NIAS Pakistan Weekly

CWA # 1102
NIAS Pakistan Weekly
The Snow Leopards of Pakistan

PR Team
31 October 2023
Photo Source:

PR Commentary
The Snow Leopards of Pakistan 
By Sneha Surendran

In the Hindu-Kush and Karakoram mountains in northern Pakistan, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) roam the elusive and majestic snow leopards. Pakistan houses the third biggest population of these animals globally with Gilgit Baltistan recording the most numbers here.

In these mountainous regions, snow leopards are found at elevations of 3000-4500m with cliffs, rocky outgrowths, and deep ravines dotting the landscape. Also known as the ‘ghost of the mountains’ they are solitary and formidable predators, capable of withstanding frigid conditions. It is estimated that there are nearly 8,000 snow leopards remaining in the world, of which around 400 reside in the northern mountain ranges of Pakistan. However, these numbers are rough estimates as the snow leopards' elusive nature and camouflaging abilities render them difficult to track. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has flagged these animals under the “vulnerable” species category.

As recently as till 2017, it was believed that snow leopards were a monotypic species, that is, no sub-species of snow leopards existed. However, recent studies indicate that there could possibly be three subspecies. Furthermore, the snow leopards inhabiting the mountainous regions of Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and India potentially belong under the same sub-species.

Threats facing the snow leopards in Pakistan
Prey depletion: Apart from snow leopards, the mountains are inhabited by ibex, markhor, marmots, and other smaller mammals that are part of the leopards’ diet. However, illegal hunting and poaching of ibex and markhor is leading to a prey shortage apart from upsetting the balance of the mountain ecosystem. For instance, the markhor (large, wild goat), which is also the national animal of Pakistan, has recorded a significant drop in numbers from 2868 individuals in 2019 to nearly 800 in 2022. 
In recent years, there has been a recorded increase in the population of feral dogs along the mountainous regions. These dogs hunt markhors, one of the snow leopard's primary preys, reducing food availability for the leopards. For instance, between 2006-2020, 392 markhors were killed in the Chitral Gol National Park in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province alone. Moreover, snow leopards are solitary animals that are wary of direct confrontations with humans and other predators. The presence of feral dogs in their territories can cause stress and disruption to the leopard’s movement, hunting patterns, and reproduction cycles. 

Illegal hunting: Despite being a protected species, snow leopards continue to be hunted for their luxurious fur and bones and is popular in illegal wildlife trade markets. Furthermore, the bones, fur, and other parts of the animal are also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM has long been scrutinized by modern medicine, apart from being called out for using body parts of protected wildlife. The promotion of TCM is one of the goals of China’s ambitious Belt and Road initiative and has naturally sparked concerns among wildlife conservationists. 

Retaliatory killings: Conflict with humans is a major threat faced by these big cats. However, this is a result of other contributing factors, primarily prey depletion which causes snow leopards to go after livestock reared by the agro-pastoralist communities inhabiting the mountains. The predators occasionally descend to the villages from their high-altitude lairs and engage in “surplus killings” by breaking into cattle corrals (enclosures used to keep livestock). There have been reports of a single snow leopard attack resulting in up to 50 animal deaths. Angered by the killing of their animals and the consequent financial stress on their livelihoods, people have resorted to killing snow leopards despite the Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas) Wildlife Preservation Act 1975 outlawing this activity. 

Conservation
Taking into cognizance the importance of protecting snow leopards in Pakistan, conservationists and independent organizations have stepped up with solutions to tackle the issues plaguing the safety of these big cats. 

Through National Parks: Gilgit Baltistan's biggest national parks, the Khunjerab National Park and the Central Karakoram National Park enclose snow leopard territory. Conservation groups have partnered with local communities to protect and study the leopards in this region. This includes the installation of cameras to monitor the population and movement of the animals, training local herders as well as awareness campaigns on snow leopard conservation. Camera trapping studies in Chitral Gol National Park have helped researchers understand the snow leopard ecology in that area. 

Environmental anthropologist Shafqat Hussain is a notable name in the field of snow leopard conservation in Pakistan. For over two decades, he has campaigned and initiated programs to conserve the snow leopards in the Gilgit Baltistan region, which he says is the “best snow leopard habitat in the world.” According to Hussain, snow leopards are keystone predators that are a vital component in the maintenance of balance in the ecosystem which makes it imperative to conserve them. 
In 1999, Hussain initiated ‘Project Snow Leopard’ which later transformed into the ‘Baltistan Wildlife Conservation and Development Organisation (BWCDO). This organization works closely with local communities to spread awareness on conservation. A commendable achievement for BWCDO was largely convincing local herding communities to refrain from retribution killing of snow leopards. This they did by introducing a novel livestock insurance scheme that compensates herders whose animals fall victim to the predators. The organization also helps construct leopard-proof corrals to protect livestock, invests in the education of the children of the communities, and promotes creative exercises in local schools to inculcate the importance of wildlife conservation in the youth of the region. 

In 2018, the Pakistan Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Program (PSLEP) was launched for a five-year period at an event organized by the Ministry of Climate Change, UNDP-Pakistan, and the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF). PSLEP covers almost 4,100,000 ha of three prime regions of snow leopard habitats namely, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and POK. It aims for sustainable land and forest management practices to conserve the territories and populations of snow leopards and other animals. It also promotes climate change adaptation into conservation efforts. Furthermore, the program calls for the creation and maintenance of biological corridors to enable the movement of snow leopards and other mountain wildlife to new regions for safety during stressful times. 

PR Short Note 
Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan: Religious extremist or militants?
By Femy Francis

On 26 October, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued that the right-leaning Barelvi group, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was not part of any “anti-state activities/ terrorism.” The Supreme Court begins the hearing by appeals against the foreign funding received by the party, headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Fae Isa. The probe against the party was due to the 20-day protest in 2017 that brought cities to a stand-still, this was investigated by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) and the reports examined by the ECP found that: “the commission was of the view that the respondent party, the TLP, was not involved in any anti-state activity or terrorism. Hence the commission disposed of its inquiry.” The scrutiny regarding the funding was found moot based on the fact that such a small amount cannot be accused of being acquired through prohibited funding.

Roots of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan
TLP belongs to the Sufi Barelvi thought that proclaims itself as the defender of Prophet Muhammad and often resorts to extremist violent punitive action against those who violate the sanctity. In 2021, TLP was accused of lynching Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana for the alleged sacrilegious act of violating posters of Prophet Muhammad. TLP was linked to the incident owing to its slogan: “Man Sabba Nabbiyan Faq Tulu,” kill blasphemers of the Prophet. The party officially was formed after the 2011 assassination of Salman Taseer by his police guard Qadri for defending Asia Bibi, a Christian accused of blasphemy. The guard was then detained and issued a death sentence, the Barelvi group staged a mass protest in his support. He was finally hanged in 2016 under Nawaz Sharif’s regime, after his death he was considered as a “martyr” were thousands turned in for his funeral.

His death instigated the already emerging movement of Barelvi groups collaborating under their leader Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi. Rizvi an outstanding orator and was able to appeal to and consolidate the groups and soon was able to establish a solid support base with funds coming in from wealthy clerics and businessmen from the community.

TLP and Nawaz Sharif
In 2017, a massive protest erupted led by the TLP against the changes in oath-taking for Prophethood. This protest has Islamabad halted for 21 days. The establishment was not interested in dealing with it and suggested that the federal government have a sit-in negotiation. At last, peace was brokered by the army with the law minister removed. During this, a controversial video went viral where a military official was found giving money to disperse the crowd.  This was a huge blow to the credibility of the party, with news leaked that the government urged the military to act against the militant groups. It is widely questioned if the army urged TLP to weaken PML-N to form a government again owing to the growing differences.

Radical extremism of TLP 
TLP has used its extremist ideologies, radical sentiments and growing Islamophobic nature of the West furthered the party to the political sphere of Pakistan. In 2023, TLP was found responsible for vandalizing through a Christian colony and five churches after accusing a Christian house help of disrespecting the Quran. This led to the displacement of 500 Christian families. In 2020, the party staged an anti-France protest after a magazine was found publishing a caricature image of Prophet Muhammad. Soon after the rally, their founder and dear leader Rizvi passed away creating a huge vacuum in the leadership filled by his son Saad Rizvi.

TLP in the General Election of 2024
TLP is a political force in Pakistan politics and has had a detrimental influence in the ousting of Nawaz Sharif’s regime. In 2018, the party was the fifth-largest party with 2.3 million votes. The numbers were impressive considering this was the first campaign by the party. With the retracting of militant claims against the party, it has revived the TLP to resume its activities with stronger claims. While it's questionable that the party would be able to topple top layers in the elections. But with the growing group's ideology and the instalment of recruits and followers, TLP will be a vital player in splitting votes and spoiling aspirations for the contested seats. TLP can be seen to leverage its political clout and support to further its agenda create a systemic alliance and influence the outcome of the General elections in 2023. The mainstream nature of TLP in Pakistan’s politics shows a trend towards a rise of radicalized parties, in politics.

References
Nasir Iqbal, “TLP not involved in ‘terrorism,’ SC told,” Dawn, 27 October 2023;
Roohan Ahmed, “Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan: An emerging right-wing threat to Pakistan’s democracy,” Atlantic Council¸ 15 January 2022;
Dr Muhammad Abrar Zahoor, “The rise of the Right?“ TNS, 17 September 2023

PR Short Note 
Pakistan International Airlines: On the verge of Shutdown
By Femy Francis
 
On 25 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan International Airlines cancelled over 300 flights within the last ten days. The flagship airline is on the verge of shutdown due to the unavailability of fuel and the economic crisis facing the company. Its fuel supplier Pakistan State Oil refuses to supply oil to the company owing to unpaid dues. A recent negotiation was achieved where PIA pays in cash for its daily requirements to get the fuel, a task the airline is struggling to consistently complete.

The golden days of PIA
In 1946, Mohammad Ali Jinnah the first Prime Minister of Pakistan ordered a leading industrialist M. A. Ispahani to establish a national airline for the newly independent country. Following this Orient Airways was formed which was privately owned and had limited capital and resources. The government then invited the aviation company to merge with them and form a state-owned airline in 1955 the Pakistan International Airlines. PIA saw good days when in 1962, it broke the world record for the fastest flight between London and Karachi. In 1964, PIA became the first airline to charter a flight to China from a non-communist country. During this period the flagship airlines expanded its fleet of aircraft with 720B and two Fokker F-27s. A forgotten part of the PIA history is that it provided crucial support for the now aviation giant and the most sought-after airline the Emirates. In 1984, the Dubai-based new venture approached PIA and asked for support with a budget of USD 10 million. Emirates rented two aircraft and ran the airlines operated by PIA crew and staff, with that PIA provided additional training to the new airlines.

Privatization of PIA
On 19 September, Minister for Privatization Fawad Hasan Fawad held a meeting to kickstart the privatization process for the loss incurred by Pakistan International Airlines, the committee looked to set up clear timelines to expedite the process. Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar estimated that the airlines will be liable for PKR 12 billion loss per year. As per the official PIA Half Yearly Report of 2023, till June 30 2023 revenue was PKR 120 billion with a gross profit of PKR 11.252 billion while there was a staggering increase of 359 per cent in profit, the net loss surged as well with PKR 60.715 billion.

On 25 October, in a bid to save the flagship airlines, the government and commercial bank representatives held a twelve-member committee to formulate a plan for debt restructuring to keep the airline afloat for the coming six months. The committee is allotted the responsibility to accumulate PKR 15 billion to cater for the immediate needs of the airlines. 

The cause of downfall of PIA
First, Inefficiency and lack of accountability. PIA was fully supported by the government and creditors for continued operations. The airlines were incurring losses for a prolonged period due to which Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar refused to provide cash assistance for the state-owned airline and ordered restructuring. The airlines only serve three per cent of the local population while consuming a major chunk of public funds. The lack of accountability and the overlooking of the SOEs led to the massive crisis.

Second, Lack of competition. The Market is largely a self-sustaining engine based on survival and profit. The drive of competition and no protection drives private entities to keep their accounts and profits in check. The lack of competitiveness has led to the employees slacking where the national flag carrier suffered a loss of over PKR 38 billion just because of the slackness and inefficiency of its technical staff. The airline's engineering department took up to 905 days to complete maintenance jobs that were supposed to be completed in less than a month.

Third, corruption and political favours. The airline is riddled with corrupt practices, and several political leaders have used the airline for their benefit. The airlines ran on political favours and pressure where the heads of the airlines were mere cronies of the political bosses placed there on vested interests.

Hurdles facing the flagship carrier  
First, hands tied due to IMF review. The ministries are rushing to sort their affairs before the first review meeting with the IMF high-power delegates to check if the conditionalities were met according to the stand-by agreement. The current government has been making moves to alter the economic landscape by privatizing loss-incurring businesses like PIA and increasing tariffs on oil. Pakistan was able to acquire 1.2 billion out of the 3 billion bailout plan and it is therefore essential for the government to deal with liabilities like PIA.

Second, taking care of the liabilities incurred by the airlines. PIA requires major restructuring to deal with the legacy liabilities. The solution had been originally floated around and approved during PM Nawaz Sharif’s government. Whereby the company would be divided into two and the staff would be slashed by 25 per cent. This would result in the lowering of PKR 457 billion worth of liabilities by 2023. What stands is that the government either would have to absolve and pay for PIA’s debts or shut down the airlines to stop them from generating further losses.

References
Shahbaz Rana, “PIA debt restructuring talks begin,” The Express Tribune, 25 October 2023;
“The trainwreck that is PIA,” Business Recorder, 26 October 2023;
“Half Yearly Report 2023,” PIAC

PR Short Note  
On the “military trials” of civilians: Pakistan’s Supreme Court consider it as “Ultra Vires”
By Femy Francis

On 23 October, a five-member bench of Pakistan’s Supreme Court gave a verdict against the trial of civilians by the military courts pertaining to the 9 May violence. The verdict saw a leaping majority; four out of five judges stated the trials as “unconstitutional and without legal effect.” The bench was led by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha A Malik. The verdict ordered that the trial of the accused in the 9 May violence to proceed in criminal court for the civilians.

According to the short order of the Supreme Court, the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) of 1952 is in violation of the constitution and it is “Ultra Vires” that is beyond its powers, making it of no legal effect. The accused were detained under PAA Section 2(1)(d) which stated that any person who is accused of seducing or an attempt to seduce anyone against his duty or has allegiance to the government and is committed to work under any branch of the Pakistan military or defence, can be tried under the act. While Section 59 (4) states that anyone who has been accused under PAA will be liable to be tried under this act. The Court ordered: “It is further declared that any action or proceedings under the Army Act in respect of the aforesaid persons or any other persons so similarly placed (including but not limited to trial by court-martial) are and would be of no legal effect.”

Additionally, petitions by nine accused of the 9 May urging the apex court to expedite the conclusion of their case under the military court were dismissed. Stating that they have full faith and confidence in the military authority. This was rejected by the court stating that the application was not supported by proper affidavits.

Background to the “Military Trials”
The incarceration of Imran Khan, PTI's chairman resulted in violent protests on 9 May, where the supporters and activists participated in vandalism of state and military installations. The then federal government decried the violence and demanded the need to try the accused under “military court,” leading to months of discussion and back-forth between parties and courts. In August the former Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial put off the hearing related to indefinity stating that the court did not want the Army pointing guns at civilians. The statement was a response to Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan’s point where he said that the soldiers performed restrain considering they are well trained to shoot.

Pakistan Army Act
The Pakistan Army Act (PAA) was established in 1952 for the special trial of military personnel under the act with their own legal code that is different from the civilian criminal court. The act aims to prosecute the military or any civilian linked with the military in the wrongdoing or violation of law. In 1966 during the military rule of Ayub Khan the purview of the law was extended to civilians participating in mutiny.The former cabinet consisting of the PML-N and the PPP coalition amended the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act in 2023 under which once found guilty one could be detained for up to five years. Section- A of the amendment states: “Anyone who discloses or causes to be disclosed any information…shall be […] punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years,” and Section 26-B forbids any participation by the accused under the act and a hiatus have to observed for two years after the release.

The pressure imposed by the PDM coalition is heavily criticized as political targeting against the PTI leaders and their chairman Imran Khan before the general elections. The amendment further came under scrutiny as President Arif Alvi claimed that he did not assent to the Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 & Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 and that his office disregarded his orders and furthered the bill.

Responses: Political parties, Legal fraternity, Media and Military
The verdict gathered laudations across the political, legal and civilian spectrum. Senior counsel Khwaja Ahmad Hosain called the Judgment “historic and bold,” with the court supporting the constitution without any fear or favour. He also said: “As long as courts were independent, challenges could be faced and overcome. The nations with independent judges giving decisions in accordance with their oaths of office flourish and prosper.”  Advocate Usma Khawar said: “trailblazing verdict, challenging military trials for civilians, marks an unprecedented stride.” PTI lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan stated: “Today's verdict is highly significant and it will help strengthen the constitution, law, and the civilian institutions of the country. “The legal experts also weighed in on the verdict stating that as long as the civilian courts are functioning there is no need to try civilians under military.

The verdict also garnered staunch protest with Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan assuring a petition will be filed against the verdict. Expressing his disapproval, he believes that the military country fulfils all the requirements of criminal courts. He snidely remarked that: “Constitutional amendment was required to try terrorists but not for civilians? I am trying to understand your argument.” PML-N Deputy Secretary Ataullah Tarar said that there was no need for the appeal in the first place as the military court protects the rights of the accused.

An op-ed in Dawn, ‘Military courts’ suggested that the state would be better off accepting the order mandated by the Supreme Court. The author pointed out that the actions of the accused in light of the arrest of their leader did cross the line but the decision of their trial under court-martial was a bit excessive. The op-ed circles back to the excessive nature of the previous verdict and that they cannot be tried on par with actual terrorists and foreign spies. The trial would further the massive imbalance of power between the civilians and the establishment.

An Editorial in Dawn, ‘Situationer: Why these cases may not end up in ‘ordinary’ courts’ by Malik Asad stated even after the verdict it is unlikely that the accused will be tried under common criminal court and that they would be shifted to either the special court or anti-terrorism court which are opaque in nature as well. Asad highlighted an anonymous military law expert’s opinion that the verdict stands to question all the decisions made under military court and the previous incarceration under the same act. The verdict “incapacitated the army to proceed against a civilian even in cases pertaining to the “work of defence, arsenal, naval, military or air force affairs.”

It is expected that an appeal would be filed against the judgment demanding the trial under a controversial “military court.” What is to be considered is how long the discussion will be prolonged and what about the accused awaiting the judgment. The final verdict on the issue stands to be vital and would have an overarching effect on the political spectrum of Pakistan.

Excerpts from the Supreme Court's Short Order
First, Act “Ultra Vires”
“It is hereby declared by Mr. Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, Mr. Justice Munib Akhtar, Mr. Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Mrs. Justice Ayesha A. Malik that clause (d) of subsection (1) of Section 2 of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 (in both of its sub clauses (i) & (ii)) and subsection (4) of Section 59 of the said Act are ultra vires the Constitution and of no legal effect.”

Second, Accused to be tried under criminal court
“Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the trials of civilians and accused persons, being around 103 persons who were identified in the list provided to the Court by the learned Attorney General for Pakistan by way of CMA No.5327 of 2023 in Constitution Petition No.24 of 2023 and all other persons who are now or may at any time be similarly placed in relation to the events arising from and out of 9th and 10th May, 2023 shall be tried by Criminal Courts of competent jurisdiction established under the ordinary and / or special law of the land in relation to such offences of which they may stand accused”

Third, No action proceeding under the act of legal effect
“It is further declared that any action or proceedings under the Army Act in respect of the aforesaid persons or any other persons so similarly placed (including but not limited Constitution Petition to trial by Court Martial) are and would be of no legal effect.” (“SC rules against civilians’ court martial,” The Express Tribune, 23 October 2023)

References
“SC rules against civilians’ court martial,” The Express Tribune, 23 October 2023;
Nasir Iqbal, “SC strikes down ‘military justice’ for civilians,” Dawn, 24 October 2023;
Haseeb Bhatti, “May 9 riots: SC declares military trials of civilians null and void,” Dawn, 23 October 2023;
Malik Asad, “Situationer: Why these cases may not end up in ‘ordinary’ courts,” Dawn, 24 October 2023;
“Military courts,” Dawn, 25 October 2023;
Joel Guinto, “Pakistan: Supreme Court halts military trials of Imran Khan supporters,” BBC, 24 October 2023;
“PML-N not happy with SC decision on military courts: Tarar,” The Nation, 24 October 2023 

PR Short Note  
Nawaz Sharif’s return and agenda for Pakistan’s revival
By Dhriti Mukherjee

On 21 October, former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan after a four-year absence marked a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. During his address to a massive gathering at Minari-Pakistan, Sharif presented a comprehensive nine-point agenda aimed at addressing ongoing crises, inflation, poverty, and unemployment. Sharif’s return has ignited anticipation and debate, as he embarks on his mission to revive Pakistan’s economic and political landscape.
 
Sharif’s resurgence in Pakistani politics
Sharif’s massive gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan marked the formal beginning of the election campaign for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as he presented his economic and political agenda before a crowd of thousands. He addressed a massive public rally in Lahore and held meetings with his party leaders, as well as representatives of other political parties. These meetings included prominent figures such as former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz, former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, and others.
 
During the meetings, the political and economic situation of the country was discussed in detail. Additionally, the upcoming court proceedings on 24 October, related to legal and judicial issues concerning Nawaz Sharif’s case, were a central topic of conversation. Asam Tarar briefed the meeting about legal and judicial issues concerning Nawaz Sharif’s case and the upcoming court proceedings on 24 October.
 
Exploring the nine-point agenda
Sharif’s nine-point agenda, presented upon his return to Pakistan, reflects his vision for addressing the country’s economic and political challenges. While the speech contained key priorities, it lacked specific details about implementation strategies. Sharif’s agenda underscores the urgent need for fiscal responsibility, economic stability, and comprehensive reforms to revitalise Pakistan’s economy and legal system.
 
In his speech, Sharif emphasised the need to reduce government and administrative expenditures. He highlighted “the need for better fiscal management.” Sharif brought forth the point of increasing income and revenues while implementing fundamental reforms in the taxation system. The need for “strengthening exports” to achieve “sustainable economic growth” was also underlined. Sharif went on to identify the IT sector as “an essential driver of economic growth globally,” stating that Pakistan “should harness its potential.”
 
The agenda also included the importance of “addressing energy price concerns” and the “effective management” of the country’s state-owned enterprises, as current inefficient management is leading to a substantial public burden. Along these lines, he noted that to address the plight of the public, “employment generation” remains critical. Finally, when speaking of reforms, Sharif understated that the “modernisation of agriculture” and bringing about reforms for a “swift and inexpensive” justice system are factors of rising importance in Pakistan’s journey of growth and development.
 
Reconciliation and Outreach
A key development was the decision for Sharif to act as the focal person for the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a coalition of opposition parties. The PDM parties would be contacted again, and Sharif would personally reach out to various leaders, including Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Attaullah Mengal, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Sharif stated that he would thank the PDM leadership for its support of Shehbaz Sharif’s government.
 
References
Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “Nawaz resumes political activities at Jati Umra residence,” The News International, 23 October 2023;
“Gallup poll: Nawaz’s return improves PMLN’s political fortunes: snap poll,” The News International, 23 October 2023;
Rizwan Shehzad, “A look at Nawaz’s nine-point agenda,” The Express Tribune, 22 October 2023;
Hamza Rao, “Nawaz vows to let bygones be bygones,” The Express Tribune, 22 October 2023


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Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
TWTW note
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
Weaponization of access to the US economy
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1779

GP Team

The World This Week#322
US tariffs on India, Brazil and Canada & the EU-US trade deal
This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1778

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
The World This Week
July 2025 | CWA # 1769

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
The World This Week
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
Conflict Weekly
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1727

Aparna A Nair

Second China-Central Asia Summit:
China’s continuing search for regional partners, and the emphasis on the BRI
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1709

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1672

D Suba Chandran

India and Pakistan:
De-escalation and the “New Normal”
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
Conflict Weekly
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
NIAS Global Politics Database
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
NIAS Global Politics Database
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
The War in Ukraine
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
IPRI Quarterly Forecasts I Triggers, Trends, and Trajectories
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
Europe: Heatwaves, Wildfires, Droughts, and Ice Melt in Alps
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
NIAS Africa Weekly
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
The World This Week: 150th Issue
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
Science, Technology and International Relations
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan