Current Projects

Pakistan’s Predicament

Is Afghanistan going back to the peace talks that received a deadly blow late in July? Some developments suggest so. Let us begin with the Taliban. As reported in the national media, the family of former Afghan Taliban supremo Mullah Omar declared (on September 15) its allegiance to the new chief Mullah Akhtar Mansoor. If true, this declaration removes a huge stumbling block in the new emir’s way. Secondly, all major stakeholders from outside the region – the US, the UK and China – are not only eager to restart the negotiation process, but are pushing for it through quiet diplomacy. For instance, during discussions with his interlocutors in Islamabad, the British special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Owen Jenkins explored the possibility of the Afghan government and the Taliban returning to the talks. He also expressed the hope that the stalled Afghan reconciliation process could start sooner rather than later, and that Pakistan could leverage its unique position with the Afghan Taliban in nudging them into a constructive dialogue. Only two days earlier, the commander of Resolute Support Mission and US Forces in Afghanistan, General John F Campbell, accompanied by acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Jarret Blanc, held a detailed discussion with army chief General Raheel Sharif, agreeing that all friendly nations need to work harder for the resumption of peace talks in Afghanistan. Pakistani leaders reminded the visiting dignitaries of the hostile statements coming out of Kabul and wondered whether insinuations and allegations on Pakistan being directly responsible for the Taliban violence inside Afghanistan leaves any space for it to intervene. Another question that keeps recurring in such interactions is whether the argument of economic dividends of reconciliation could woo all stakeholders into an open dialogue on both sides of the Durand Line. Why should we invite scorn and blame? But clearly, security trumps economy in the...

United for Peace – Envoys’ Band enthralls Peshawarites

On Wednesday, September 16, 2015, the Center for Research and Security Studies held the “United for Peace” event at the Pearl Continental hotel in Peshawar in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP). The musical event was conducted to show solidarity with the people of Peshawar and the greater KP, and to help spread the message of hope and peace. Notable guests included members of national assembly and KP provincial assembly , the honorable ambassadors of Japan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Argentina, and Tajikistan, and other diplomats from Portugal, South Korea and Indonesia. As a part of the CRSS campaign for social peace and cultural diversity, the event was designed to serve as a symbol of hope for a city that has been traumatized by years of violence. Since the war on terror began in the early 21st century, Peshawar has seen an upsurge of militancy and stark violence unlike any other part of the country. The last eighteen months have seen unprecedented progress in the face of this tide of terrorism, and the people of Peshawar have received some respite in the form of better safety and service delivery. This event embodies the peace-loving nature of the people of Peshawar and KP, marks a return for community events, musical festivals and cultural gatherings in the city, and enhances the softer image of a resilient people by putting Peshawar on the international radar. This event also raised funds for the rehabilitation of education infrastructure in conflict-affected parts of KP and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Envoy's Band The highlight of the evening was a performance by the Envoy’s Band. This band, formed in Islamabad by foreign dignitaries with a shared passion for music and peace, performed in public for the very first time. Envoy’s Band members include H.E. Inomata Hiroshi, the Ambassador of Japan, an avid drummer, and H.E. Nedim Makarevic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a singer and guitarist. The duo was also supported by Mr. Gerry...

United for Peace – Envoys' Band enthralls Peshawarites

On Wednesday, September 16, 2015, the Center for Research and Security Studies held the “United for Peace” event at the Pearl Continental hotel in Peshawar in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP). The musical event was conducted to show solidarity with the people of Peshawar and the greater KP, and to help spread the message of hope and peace. Notable guests included members of national assembly and KP provincial assembly , the honorable ambassadors of Japan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Argentina, and Tajikistan, and other diplomats from Portugal, South Korea and Indonesia. As a part of the CRSS campaign for social peace and cultural diversity, the event was designed to serve as a symbol of hope for a city that has been traumatized by years of violence. Since the war on terror began in the early 21st century, Peshawar has seen an upsurge of militancy and stark violence unlike any other part of the country. The last eighteen months have seen unprecedented progress in the face of this tide of terrorism, and the people of Peshawar have received some respite in the form of better safety and service delivery. This event embodies the peace-loving nature of the people of Peshawar and KP, marks a return for community events, musical festivals and cultural gatherings in the city, and enhances the softer image of a resilient people by putting Peshawar on the international radar. This event also raised funds for the rehabilitation of education infrastructure in conflict-affected parts of KP and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Envoy's Band The highlight of the evening was a performance by the Envoy’s Band. This band, formed in Islamabad by foreign dignitaries with a shared passion for music and peace, performed in public for the very first time. Envoy’s Band members include H.E. Inomata Hiroshi, the Ambassador of Japan, an avid drummer, and H.E. Nedim Makarevic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a singer and guitarist. The duo was also supported by Mr. Gerry...

United for Peace – Envoys' Band enthralls Peshawarites

On Wednesday, September 16, 2015, the Center for Research and Security Studies held the “United for Peace” event at the Pearl Continental hotel in Peshawar in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP). The musical event was conducted to show solidarity with the people of Peshawar and the greater KP, and to help spread the message of hope and peace. Notable guests included members of national assembly and KP provincial assembly , the honorable ambassadors of Japan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Argentina, and Tajikistan, and other diplomats from Portugal, South Korea and Indonesia. As a part of the CRSS campaign for social peace and cultural diversity, the event was designed to serve as a symbol of hope for a city that has been traumatized by years of violence. Since the war on terror began in the early 21st century, Peshawar has seen an upsurge of militancy and stark violence unlike any other part of the country. The last eighteen months have seen unprecedented progress in the face of this tide of terrorism, and the people of Peshawar have received some respite in the form of better safety and service delivery. This event embodies the peace-loving nature of the people of Peshawar and KP, marks a return for community events, musical festivals and cultural gatherings in the city, and enhances the softer image of a resilient people by putting Peshawar on the international radar. This event also raised funds for the rehabilitation of education infrastructure in conflict-affected parts of KP and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Envoy's Band The highlight of the evening was a performance by the Envoy’s Band. This band, formed in Islamabad by foreign dignitaries with a shared passion for music and peace, performed in public for the very first time. Envoy’s Band members include H.E. Inomata Hiroshi, the Ambassador of Japan, an avid drummer, and H.E. Nedim Makarevic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a singer and guitarist. The duo was also supported by Mr. Gerry...

CPEC Draws China’s Top Explosive Maker to Pakistan

KARACHI: The country has started reaping benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as one of the largest manufacturers of explosives in the world, Beijing Auxin Chemical Technology Limited, is set to establish a company for manufacturing of emulsion explosives in Pakistan. The Biafo Industries Limited, a local emulsion explosive manufacturer, announced through stock filing that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Auxin Chemical Technology Limited, a subsidiary of China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), to establish a joint-venture company in Pakistan for manufacturing of emulsion explosives. According to the MoU signed between the Biafo Industries and Beijing Auxin Limited, the latter would have 51% shares while the former would have 49% share in the company, which would cater to the CPEC related construction work. The joint-venture company would be established in order to meet the future demand of explosives and blasting accessories in the light of CPEC, large-scale mining and hydroelectric projects, said an official of Biafo Industries. The Biafo Industries already import emulsion explosives from the Beijing Auxin Chemical Limited and now it has taken the initiative to bring the world’s top company to set up a joint venture in Pakistan. Beijing Auxin Chemical Technology Limited is one of leading company in China, supplying a wide range of pumps, casting steels, explosives and common chemicals. It runs the civilian explosive business of the corporation, primarily engaging in civil blasting equipment and chemical products research and development, import and export as well as civilian blasting services. Its main products include explosive materials and chemical products. Industrial explosives, detonating cord, detonator and electric detonators are exported to Africa, Latin America, North America and Asia. It’s operating performance and technical capabilities are among the best in the country. The Biafo Industries is...

The LNG Deal and the Masters of Spin

by Arshad H. Abbasi The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources published an op-ed in August defending his Ministry’s actions in the LNG process. The “facts” cited in his op-ed deserve to be refuted separately, but one thing is evident: the Minister spends more time spinning facts to defend mistakes rather than admit the reality in front of the public eye. He makes simple facts sound complex to confuse laymen, and even alleges, “LNG procurement is a sophisticated process and cannot be explained by so-called ‘energy experts’ with a few baseless statements.” Owing to space, this op-ed will not be able to address all points, but the most glaring inaccuracies that stick out are: 1. Projecting the country’s demand for natural gas as just “Pakistan’s projected demand of 15 million tonnes per annum of LNG” – this is a grave distortion of facts that leaves a reader thinking that there are no alternatives to LNG. Global LNG trade started, in January 1959 in more than 42 Countries gas through pipelines, with a volume of 24 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF). LNG volume in more than 25 countries is 12 TCF. The import price is made public, and prior to that, due diligence and analysis on price, in local economy. Pakistan’s “LNG saga” is unprecedented. The country has a natural gas shortfall of estimated 3 BCF/day, but alternatives of pipelined gas, exploiting indigenous resources and natural gas demand conservation through efficiency and controlling 15% losses (UFG) cannot be ignored. 2. The LNG price quoted ignores what the final cost would be to a power plant, because even on a FOB basis, the landed price plus the charges of regasification, charges to SSGC, SNGPL or other entities involved would apply. What would be the cost of electricity generation when cost LNG, stated by Minister $8.2 and $8.6 per MMBTU? Is it not the true that total cost at doorstep after price addition is $ 11, $ 12 or $13/mmbtu? This matter is not explained, and actual cost is ambiguous. The official...

Pak-China Collaboration: Study Centre, Business Council Planned

A study centre focusing on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and Pakistan-SCO Business Council will be established aimed at promoting regional ties, said a press release issued here on Saturday. The Pakistan-Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Friendship Forum (PSCOFF) and Inter-University Consortium for the Promotion of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (IUCPSS), an alliance of more than 20 Pakistani universities, will jointly establish the centre and the business council, the audience was told at a seminar held here on “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Peaceful and Prosperous Pakistan”. The event focused on discussing and highlighting future prospects of Pakistan-China cooperation through the CPEC. Chinese Deputy Chief of Mission Zhao Lijian said that under the framework of the CPEC, number of trade routes between China and Pakistan would be expanded. He said that development of Gwadar port and airport, and construction of eastern, western and central alignments, would connect all the provinces and regions of Pakistan, and would turn the country into an industrial hub. The envoy said that this mega project would transform Pakistan into a regional economic hub as well as further boost the growing ties between the two countries. He also spoke about the rapid developments taking place in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan under the CPEC. PSCOFF President Farhat Asif highlighted the role of the SCO after Pakistan and India’s permanent membership in the regional organisation. She urged civil society activists, diplomats, media and academics to join the forum to campaign for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. Maj Gen (retired) Dr Zahir Shah, the CPEC project director, said peace and development were the key goals of the economic corridor. University of Education Lahore Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam and Comsats Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Islamabad Centre for Policy Studies Adviser Prof Dr Talat Anwar underlined the...

Is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Pakistan’s lifeline?

by Farooq Yousaf, for South Asia Democratic Forum" A featured story recently published by Forbes magazine read “Pakistan: The Next Colombia Success Story?” For many, this story could ring surprise - or shock – bells, but for some, the story also holds truth in certain aspects of the recent developments taking place in Pakistan. The country is currently going through final phases of its major Operation Zarb e Azb against the Taliban in the FATA region, whereas the internally displaced residents of the region have also started heading home. Although the war against terrorists and insurgents is far from over, the signs and outcomes of Zarb e Azb, consequently resulting in lower terror attacks this year, surely present a somewhat positive security picture of the country. In terms of national politics, a healthy competition is also taking place between Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf (Justice Movement Party) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and Nawaz Sharif’s Muslim League in the Centre. On the economic front, the Sharif government has been somewhat able to strengthen the value of the Pakistani rupee against the US Dollar, whereas foreign investments are also on the rise. One such investment, making headlines recently, is the China Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) - China’s largest investment in the country to date. The project is one of the many links joining China’s ambitious (or some may call it over-ambitious) “One Belt One Road” vision for the region. The CPEC is a 46 billion project announced by the Chinese supremo Xi Jinping that would help Pakistan build highways, develop energy projects, as well as install oil and gas pipelines - all via Chinese companies PM Sharif recently announced that many sections of Karachi-Peshawar highway under the CPEC would be completed by 2017, whereas a number of associated energy projects would also be completed on a fast track basis in the near future. The PM also believes that the CPEC could breathe a fresh air of prosperity...

Sabawoon Showcase: Female Participation in Legislation/Policy-Making

September 10, 2015, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies' (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon (Dawn), last Thursday, focused on the lack of female participation in legislation and policy-making. A key point in discussion was the daily harassment that professional women face in Pakistan. The program was aired under the theme “Da Ilam Ranra” (light of knowledge). Ms. Amina Durrani, Provincial Coordinator for the Status of Women, and Ms. Tahira Kaleem, a women's rights activist, participated in the program as studio guests. A related story from Peshawar was also included in the show, highlighting a recent gathering, organized by the PEAD foundation, to determine why legislation and policy-making had such limited female participation. “We have to consider the social structure of our society. Politics is not confined to the elections, it has far-reaching repercussions and applications. The central idea is to get exposure. Women should aware be of their society, surroundings, as well as their rights and responsibilities. They should cross manmade barriers and take an active part in politics, legislation and policy-making.” - Ms. Amina Durrani (Provincial Coordinator for Status of Women, KP). “Harassment cases are reported very late, when the damage is already done. Some cases are not even reported at all. There is no provincial ombudsman in our province. When someone attempts to follow-up, it is hard to publicize such cases because of the norms in our society. Women need to understand what is meant by harassment. Staring or inappropriate comments also fall under harassment”. - Ms. Tahira Kaleem (Women's Rights Activist).

Chinese Businessmen Keen to Invest in Punjab

LAHORE - A 13-member delegation from Yantai City including 4 officials of the Chinese government came to Lahore on a 7-day visit. The purpose of their visit was to upgrade the MoU of the twin city signed last year into an agreement and aggressively start working on it. Second objective was to explore the Pakistani market for business matchmaking and joint ventures, especially in trade, real estate, home appliances, solar panels, machine and equipment besides project contracting. Sole responsibility of this delegation was tasked to the Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT). During their visit the delegation met the businessmen of Punjab, officials of government of Punjab and the Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. In a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce, the head of 13-member delegation of Yantai Chamber of Commerce & Industry Zhao Qingwei said that Chinese businessmen were ready to join hands with their Pakistani counterparts. He said the Chinese business community values Pakistan highly; therefore, they were always ready to put their money in new ventures in Pakistan. He said that both China and Pakistan were resourceful countries but the level of bilateral economic relations do match with the warmth of their ties therefore, private sectors in both the countries need to come forward to further strengthen these relations. First meeting was held at the Punjab Board of Investment & Trade where they were briefed about the investment climate in Punjab. Speaking at the occasion, Chairman PBIT Abdul Basit said as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor also crosses through Punjab so there are abundant opportunities for investment in Punjab. He informed the delegation about his recent visits to China where an agreement of worth $1.1 billion was signed with a Chinese company for development of an entertainment Park. Another development of this visit was that Golden Beam Company of China agreed to construct a 98km expressway from Khanewal to Lodhran. ...