Current Projects
Regulated Refugee Policy and Bilateral Dialogues Must to Normalize Ties: Pak-Afghan Tribal Leaders
A regulated refugee policy and periodic return of undocumented and displaced Afghans could have prevented the current refugee crisis and the increased tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan resulting from this policy shift. This observation was made by the participants of the 3rd Pak-Afghan Tribal Stakeholders Conference, held in Quetta, Pakistan, convened by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). Hailing from the Spin Boldak and Chaman border regions, the chieftains and community influencers collectively called for the formulation and implementation of policies to strengthen bilateral relations and address common challenges. The participants acknowledged the shared problems faced by both countries and urged more steps to be taken, focusing on unresolved issues. "I believe that we should move past petty grievances to improve relations and address more crucial problems that need our utmost attention, i.e., sending the undocumented Afghans back home with dignity and their rehabilitation," said a Pakistani participant. Another added that there has been undue backlash against Pakistan because of this policy. "Would any of our neighboring countries or those in the West ever take migrants who are undocumented/illegal? It must be remembered that Pakistan still has a great number of Afghan refugees that are documented. A country that has long been grappling with its own domestic issues still comes forward and offers help to the Afghans in need – sadly the world forgets favors as such," he noted. Trade and economic issues also took center stage during the discussions. Highlighting the potential for increased trade volume between the two nations, it was noted that 5 to 8 thousand people from the Chaman border engage in daily business activities, benefiting the livelihoods of thousands of families. "The new visa policy will certainly affect this trend. Hence, the governments and the international community need to create alternative business opportunities for...
Middle East conflict exposes hypocrisy, moral corrosion of countries: experts
The conflict in the Middle East has exposed the hypocrisy and moral corrosion of countries fuelled by transactional and self-serving interests. This notion was echoed at a roundtable on “Middle East conflict: evolving geopolitical dynamics” organised by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). Diplomats, scholars and policy and civil-military experts evaluated the response of the Arab and Muslim world, economic and regional security implications of the conflict, the role of the United States and China and prospects for conflict-resolution. Former ambassador Tasneem Aslam said the current turmoil in Gaza was not something that occurred overnight but was, in fact, the consequence of “persistent humiliation, dehumanisation and marginalisation of the Palestinians”. “This war - aimed at the systematic elimination of Palestinians from their homeland - will only lead to greater instability in the Middle East while severely impacting countries like Egypt and others too,” she said. Highlighting a turning point in the history of global politics, the seasoned envoy added, “This conflict has shaken the conscience of people around the world. Now it is not just Arabs and Muslims vs Israelis and Jews. This war resonates with the African-Americans, Latinos, the enlightened generation of Jews living abroad, and all those groups who have faced decades-long persecution and injustice.” Recognising the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, former ambassador Riffat Masood added, “The world must look at and understand this conflict in the context of Iran-US rivalry. Their historical role necessitates their inclusion and active role in the discourse for the peaceful resolution of this conflict.” She noted that a gradual shift in Arab nations’ ties toward Israel, and the involvement of Russia and China in the Middle East - subsequently threatening the US’ sway in the region - has played a key role in exacerbating the conflict. “Modern democracies around the world,...
Trim LNG Imports to Revitalize National Economy: A Trailblazing Proposal to Pakistan’s COAS
Engineer Arshad H. Abbasi, a visionary in the energy sector and CRSS advisory board member, pioneers a groundbreaking plan, addressed to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to cut back on Pakistan’s LNG dependency, heralding a new era of eco-friendly and fiscal progress for the country. Dear Chief of Army Staff, Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah HI (M), I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to draw your attention to a viable and pragmatic plan to address Pakistan's critical gas shortage, a matter of immense importance for our nation's economic stability. As the head of the 'Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC),' tasked with addressing economic challenges, you are well aware of the precarious state of Pakistan's energy sector. The circular debt in the energy sector, currently standing at Rs 4,500 billion without interest payments, poses a significant threat to our economy. Recently, the government announced a substantial increase in gas tariffs, reaching 193% for households and various economic sectors, as a measure to mitigate the circular debt in the entire energy sector. The finance minister announced on November 15, 2022, that gas prices will rise in January 2024 as a result of Pakistan informing the IMF about the power tariff review. Because industrialists are expected to adjust their product prices to pass on the impact of high costs to end-consumers, this unprecedented hike in gas tariffs will accelerate the already high inflation to 24.5% in the current fiscal year. With only 72% self-sufficiency in domestic gas production and a yearly decline of 7% in natural gas production, the import of LNG has become necessary to meet the growing demand. In October 2023 alone, $355 million worth of LNG was imported to bridge this gap. In light of this challenging scenario, I propose an innovative solution that can substantially reduce the costs of LNG imports. Through a single click, I can immediately cut these costs by at...
China & Bangladesh join hands for underwater tunnel
The Chinese-built Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel in Bangladesh is the first under-river tunnel in South Asia. The project came under joint funding from the Chinese and Bangladeshi governments. Bangladesh was also the first South Asian country to sign a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation with China. The two countries have had fruitful high-quality BRI cooperation over the years. The Chinese-built Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel in Bangladesh, the first under-river tunnel in South Asia, was officially inaugurated on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen also attended the ceremony. This venture marked Bangladesh’s entry into the era of underwater tunnels. The tunnel is located under the Karnaphuli river, in the port city of Chittagong, which is officially known as Chattogram, and is Bangladesh’s second-largest city by population. Bangladeshi Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaid ul Quader called the tunnel a “monumental achievement” ushering in a new era of communication within the country and marking a source of immense national pride. The project came under joint funding from the Chinese and Bangladeshi governments, and the total cost of the project is estimated at US$1.1B. It has created more than 5,000 jobs so far, trained local people on infrastructure construction skills and promoted local economic development. However, with the current geo-political tension rising, the India-China contest remains a crucial factor. Over the course of the past 15 years, both countries have deepened their stakes in Bangladesh but with the recent developments, India now finds itself in a difficult and precarious situation. Bangladesh’s increasing dependence on China for infrastructural development and economic assistance might upset India as it could strain ties between Bangladesh and India. Nonetheless, Bangladesh seems unaffected by this and went ahead with this project as it wants to...
“Deportation campaign addresses all unlawful residents, not just Afghans”- Interim Minister Sarfraz Bugti
Interim Minister Sarfraz Bugti contends that the government’s announcement was misinterpreted with the wrong message delivered and that it was for all illegal residents. He also said that there was no ethnic element to the issue and that there was no need for diplomatic intervention, adding, “Nor is there any need for it.” On 25th October 2023, at a hearing before the Senate Standing Committee, Pakistan’s Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that the government’s message on taking action against illegal residents had been misunderstood. The deportation campaign was aimed at all individuals living illegally in the country, not just Afghans. Previously (October 3, 2023), the interim administration declared that if the situation did not improve, all law enforcement agencies would deport people living unlawfully in the country. Surprisingly, Bugti had said then that 1.73 million unregistered illegal Afghans were living in the country. Furthermore, to make matters worse, the State media then subsequently reported that the decision to evict foreigners living illegally was because of their involvement in funding and facilitating terrorists and other illegal activities. This statement provoked outrage from various local and international agencies, with many assuming it was directed solely towards Afghan refugees. On the other hand, Bugti, now contends that the government’s announcement was misinterpreted with the wrong message delivered. This latest announcement comes as the government’s deadline for illegal immigrants to leave Pakistan on October 31, 2023 approaches. Following are the key points he made in his speech: “We were talking about deporting illegal residents but it was conveyed through our announcement [as if] we are only deporting Afghans. The government’s message was not just for the Afghans. The announcement was for all illegal residents.” “Anyone who had a refugee card or a visa was “our guest”, adding that the government was also similarly...
Transit Trade Transport: Means for Corrupt Practices
The lack of a mutually agreed transportation mechanism continues to obstruct the free flow of goods across Pakistan and Afghanistan. Vehicles’ movement is subject to several restrictions, including those on the transportation of Afghan transit cargo from Karachi to various border posts – Torkham, Chamman, and Ghulam Khan in particular. They are not just barriers but also avenues for exploitation by officials. Section III Article 4 of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) identifies the routes used for transit traffic as: i) Maritime ports in Pakistan ii) Airports in Afghanistan and Pakistan, for air-to-air transit only iii) Transit rail/ road corridors through Pakistan and Afghanistan iv) Land stations between the contracting parties or between one contracting party and a third country. Annex One discusses these routes in detail. Protocol 2 of APTTA is on the Temporary Admission mechanism, so based on this, half of the APTTA is on transport and temporary admission and the remaining half covers other parts of transit trade. Both countries had agreed on the Temporary Admission Documents (TAD) mechanism but no implementation has been made yet. TAD essentially means a document issued by a competent authority of one contracting party that allows vehicles registered in the territory of the other contracting party to enter or exit or transit through its territory”. Before Ashraf Ghani assumed the presidency, Pakistani trucks could take cargo up to Hairatan (Uzbekistan), Sher Khan (Tajikistan), and Torghundi (Turkmenistan). But Ashraf Ghani – with his obvious India tilt and growing frustration with the Taliban’s violent campaign – brought an end to that; if Afghan trucks cannot go up to Wagah, why should Pakistani carriers be allowed through Afghanistan to central Asia, he asked. With this, he restricted Pakistani trucks only up to Jalalabad (via Torkham) and Kandahar (via Chamman). Ghani turned this into a personal issue of ego and thus embittered the...
Afghanistan’s Path to Peace and Prosperity Only Passes Through Empowering Afghan Women
In an international gathering of diverse voices of women leaders from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, Afghan women's rights took center stage, highlighting the enduring struggle they face amidst the crossfire of war and political turmoil. The discussions at the virtual consultation on “Women’s Rights in Afghanistan – Regional Perspectives and Role of Islamic World”, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), underscored the need for women's inclusion in decision-making processes as equal partakers, given their unique perspectives and compassion they bring. The urgent call to eradicate archaic notions and empower women to lead nations for global peace and prosperity resonated strongly. The forum united voices from various nations, championing education, economic empowerment, and diplomatic pressure to safeguard the rights of Afghan women on a worldwide scale. Ms. Zarifa Ghafari, a former Afghan mayor, noted that for decades, Afghan women have been caught in the crossfire of war, politics, and policies that played with their innocent lives. They bore the heaviest brunt and faced the most severe repercussions of power politics. The ongoing struggle of Afghan women to secure their fundamental rights is noteworthy where, despite restrictions, they persist, yet their cries often go unnoticed on the global stage. It's vital to recognize that global issues won’t be resolved unless we involve women in the decision-making processes. The world today desperately needs the healing touch, the compassion, and the wisdom that women offer. Nations should collectively act against forces that threaten global peace, security, and progress. The decisions we make today will shape the world our future generations inherit. Let’s ensure it’s one of peace, progress, and inclusivity. “In the interest of developing a global understanding of what’s happening inside Afghanistan, fostering people-to-people connectivity - among Afghans...
China’s Belt and Road Forum-Key Takeaway Points
China’s “most important diplomatic event” of the year was held in Beijing. Top leaders around the world gathered for a series of bilateral meetings. This year marked its third edition though comparatively only 23 heads of state and government were present. One of the key factors could be the major crisis unfolding in the Middle East. While Xi and Putin shared the China-Russia partnership as “a loTakeaway Pointsng-term commitment,” other leaders called for a more multilateral, cooperative world. The forum also highlighted the next phase Iof BR, which enters its second decade. On October 17th-19th, 2023, a two-day global gathering termed as China’s “most important diplomatic event” of the year wrapped up in Beijing. (CNN) Top leaders around the world gathered for a series of bilateral meetings and forums centered around Chinese President Xi Jinping’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an international infrastructure project that has solidified China’s position as a major player in the world since its inception ten years ago. The BRI forum is a platform for developing action plans in the domains of trade and investment, infrastructure, energy and resources, production capacity, and identification of major projects. It is also meant to serve as an opportunity to sign cooperation agreements in the fields of financial cooperation mechanisms with countries and international organizations. This year marked its third edition. However, compared to the previous session where 37 leaders were in attendance, this year just 23 heads of state and government were present. One of the key factors could be the major crisis unfolding in the Middle East which resulted in some leaders from the region staying in their respective regions. (The Diplomat) Below are the key takeaway points from the forum: Putin’s Prominent Attendance: At the forum’s opening ceremony, Putin was one of the first leaders to speak. The Russian president emphasised his strong alignment with China both...
Pakistan’s Policies in Afghanistan: A Source of Concern
Pakistan's policies towards Afghanistan, shaped by decades of political maneuvering, have implications for regional peace, refugee crises, and bilateral trust, argues the author. Afghanistan, my homeland, has suffered through decades of conflict and instability. This turmoil has driven many Afghans to seek refuge in neighboring countries, primarily Pakistan. Today, challenges like potential violence, political instability, and economic hardships continue to afflict Afghanistan. Pakistan, undeniably, is grappling with its own myriad challenges, especially in ensuring basic services and opportunities for its people. The influx of a substantial number of Afghan refugees intensifies the strain on resources such as healthcare, education, and employment. Yet, the act of expelling Afghan refugees often emerges more as a political maneuver than a solution. It's wielded by host countries as leverage over Afghanistan, pushing for concessions and influencing its policies. When millions of our fellow Afghans, including the families of Afghan authorities, have entrenched roots in Pakistan, owning businesses and properties, it's clear that Afghanistan would feel the pressure. Pakistan, in this scenario, wields more influence and leverage over Afghanistan, while the Afghan governments, burdened by their own challenges, often find resistance tough. To alleviate this pressure, it would have been more pragmatic for the Afghan government to have pre-emptively prepared for the dignified return of its citizens from Pakistan. Mere accusations of Pakistan's mistreatment of Afghans cannot overshadow the Afghan leadership's own shortcomings. It was vital for the Afghan government to smoothen the process of reintegration, navigate potential hurdles, uphold moral duties, and harness the returning Afghans' skills for the nation's uplift. Pakistan's recent decision to expel all non-registered Afghans is not only a concerning measure, but it also risks exacerbating an already delicate...
Gaza and the Complex Maneuvers
Early morning on October 07, the Palestinian armed ensemble, Hamas, set forth with “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” a most audacious endeavor, marking a crescendo in their engagement with Israel since the tumultuous 11-day war in 2021. With claims to have dispatched no fewer than 5,000 rockets, Hamas unveiled a flamboyant display of martial prowess, while Israel, in no uncertain terms, conceded the incursion of these intrepid Hamas warriors onto its soil; this offensive encompassed land, sea, and sky. The attack was so swift and secretly executed that Israeli intelligence was struck with utter shock. It was embarrassed and taken off-guard. One of the most interesting part of the Hamas warfare tactics was the use of motor gliders. Hamas took absolute advantage of geography – Gaza and Israel are separated just by a wall. So what they did was to fly via motor glider into the Israeli territory and started attacking their targets as planned. The question arises, does Hamas miscalculated its move? Does it not know that the reaction would be severe and brutal? Didn’t they know that Israel with its unabated support of West, can’t be defeated merely by limited military operation like Al-Aqsa Flood? Then why this madness? Well what one can expect from people who have nothing to lose. In contrast, it was Israel that tasted its own medicine after long. More than 1400 Israelis have been killed so far and around 250 hostages, including a dozen of Americans. On the other hand, Hamas did not play this move just as a suicide mission. Perhaps, defeating Tel Aviv was never the mission, going by simple rationale. Hamas achieved its objectives. It shames Israeli military power and intelligence, and bitterly expose it to the world. It is pertinent to note that, Gaza is under comprehensive surveillance of Israeli forces. Nothing can go inside or come outside Gaza without their permission. So, how did Hamas do it, without even whispers. They might have relied mostly on human resources for...
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.