International Relations

Pakistan–Saudi Arabia–Turkiye Defence Pact: Towards a New Regional Security Architecture or a Limited Strategic Understanding?

The article analyzes the emerging Pakistan–Saudi–Türkiye defence pact, an extension of the 2025 Pakistan-Saudi SMDA, driven by waning trust in US security guarantees and rising Iranian threats. Pakistan brings manpower and nuclear deterrence, Türkiye adds defence industry and naval strength, while Pakistan also plays diplomatic bridge between Riyadh and Tehran. Though a mutual-defence clause exists, the author argues it falls short of NATO’s Article 5, likely activating only in specific…

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The Pakistan factor in India: Future Trend Analysis

This policy insight examines the growing role of the “Pakistan factor” in India’s political communication and electoral strategy, particularly through hyper-nationalist narratives and media-driven perception building. It analyzes the BJP’s future electoral trajectory toward 2029, alongside the strategic and narrative dimensions of recent Pakistan-India military tensions. The piece also highlights the increasing importance of agenda-setting, information warfare, and perception management in shaping regional politics and modern interstate conflict. Download PDF

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Establishing interdependence with China key to Pakistan’s multidimensional progress: Experts

Pakistan-China relations have evolved into a strong strategic partnership due to mutual trust, non-interference, and shared geopolitical interests, with economic and technological cooperation serving as key drivers of Pakistan’s future socio-economic transformation. In a bid to reap the benefits of this partnership, Pakistan needs a policy shift by transforming dependence into interdependence and investing in strengthening governance, human capital, and institutional professionalism. This was discussed during a seminar titled “Pakistan-China…

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Pakistan: An Unfailing State in a Failing Neighborhood

This Analysis by Brig (r) Said Nazir, senior associate at IPS, explores Pakistan’s role as an unfailing state in a failing neighbourhood and the strategic weight of its geography. The analysis highlights Pakistan’s survivalist diplomacy, its mediation between Washington and Tehran, and its paradoxical ability to converge adversaries rather than divide them. It examines how Pakistan impeccably leverages its position as a trusted yet distrusted actor, balancing ties with Saudi…

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Second Round of Islamabad Talks between US and Iran

This policy insight examines the evolving U.S.–Iran peace talks mediated by Islamabad, focusing on strategic signaling and diplomatic engagement. It analyzes the interplay of coercive posturing and negotiation dynamics, including the use of brinkmanship and calibrated messaging. The piece also highlights the limitations of media-driven narratives and underscores the importance of sustained, incremental engagement in managing conflict and addressing core issues. Download PDF

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Pakistan-Afghanistan: The Changing Tides of War

This write-up examines the recent escalation in Pakistan–Afghanistan tensions, highlighting the shift from strategic restraint to a more assertive military posture. It analyzes Afghanistan’s sub-conventional warfare approach and Pakistan’s evolving response, including counterterrorism operations and strategic recalibration. The piece also explores emerging regional implications, the Taliban’s internal signaling, and the future trajectory of the conflict. Download PDF

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Iran – US & Israel War: Oil Price Hike and Pakistan’s Response

This policy comment examines the economic fallout of the Iran–US and Israel conflict for Pakistan, with a focused lens on rising petroleum prices and their downstream impact on the national economy. It critically assesses the government’s petroleum price adjustment, evaluates its adequacy against global oil market dynamics, and explores alternative policy approaches that could have better cushioned the economic burden. The comment concludes with strategic long-term recommendations to strengthen Pakistan’s…

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War on the Western Front

This analysis by Brig (r) Said Nazir, senior associate, IPS, examines the evolving Iran vs US-Israel war and the strategic implications of a widening regional war. This policy insight explores Iran’s shift toward a long war of attrition, the position of Gulf states, and the geopolitical calculations shaping the Middle East security landscape. It also evaluates the role of major powers like China and Russia amid the changing global order.…

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