Governing in a complex environment
Will the status quo break and who will do it is a million-dollar question?
The writer is a retired lieutenant general of the Pakistan Army and a former federal secretary. He has also served as chairman of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board
Pakistan’s leadership faces an extraordinary challenge trying to modulate national and foreign policy goals in a fractured neighbourhood and a complex world. More so, when its initiatives and freedom for manoeuvre are hampered by its internal weaknesses and heavy dependence on strategic ally China and to an extent on the United States and multilateral agencies. As though these by itself are not enough then the growing burden of facing the spread of corona and problems associated with it.
Steering policies in a turbulent environment
During PM s visit to Saudi Arabia major matters were discussed and decisions taken that have long-term implications
The writer is a retired lieutenant general of the Pakistan Army and a former federal secretary. He has also served as chairman of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board
The complete lack of mutual trust and failed working relationship between the PTI government and the main opposition parties is undermining our already faltering nascent democracy that has serious consequences. The government has taken the easy course to bypass legislation by arbitrarily issuing ordinances on extremely important and sensitive subjects that demand serious deliberation and consensus even when the Parliament could have been easily summoned. The latest ordinance issued was on electronic voting and inclusion of expatriates. Maybe this is the way forward but experience of other countries and our special social environment and educational standard
Steering the present for a better future
Two recent international events are highly consequential and should serve as an eye opener especially for Pakistan
The writer is a retired lieutenant general of the Pakistan Army and a former federal secretary. He has also served as chairman of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board
Two recent international events are highly consequential and should serve as an eye opener especially for Pakistan and Turkey and the Muslim world at large.
The resolution passed unanimously by 30 mostly Western countries on the alleged genocide committed in Armenia by the Ottoman empire, 106 years ago.
Coming at this time, experts are of the view that it is essentially a politically-motivated step and has been the result of the influence that the Armenians and white Christians command in American politics. What was surprising was that recent mega human rights violations and democracy derailment in Myanmar, Kashmir, Palestine, Rwanda, Nagorno-Karabakh and man
Cooperating with regional countries
Pakistan’s location is a blessing as it connects South Asia to Central Asia and beyond, opening up opportunities
The writer is a retired lieutenant general of the Pakistan Army and a former federal secretary. He has also served as chairman of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board
Pakistan’s location is a blessing as it connects South Asia to Central Asia and beyond, opening up multiple opportunities. It also is a challenge being in the midst of a tough security environment. For years, Afghanistan has been a deadly conflict zone, mired in perpetual civil war with global and regional powers influencing to shape the outcome. Its adverse fallout has had serious consequences on Pakistan’s economy, politics, security and culture. The situation is still highly unpredictable and in a state of flux with prospects of civil war intensifying as the American forces withdraw and the Taliban being militarily more powerful vying for full control of the c
Correcting the national course
The writer is a retired lieutenant general of the Pakistan Army and a former federal secretary. He has also served as chairman of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board
Recently, two very distinct events happened that if viewed in a broader perspective could have long-term implications. One was the demise of the iconic human rights activist and intellectual IA Rehman whose contribution towards promoting democratic and human values remains unmatched. The flood of articles, condolence references, and the respect and appreciation that he received in the country and abroad is a clear manifestation of his enormous contribution in these fields. Above all, it gave hope that not all is lost and the younger generation could look up to leaders that promote the right values and leave behind a strong legacy. Here I am also reminded of Asma Jehangir who clearly was one of our foremost and fearless champions of human rights and a friend of the poor and downtrodden.