. This shift presents a historic chance for the two nations to reset their ties,
The Silk Road Revival: Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Road to Prosperity Read More »
Fida Adeel In a world where perceptions often triumph over facts, and narratives are shaped more by political convenience than objective truth, Pakistan’s appointment as Vice President of the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) is nothing short of a diplomatic masterstroke. It marks a decisive shift from being unfairly labelled
Not long ago, Pakistan stood accused in global forums, hemmed in by narrative warfare, burdened by the label of “state sponsor of terror,” and largely excluded from meaningful multilateral decision-making. But today, we are witnessing an extraordinary reversal. Pakistan has not only regained the world’s trust, it has been handed responsibility. Pakistan has recently been
From Isolation to Influence: Pakistan’s Diplomatic Resurgence is No Accident Read More »
In Pakistan’s long and complex political history, no province has borne the brunt of national crises like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Yet, despite its sacrifices—military, economic, and social—KP remains structurally deprived of its constitutional and fiscal entitlements. The recent meeting in Peshawar between the Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir with
The Cost of Loyalty: Why Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Deserves More Than Promises Read More »
A visible improvement in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan has rekindled hope in a region historically fractured by militancy, mistrust, and manipulation. High-level meetings in Kabul, Islamabad, and Beijing have signalled diplomatic re-engagement. Trade routes are reopening. And for the first time in many months, the spectre of open conflict between the two neighbours has
Regional Peace Needs More Than Diplomacy: End Militancy and Rebuild Public Trust Read More »
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) stands at the front-line of Pakistan’s war against terrorism, yet its police force remains painfully unequipped, its governance fractured, and its strategy, if one exists at all, disturbingly short-sighted. Over the years, we’ve seen visible improvements in police infrastructure compared to 15 years ago. Training centres have been established, new vehicles acquired,
KP Police’s War on Terror: Bravery Without Resources, Strategy, And Support Read More »
