Five activists have disappeared in recent weeks, including poet Salman Haider. Salman Haider — a Pakistani poet, human rights activist, and academic — wrote an Urdu poem in July last year highlighting the disappearances of activists and his friends in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Ironically, he also predicted in his poem that he could soonContinue reading “Pakistan’s Missing Human Rights Activists”
Who defines Violent Non-State Actors in international politics?
Farooq Yousaf Source: The Nation December 14, 2016, witnessed a surprising unfolding of events in Syria, with the Assad forces declaring a victory over the rebel groups in Eastern Aleppo. There were mixed scenes of misery and jubilation on the social and electronic media, with majority of the social media focused on the alleged brutalityContinue reading “Who defines Violent Non-State Actors in international politics?”
‘Collective Punishment’ in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas – Farooq Yousaf
Source: The Diplomat On November 1, following the death of a Pakistan Army major, the political agent ordered the demolition of a two-story market in Wana, South Waziristan, citing a clause of collective responsibility and punishment in the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR). This was yet another example of a constitutional dilemma that Pakistan is currentlyContinue reading “‘Collective Punishment’ in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas – Farooq Yousaf”
Afghanistan’s Corruption Dilemma
(Image Credit – Bay Ismoyo/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images) Farooq Yousaf October 7, this year, marked 15 years of US invasion of Afghanistan and its – still ongoing – war on terror post 9/11 attacks. With little, or no, progress over the years, the situation on ground in Afghanistan remains bleak in terms of security and economy.Continue reading “Afghanistan’s Corruption Dilemma”
The Curious Case of Sharbat Gula – The Green Eyed Afghan Girl – Farooq Yousaf
(Photo Credit: AP) Pakistan was recently facing a PR nightmare when Sharbat Gula – the once famous National Geographic Afghan girl – was deported to her native Afghanistan. Gula was accused of forgery, living in Pakistan using fake identity, and thus was not only detained, but was later sent back to Afghanistan. Gula first gained internationalContinue reading “The Curious Case of Sharbat Gula – The Green Eyed Afghan Girl – Farooq Yousaf”
Will Pakistan learn from its mistakes with Afghanistan to save its ties with Iran?
By: Farooq Yousaf Even though tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over the Torkham border crossing are yet to be settled, Pakistan has laid the foundation of “Pakistan Gate” near the Iranian border in Taftan. The gate is said to check any illegal trade occurring via Iran, and also help the border guards effectively manage andContinue reading “Will Pakistan learn from its mistakes with Afghanistan to save its ties with Iran?”
Dr Farooq Yousaf 