Music diplomacy as soft power in South Asia

Cultural institutions have an impact that transcends national boundaries and supports soft power diplomacy. Mutual artistic manifestations promote understanding and goodwill between the nations and present a favorable picture of them to the outside world. Exchanging cultural expressions, promoting understanding, and creating connections between countries are all part of cultural diplomacy. Collaborations on literary, musical, … Read more

The Rebellion of Pakistan’s Rivers in 2025

“دریا صرف تہذیب بناتے نہیں، مٹاتے بھی ہیں” The Ravi River story began not with thunder—but with a song. “Je aithon kadi Ravi lang jaave, hayati Punj-aabi ban jaave,main bairiyaan hazaar torr laan, main pani ichon saah nichorr laan…”— Sajjad Ali, “Ravi vich Pani” For decades, these lines had been a metaphor, a sigh for … Read more

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Call to Action for Pakistan

October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness about the disease, encourage early detection, and support patients and survivors. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, and despite medical advances, it continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year. According to the World Health … Read more

Pakistan–Japan Bilateral Relations: History, Trade, Investment, Development Cooperation and Strategic Prospects

Pakistan–Japan Bilateral Relations: History, Trade, Investment, Development Cooperation and Strategic Prospects

This article provides an evidence-based review of Pakistan–Japan bilateral relations, emphasizing diplomatic history, trade and investment flows, development cooperation (ODA), people-to-people links, and key sectoral developments. Using official government releases, multilateral trade statistics and recent press reporting, the paper quantifies major flows and highlights strategic opportunities—notably automotive value-chain integration and climate resilience cooperation. Key findings: … Read more

A new dawn for Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations after 15 years

After a prolonged diplomatic freeze, Pakistan and Bangladesh have embarked on a promising path of rapprochement, marked by high-level engagements, maritime breakthroughs, trade revitalization, and military cooperation. The evolving geopolitical climate in South Asia, especially after the Indo-Pakistan War of 2025, has created new opportunities for strategic realignment. The diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh … Read more

Sheesh Mahal: The timeless palace of mirrors in Lahore Fort

Sheesh Mahal, literally meaning “Crystal Palace” in Urdu, is an exquisite palace situated within the Shah Burj block in the northwestern corner of Lahore Fort. Constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631 and 1632, this ornate pavilion stands as a testament to the grandeur and artistic finesse of Mughal architecture. The … Read more

Benazir Bhutto – A legacy of diplomacy, empowerment, and advocacy

December 27, 2024, marks the 17th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister and a global icon for women’s empowerment, diplomacy, and advocacy. Her life and career continue to demonstrate the struggles and achievements of women in leadership, particularly in a patriarchal society. When discussing her legacy, it is critical to acknowledge … Read more

Manmohan Singh – Architect of economic reform and diplomatic bridge-builder

Manmohan Singh, India’s 13th Prime Minister, passed away on December 26, 2024, at 92, leaving a legacy of unparalleled contributions to economic reform and international diplomacy. Singh was instrumental in reshaping India’s economic landscape and fostering meaningful engagement with Pakistan. His tenure was marked by efforts to bridge divides and promote mutual understanding, often using … Read more

Smog solutions bridging Pakistan India environmental divide

Smog solutions bridging Pakistan India environmental divide

South Asia faces a severe air pollution crisis, with smog emerging as a significant health and environmental challenge. Pakistan and India, neighboring countries with shared geographic and climatic conditions, consistently rank among the world’s most polluted nations. This article delves into the causes of smog in the region, highlights the associated socio-economic impacts, and examines … Read more

Alarming Breast Cancer in Central Asia and Pakistan with Collaborative Solutions

Alarming Breast Cancer in Central Asia and Pakistan with Collaborative Solutions

Abstract Breast cancer is a severe health concern in Central Asia and Pakistan, compounded by fast rising incidence rates caused by changing lifestyles and diets. One in nine women in Pakistan have a lifetime risk of diagnosis, making it the country with the highest incidence among Asian nations. According to the World Health Organization, cancer … Read more