As Pakistan faces one of its deadliest years in recent history, the rift between the federal government and PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has exposed a troubling reality: the fight against terrorism is not being lost on the battlefield alone, but in the political arena as well. The lack of coordination, mistrust, and political point-scoring […]
PTI’s Populist Politics Buried the National Action Plan Read More »
(Shamim Shahid) In December 2014, after the tragic Army Public School attack in Peshawar that shook the nation’s conscience, Pakistan’s leadership agreed on a National Action Plan (NAP) to counter terrorism and extremism. The plan, consisting of 20 points, became a national consensus to restore the writ of the state and eliminate militant sanctuaries.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Drift from the National Action Plan Deepens the Terror Challenge Read More »
The recent round of Pakistan, Afghanistan negotiations in Turkey marks another chapter in a long and complicated relationship between two uneasy neighbours. While the talks were presented as a step toward de-escalation, the reality beneath the diplomatic smiles remains far more fragile. The key question before both sides is not merely about logistics or ceasefire
Trust, Not Tactics, Will Define the Future of Pakistan–Afghanistan Relations Read More »
We have been saying this from day one, we have been requesting on the basis of arguments that if the KP government (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and its leading party, its ruling party, keep behaving like this, then there will be consequences. And we are now seeing those consequences, as well as facing them, the people of
Negligence and Discord in KP Fuel Terror, Crisis Hits Province Read More »
(Shamim Shahid) The failure of yet another round of discussions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul has once again highlighted the deep-rooted mistrust and conflicting priorities that continue to define relations between the two neighbours. Despite the efforts of mediating countries including Turkey, Qatar, Iran, and China, both sides remain entrenched in their
Why Peace Remains Elusive Between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban? Read More »
Talks held in Doha collapsed before the failure of the Istanbul talks between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban-led Kabul administration, because Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif openly stated that the Afghan Taliban were unwilling to discuss the issues raised in Doha, and instead kept diverting the conversation. Regarding the Istanbul talks, Pakistan appears to have
Talibanisation as State Policy: Kabul’s New Tool to Blackmail Neighbours Read More »
The talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban began on October 25 and are now in their fourth day. These discussions should have reached a mutually agreed conclusion by now, but they continue without any concrete result. The question arises: why did the talks have to be held in Qatar first, then in Turkey, instead
Pakistan’s Evidence vs Afghan Taliban’s Denial: Why the Peace Talks Keep Failing? Read More »
Pakistan and the Taliban have blamed each other for the failure of three days of talks in Istanbul that were meant to secure a long-term ceasefire and reduce cross-border tensions. Taliban-run national television reported on Tuesday that “certain circles within the Pakistani army” were obstructing the negotiations. The broadcaster, quoting Taliban officials, claimed that the
Pak-Taliban Blame Game Over Failed Talks؛ Yet One Side Stands on Solid Ground Read More »
( Irfan Khan ) The recent Istanbul negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have once again reached a dead end largely due to the obstinacy of the Afghan government. This diplomatic impasse not only underscores Kabul’s unwillingness to cooperate on vital security matters but also raises serious concerns about the future of regional peace and Pakistan-Afghanistan
How Kabul’s Defiance Turned the Istanbul Talks into Another Diplomatic Dead End Read More »
(Shamim Shahid) The Istanbul talks, currently underway between Pakistan and Afghanistan, mark the second and perhaps the most crucial phase of negotiations between the two uneasy neighbours. Convened on October 25, the three-day dialogue was expected to bring clarity on bilateral security concerns and the resurgence of cross-border militancy. Yet, despite the presence of high-level
Istanbul Talks: Between Hope and Deadlock in Pak-Afghan Relations Read More »
