Latest from Tom Hussain
US President-elect Joe Biden is expected to revive a nuclear deal with Iran as he seeks a return to a ‘rules-based’ order in the region.
US President-elect Joe Biden is expected to revive a nuclear deal with Iran as he seeks a return to a ‘rules-based’ order in the region.
The government has introduced the emotive issue to the public through pro-establishment media, so as to condition them for a prospective shift in policy.
The government has introduced the emotive issue to the public through pro-establishment media, so as to condition them for a prospective shift in policy.
Hopes of a strong mandate for making the region Pakistan’s fifth province have been dashed, just as a national opposition coalition is gaining momentum.
Hopes of a strong mandate for making the region Pakistan’s fifth province have been dashed, just as a national opposition coalition is gaining momentum.
Opposition candidates accuse Gilgit-Baltistan’s election commission of manipulating results to favour Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party.
Opposition candidates accuse Gilgit-Baltistan’s election commission of manipulating results to favour Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party.
The Pakistan-governed region of disputed Kashmir was once a prize in the Great Game between Russia and Britain. Now it is the scene of a modern game of thrones.
The Pakistan-governed region of disputed Kashmir was once a prize in the Great Game between Russia and Britain. Now it is the scene of a modern game of thrones.
Pakistan’s government and military have decided to make the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Kashmir the country’s fifth province, a move sure to provoke India, which sees China as a main actor behind the plan.
Pakistan’s government and military have decided to make the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Kashmir the country’s fifth province, a move sure to provoke India, which sees China as a main actor behind the plan.
Imran Khan has been trying to seal allegations that his top belt-and-road official failed to disclose interests in a US pizza chain.
Imran Khan has been trying to seal allegations that his top belt-and-road official failed to disclose interests in a US pizza chain.
The US wants Israeli-Arab support in countering Beijing’s influence over supply routes seen as a ‘matter of life and death’ for China’s economy, analysts say.
The US wants Israeli-Arab support in countering Beijing’s influence over supply routes seen as a ‘matter of life and death’ for China’s economy, analysts say.
On paper, the map links Pakistan with Chinese-administered territory and hints at the possibility of coordinated military operations between the two allies.
On paper, the map links Pakistan with Chinese-administered territory and hints at the possibility of coordinated military operations between the two allies.
The Beijing-Washington rivalry has extended to the war-torn country in the dash to build corridors linking Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.
The Beijing-Washington rivalry has extended to the war-torn country in the dash to build corridors linking Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.
A surge of attacks by Baloch separatists sends the costs of projects soaring, even as a web of espionage involving Iran tangles up Beijing’s interests in Gwadar.
A surge of attacks by Baloch separatists sends the costs of projects soaring, even as a web of espionage involving Iran tangles up Beijing’s interests in Gwadar.
A military stand-off in the Himalayas raises the prospect of three nuclear-armed states fighting over not only Kashmir’s borders but glaciers that provide water to 270 million people.
A military stand-off in the Himalayas raises the prospect of three nuclear-armed states fighting over not only Kashmir’s borders but glaciers that provide water to 270 million people.
The government is battling surging coronavirus infections, a potential locust infestation, rising inflation and food shortages, and critics say its military sponsors cannot shy away from blame.
The government is battling surging coronavirus infections, a potential locust infestation, rising inflation and food shortages, and critics say its military sponsors cannot shy away from blame.
After a two-year slowdown, projects including a dam, airport and motorway are being fast-tracked in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
After a two-year slowdown, projects including a dam, airport and motorway are being fast-tracked in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
The military, which helped bring Khan to power, intervened after the prime minister downplayed the Covid-19 threat and opposed a lockdown.
The military, which helped bring Khan to power, intervened after the prime minister downplayed the Covid-19 threat and opposed a lockdown.
Pakistan has among the world’s slowest rates of coronavirus testing, with about 68 tests conducted per million people.
Pakistan has among the world’s slowest rates of coronavirus testing, with about 68 tests conducted per million people.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US could cut another US$1 billion in 2021 while other aid programmes would be reviewed.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US could cut another US$1 billion in 2021 while other aid programmes would be reviewed.
Leader Imran Khan says it is not feasible for Pakistan to lock down cities, as it could result in mass unemployment and impoverished people ‘dying from hunger’.
Leader Imran Khan says it is not feasible for Pakistan to lock down cities, as it could result in mass unemployment and impoverished people ‘dying from hunger’.
With Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah both declaring themselves president, Afghanistan’s shaky government foundation has been exposed.
With Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah both declaring themselves president, Afghanistan’s shaky government foundation has been exposed.
Nearly two decades after the September 11 terror attacks, many will struggle to see the Taliban as an ally against Islamic State. Can it really change, or is this just a Trojan Horse?
Nearly two decades after the September 11 terror attacks, many will struggle to see the Taliban as an ally against Islamic State. Can it really change, or is this just a Trojan Horse?
A withdrawal of US troops could pave the way for a return of Uygur militants and reignite violence in Xinjiang, but for Beijing to try filling American boots would have a downside of its own.
A withdrawal of US troops could pave the way for a return of Uygur militants and reignite violence in Xinjiang, but for Beijing to try filling American boots would have a downside of its own.
After a terrorist attack on a visiting team back in 2009, the country has been eager to show it is safe again and open for business. A major programme of international investment and the revival of cricketing tournaments has helped it on its way.
After a terrorist attack on a visiting team back in 2009, the country has been eager to show it is safe again and open for business. A major programme of international investment and the revival of cricketing tournaments has helped it on its way.
Massive investment by Beijing supercharged Pakistan’s GDP, for a while. Now the ‘early harvest’ has been reaped, interest is drying up – and so are the jobs.
Massive investment by Beijing supercharged Pakistan’s GDP, for a while. Now the ‘early harvest’ has been reaped, interest is drying up – and so are the jobs.
It’s not just about oil. Conflict between Tehran and Washington strengthens Beijing’s hand in the region and provides cover for a greater Chinese military presence.
It’s not just about oil. Conflict between Tehran and Washington strengthens Beijing’s hand in the region and provides cover for a greater Chinese military presence.
Like many superpowers before it, Beijing is discovering just how difficult it is to establish a presence in a region famed for self-destruction.
Like many superpowers before it, Beijing is discovering just how difficult it is to establish a presence in a region famed for self-destruction.
The verdict against the former army dictator is another sign of the Supreme Court’s willingness to challenge military impunity – which does not augur well for political stability.
The verdict against the former army dictator is another sign of the Supreme Court’s willingness to challenge military impunity – which does not augur well for political stability.
An influential cleric is leading the campaign to bring down Pakistan’s leader but the Islamists are really the window dressing for an intricate opposition movement.
An influential cleric is leading the campaign to bring down Pakistan’s leader but the Islamists are really the window dressing for an intricate opposition movement.
Trump, Xi, Putin, the Taliban … all have stakes in a peaceful Afghanistan. But their failure to agree is inflaming the violence, prompting the US to mull over a no-deal exit and threatening a bonfire that stretches all the way to Syria
Trump, Xi, Putin, the Taliban … all have stakes in a peaceful Afghanistan. But their failure to agree is inflaming the violence, prompting the US to mull over a no-deal exit and threatening a bonfire that stretches all the way to Syria
Claims that US pressure has torpedoed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a jewel in Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, are nonsense. In truth, Khan has realised the project is his best hope amid a tanking economy.
Claims that US pressure has torpedoed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a jewel in Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, are nonsense. In truth, Khan has realised the project is his best hope amid a tanking economy.
Pakistani prime minister has gone cap in hand to China in the hope it will partner Saudi Arabia and the IMF in bailing out his country – but Beijing will be wary of getting dragged into the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Pakistani prime minister has gone cap in hand to China in the hope it will partner Saudi Arabia and the IMF in bailing out his country – but Beijing will be wary of getting dragged into the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran.