
The Cult of the Celebrity-Politician: Why Charisma is South Asia’s Greatest Democratic Threat
South Asia’s democracies are being hollowed out by the cult of celebrity-politicians. Charisma is eclipsing competence, leaving institutions weakened.

South Asia’s democracies are being hollowed out by the cult of celebrity-politicians. Charisma is eclipsing competence, leaving institutions weakened.

India’s May 2025 cross-border strike, Operation Sindoor, is framed as legitimate self-defense under international law. In reality, it was an unlawful act of aggression without evidence, setting a perilous precedent that undermines sovereignty and fuels instability in South Asia.

On June 13th, Israel launched sudden airstrikes on Iran, sparking a dangerous cycle of retaliation that drew in the US and threatened global stability. For Pakistan, the crisis presents critical dilemmas, balancing Muslim solidarity, its rivalry with India, and pressure from global powers, while striving to maintain neutrality and safeguard national interests.

Since 1947, India has pursued a consistent strategy to undermine Pakistan—from Kashmir and the 1971 war to today’s subversion in Balochistan—posing enduring threats to Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Pakistan is already in climate catastrophe. Deadly floods, landslides, and heatwaves expose weak governance and demand urgent action.

After the 2025 conflict, Pakistan’s Air Force is shifting toward a fifth-generation doctrine by 2030, built on J-10C, JF-17 Block III, drones, and digital warfare, prioritizing survival over prestige.

AI will change jobs, but high costs, regulations, and human skills mean it will partner with us rather than replace us entirely.

Pakistan–Syria ties span decades of military, cultural, and diplomatic engagement. In the post-Assad era, Islamabad sees new opportunities for cooperation in trade, security, and heritage.

Kashmir, a disputed region under illegal Indian occupation, known for its breathtaking beauty, resilient people, and a soul scarred by decades of conflict, witnessed yet

On July 22, 2025, Sufyan Baloch, a student, turned turned militant, got killed during a security operation against terrorists in Turbat, Balochistan. At just 25, he had a university degree, access to government-sponsored scholarships, and a promising future. But by the time of his death, he was a armed terrorist affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).