Advancing Stability Through Developmental Research

Independent insights and policy recommendations for sustainable development

Beyond CPEC: How Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s China Visit Signals a New Strategic Era in Pakistan-China Relations

By Nuzhat Nazar Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China this week was officially framed as part of the celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.…

13 Min Read

Wickedness of India Backfires

Asif Haroon Raja Indian policymakers today find themselves in a deep strategic quandary. The political, military, and…

By Fajar

Battle between the Makers and Destroyers of Pakistan

The forces of development and progress are locked in mortal combat with anti-development forces. The former are…

Unrest in Iran & Its Implications

Iran has been gripped by widespread unrest since December 28, triggered by severe economic hardship and a…

Insights from CISS Seminar on “Pakistan’s Energy Crisis: Role of Nuclear Power”

Islamabad, Oct 10, 2024 (Thursday): The Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) Islamabad, hosted an international seminar…

Syria’s Saga: Lessons for the Middle East and the World Beyond

The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011 as a popular uprising against the Assad regime, has evolved…

Opinion: When India and Israel Redefine “Region,” Pakistan Must Pay Attention

(By Nuzhat Nazar) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on 25 February, including an address…

Editor's Pick

China Versus America

The British Empire was humbled and forced to retreat. The Soviet Union disintegrated and was reduced to the Russian Federation…

US–Iran De-escalation Formula: Breakthrough or Tactical Pause?

By Asif Haroon Raja The Fallacy of Binary OutcomesSome analysts are advancing the theory that the US–Iran conflict can end…

15 Min Read

The Impact of CPEC – Why Pakistan Needs More Awareness and Action-Oriented Dialogue

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), remains one of the most…

5 Min Read

Jammu Martyrs Day: Honoring a Legacy of Sacrifice for Freedom and Solidarity

Jammu Martyrs Day encapsulates the resilience and unity of the Kashmiri people. It honors the unbreakable spirit of those who…

9 Min Read

Pakistan’s Strategic Reset at the UNGA – Balancing Opportunity and Risk

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was an important moment for Pakistan. It gave Islamabad a…

7 Min Read
Implications of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Defence Pact

The recently concluded strategic defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, signed…

7 Min Read
Politics over Dead Bodies

The drama of dead bodies at D-Chowk was the repeat action of…

6 Min Read

For you

Beyond CPEC: How Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s China Visit Signals a New Strategic Era in Pakistan-China Relations

By Nuzhat Nazar Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China this week was officially framed as part of the celebrations…

13 Min Read

President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

On the morning of May 20, President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a…

By CDS
8 Min Read

President Xi Jinping Meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

On the afternoon of May 25, President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall…

By CDS
5 Min Read

President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir PutinJointly Attend and Address the Opening Ceremony of the China-RussiaYears of Education

On the afternoon of May 20, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly attended the opening ceremony of…

By CDS
4 Min Read

Last-minute Hitches in Settlement of Gulf Crisis

  Asif Haroon Raja Pakistan's Rise to Fame Indigestible to the Spoilers Following his high profile meetings in Tehran, Field…

21 Min Read

Pakistan’s Strategic Steadfastness Disrupting Spoilers Game & Abraham Accords Agenda

  Asif Haroon Raja Image, reputation, respect, and goodwill are far greater achievements for a nation than temporary material gains.…

15 Min Read

 Strait of Hormuz Strategy: Sovereignty, Nuclear Bargaining, and Pakistan’s Strategic Significance in the Geopolitical Limits of US–Iran Negotiations

For Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is not simply a commercial passageway but a geopolitical-security asset central to sovereignty, regime…

8 Min Read

Is Baluchistan the Next Target: Why Terrorism in Pakistan Doesn’t Terminate?

  Asif Haroon Raja On May 24, an explosive laden vehicle suicide bombing was carried out on a railway track…

18 Min Read

Pakistan’s Mediation Moment: Peace, Pressure and the Abraham Accords Trap

Nuzhat Nazar There are moments in international politics when the real story is not what is said loudly in public,…

12 Min Read

India- Afghanistan Roles in Evolving Regional Environment

  Asif Haroon Raja India’s role in the evolving regional environment is likely to remain shaped by three interconnected objectives:…

14 Min Read

America Declining Empire, China Rising Power, Pakistan Influential Middle Power

  Asif Haroon Raja I am quoting an apparently small incident which took place during the two-day summit between the…

11 Min Read

Hydro-Politics in South Asia—The Indus Waters Treaty, Arbitration Verdict and Regional Stability Concerns

A major reason for the lack of development, prosperity, and stability in the South Asian region is India’s arrogant behaviour.…

6 Min Read

Pakistan’s Quest for Peace Amid Hostile Strategic Environment

Asif Haroon Raja Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan’s foreign policy has fundamentally rested upon the principles of peace, mutual…

22 Min Read

The Moon is Yours.

Islamabad, May 19, 2026 (People's Daily) - The Moon is Yours, a 102-minute documentary directed by veteran filmmaker Vincent Zhou…

3 Min Read

The US-Iran Crisis: Proposals and Counter-Proposals

  Asif Haroon Raja The Trump administration presented Iran with a fifteen-point framework for peace and normalization. Tehran’s response was…

11 Min Read