The New Architect of Afghan Diplomacy: China’s Strategic Stewardship at the United

The transition of China into the role of official “penholder” for the Afghanistan file at the United Nations Security Council marks a definitive turning point in the international management of Afghan diplomacy. By assuming this stewardship in 2025, a responsibility previously held by Japan, China has effectively become the primary representative and architect of the […]
The Beijing Summit—Can the ‘Dealmaker’ and the ‘Dragon’ Deliver Peace?

President Trump arrives in Beijing for high-stakes talks with President Xi, focusing on ending the U.S.-Iran conflict and navigating global economic realignment and trade stability.
 Headlines vs. Diplomacy—The Danger of Sensationalized Mediation

Pakistan’s role as a vital US-Iran mediator is being unfairly maligned by sensationalist media narratives that prioritize performative outrage over successful, quiet diplomacy.
Echoes of Resilience: One Year of Marka-e-Haq

Pakistan responded with restraint and precision while the adversary descended into reckless adventurism. A victory not just of arms, but of strategic maturity and national character.
 Is This the Pakistan Dreamt of by Allama Iqbal?

Allama Iqbal’s vision was never of a static territory but of a dynamic, evolving spirit. Often described as the Musawwir-e-Pakistan (The Painter of Pakistan), Iqbal provided the intellectual and spiritual blueprint for the nation long before it appeared on the map. In his 1930 Allahabad Address, he didn’t just demand a state; he demanded a […]
The Silent Architect—Pakistan’s Legacy of Peace

The evolution of Pakistan’s foreign policy from Cold War conduit to contemporary regional mediator, emphasizing its role in facilitating dialogue between antagonistic global powers.
Pakistan’s Heritage and Rights Ethos: Unlocking Cultural Diplomacy

Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage, from the hospitality of Pashtunwali and Sufi music in Sindh to folk traditions in Punjab, Balochistan, and Gilgit–Baltistan, reflects an enduring rights-based ethos. These living practices promote dignity, justice, and social inclusion. By integrating these traditions into cultural diplomacy, Pakistan can showcase its soft power while supporting custodians of heritage, artisans, and local communities.
A Temporary Equilibrium: India–Taliban Engagement and the Limits of Transactional Diplomacy

The visit of Afghanistan’s commerce minister to New Delhi signals a cautious thaw in India–Taliban ties, driven by mutual short-term imperatives. Yet four decades of path dependence, ideological hostility, and the AQIS–Taliban nexus render the détente fragile—more a tactical pause than a strategic reset.
The Illusion of Ascent: Why India’s Global Ambitions Fall Short

India’s global ambitions are undercut by sectarian tensions, limited diplomatic capacity, and deteriorating ties with key regional neighbors.
Pakistan Prepared for Any Indian Incursion, Defence Minister Says
![Pakistan's defense minister warns of imminent Indian incursion as global calls for de-escalation intensify. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/290712258be9072.webp)
Pakistan’s defense minister warns of imminent Indian incursion as global calls for de-escalation intensify.