10 May 2023
Pakistan’s gamble with Russian oil
Any deal will be hindered by US sanctions, refining challenges, transportation costs, and payment concerns.
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11 Apr 2023
Multilateral cooperation can improve South Asia’s water woes
Transparency will help foster trust, which can lead to a common river management framework for the benefit of all. -
28 Mar 2023
China trumpets the Saudi-Iran deal, yet much credit goes to Pakistan
A little-heralded meeting in Islamabad set the stage for two arch rivals to set aside differences. -
28 Mar 2023
India’s delicate dance with the Taliban
With Afghanistan’s China pivot proving disappointing, the Islamist group is reprising its relationship with New Delhi. -
14 Oct 2022
Enemies of education are back in Malala’s hometown?
Fresh attacks by the Pakistani Taliban mark an alarming regression in the decade-long progress made in the region. -
6 Sep 2022
The strange case of a missing Bentley and sinking corruption in Pakistan
As the country struggles with the aftermath of devastating floods, an alleged international heist adds to local anger. -
27 Jul 2022
Is Pakistan heeding the warning signs from Sri Lanka?
Surging prices, shortages, growing debt, a teetering economy. Familiar ingredients point to trouble ahead. -
27 Jun 2022
India-Pakistan: regional rivalries still rule in Afghanistan
The visit of an Indian delegation for talks with the Taliban in Kabul has raised eyebrows in neighbouring Pakistan. -
16 May 2022
Pakistani separatists turn their sights on China
A Balochistan independence group has ordered Beijing to quit its interests in the region … to no effect. -
2 May 2022
Drones do the talking in Pakistan’s anti-terror offensive
Islamabad is tired of waiting for Afghanistan’s Taliban to control the TTP who have found safe haven across the border. -
22 Apr 2022
India-Russia: A friend in need
New Delhi’s reluctance to speak out on Ukraine is also influenced by own ambition in the disputed Kashmir region. -
4 Mar 2022
Back in the USSR – surprises in the Russia-Ukraine conflict
It’d be funny, if it wasn’t so deadly serious. -
23 Dec 2021
Pakistan and China: An unhappy union in Gwadar
Protests against Beijing’s strategic investments in Balochistan are only the latest in a long line of grievances. -
2 Nov 2021
Sport between India and Pakistan is not just that
Players – or countries – can send a message in victory and defeat. -
17 Sep 2021
China – a lonely superpower
Despite many countries having issues with the West, China has few obvious alliance candidates. -
18 Aug 2021
Afghanistan’s collapse shifts strategic dynamics in South Asia
If the Taliban’s return is seen a plus for Pakistan, India appears to be the loser. -
13 Aug 2021
Mango diplomacy is more than low-hanging fruit in South Asian politics
Bangladesh has used a national icon to signal a fresh appetite for improved ties with Pakistan – just as China looms. -
5 Aug 2021
Is Pakistan fuelling a Taliban takeover?
The Afghan government points a finger at Pakistan in a tactic to divert attention from its own colossal failures. -
26 Jul 2021
Another proxy war in Afghanistan?
India and Pakistan both have deep ties to Afghanistan and as US troops withdraw, a fresh conflict may fill the void. -
3 Jun 2021
Saudi Arabia wins back Pakistan
Islamabad mistakenly tried to strong-arm Riyadh from a position of weakness. -
4 May 2021
Pakistani Taliban turn on China
Any friend of the government in Islamabad appears to be an enemy of the terrorist group. -
27 Apr 2021
Pakistan’s extremist dilemma
The government banned a right-wing religious group, then gave in to its demands. Which way does it go now? -
16 Apr 2021
Russia’s Asia diplomacy
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visits to Beijing, New Delhi and Islamabad showed Moscow still has clout in the region. -
14 Dec 2020
A dilemma for Pakistan as UAE cuts off work visas
A vital source of employment and income has been severed after Pakistan ran afoul of its powerful benefactors. -
15 Oct 2020
Pakistan gets on the TikTok ban wagon
For very different reasons, the South Asian country follows rival India in blocking the China-based app. -
25 Sep 2020
Intra-Afghan talks and future of Pakistan-Taliban relations
Long regarded as the not-so-invisible hand behind the Taliban, Pakistan has steadily lost its influence over the group. -
11 Sep 2020
For real peace, Afghanistan needs a Plan B
A US exit opens the way to complete takeover by the Taliban, precisely what they – and Pakistan – have long wished for. -
24 Aug 2020
Kashmir, a year on from the change
Revoking special status hasn’t resolved militancy or improved the local economy – both supposed goals of the move. -
19 Aug 2020
As Pakistan and Saudi Arabia drift apart, China moves in
A growing schism between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan points to new alliances in the Muslim world. -
14 Jul 2020
Obstacles remain for Pakistan dam backed by China
The Diamer-Bhasha dam project faces high costs, territorial disputes and community opposition. -
30 Jun 2020
China’s pipeline dream in Pakistan
The plan to transport oil across the Himalayas is a logistical nightmare. Post-Covid economics will make it even harder. -
10 Jun 2020
The key to peace in Afghanistan? Eliminate Taliban sanctuaries
Unless Pakistan’s support to the Afghan insurgency is shut down, there is no chance of a lasting Afghan peace. -
1 May 2020
Gwadar Port: New Dubai or pie in the sky?
For all its ambition, Pakistan’s flagship BRI project has all the makings of a flop. -
10 Apr 2020
Why South Asia may come out of Covid-19 crisis better than many expect
A younger demographic and less social reliance on the state could see local nations seeking advantage amid the changes. -
18 Feb 2020
Minority rights are suddenly the new turf for India-Pakistan rivalry
Handing back a Hindu temple in Balochistan appears a deliberate contrast with fears over treatment of Muslims in India. -
31 Jan 2020
Afghan transit a game changer for Gwadar port
The Chinese-run port in Pakistan, a vital part of the belt-and-road plan, may have found a path to success. -
25 Nov 2019
Stepping up in the Pacific at the expense of Pakistani women and girls
Cutting aid has a cost – and Australia should be embarrassed to take aid from other countries to give it to the Pacific. -
18 Nov 2019
Shifting alliances in the Gulf a boon to China
Iran’s offer to connect Chabahar port to Pakistan’s Gwadar will frustrate India but might also encourage China. -
14 Nov 2019
SCO-style economic cooperation: Treading slowly
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation efforts to rebrand itself as an economic forum deserve a second look. -
8 Nov 2019
India draws the line on Kashmir
New maps issued by India raise some important questions – starting with what exactly they mean. -
7 Nov 2019
The uncertain fate of Islamic State in Pakistan
The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is a major blow, but Islamic State in Pakistan is not dead yet. -
16 Oct 2019
Could Australia unlock the Kashmir question?
Homilies about strengthening relationships should be matched by ambition – like in the past – to get something done. -
20 Sep 2019
To take – not retake – “Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir”
Is this just more chest-beating by India’s politicians, or speculation we should take seriously? -
16 Sep 2019
So-called media abundance still leaves blind spots with our neighbours
Even in the age of 24/7 news, governments are good at keeping the cameras away from persecuted communities. -
11 Sep 2019
Not such a great game
Pakistan staked its fortunes on brokering a US-Taliban peace deal in Afghanistan. Then Donald Trump scuttled it. -
6 Sep 2019
Pressure upon pressure builds around Kashmir
<p>Amid sabre rattling and sharp rhetoric, the hostility between India and Pakistan is only growing.</p> -
2 Sep 2019
The intractable mess in Jammu and Kashmir
New Delhi has even managed to antagonise the pro-Indian politicians in the area with its latest crackdown. -
12 Aug 2019
Geopolitical moves in Jammu and Kashmir have a local cost, too
The planned dissolution not only creates a regional disturbance, but tips the balance against minority rights. -
7 Aug 2019
Trump bets on Pakistan to deliver peace in Afghanistan
The hope might rest with Imran Khan, but for all the warm words, Pakistan can do only so much to influence the Taliban. -
15 Jul 2019
Pakistan on the brink of civil dictatorship
Imran Khan is accused of persecuting political opponents and the media under the guise of an anti-corruption crackdown.