Nawaz Sharif’s call for political consensus is a sure sign of the Pakistan Army trying to wriggle out of the crisis that is far beyond its comprehension and resolution.
Despite PTI-backed independent candidates winning the most number of seats, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif seems destined to retake power in Pakistan, albeit in a more restrained fashion than what was predicted before the elections.
Imran Khan has been sentenced to 10 years in jail, army chief is giving pep talks to youth, and PTI has been denied its election symbol. But it may not be game over yet for the party.
From differences over the future and control of Afghanistan to Gwadar versus Chabahar ports, Iran and Pakistan are highly suspicious of each other. An added dimension is Tehran’s close ties with India.
Pakistan military's conservative nature couldn't let it think outside the box as it resorted to bring out Imran Khan's sleazy personal life in the open to discredit him. That was never going to work in Pakistani society.
Pakistan Army chief touched base with American investors and Pakistani diaspora in the US, while listing 'sacrifices' on Afghanistan front. But winning trust and confidence won't be easy.
The return to power of the Afghan Taliban naturally encouraged all their associated groups to spring back into action. And Pakistan is certainly the most favourite target.
Nawaz Sharif will be closely watched by army chief General Asim Munir, who is in talks with all parties and may retain the option of bringing someone else to power if Sharif doesn't work out.
'Bengalis took off your pants, but we are not Bengali. We are Pashtun and Baloch, we will take off your skin,' the activist shouted at the Islamabad rally.
Even though Pakistan’s PMs keep ending up in prison cells, Imran Khan has shown that civilian leaders aren’t giving up fighting for control of the military.
Islamabad-based think-tank PICSS's new report says Pakistan saw 'pronounced escalation' in violence last year, with 3,413 conflict-related deaths compared to 1,950 in previous year.
Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.
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