South Asia - South Asia Times

The Making of an Enemy: The Taliban’s Narrative War Against Pakistan

SAT Editorial Desk September 11, 2025

The Taliban’s hostility toward Pakistan is not confined to isolated voices. Rooted in religious narratives that brand Islamabad as “un-Islamic” and reinforced by incendiary speeches and propaganda, this rhetoric fosters deep mistrust. While official representatives preach cooperation, commanders and ideologues openly glorify conflict, creating a dangerous contradiction between diplomacy and reality.

Ahmad Shah Massoud: Hero, Warlord, Legend

SAT Editorial Desk September 9, 2025

Ahmad Shah Massoud’s life embodied both heroism and controversy. Celebrated as the Lion of Panjshir for his defiance of the Soviets and Taliban, he was also criticized for his role in Afghanistan’s civil war and the atrocities linked to his forces. His legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and division alike.

Pakistan’s Role in UN Peacekeeping: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Global Service

SAT Editorial Desk September 8, 2025

For over seven decades, Pakistan’s role in UN peacekeeping has defined its international standing. From the Congo in 1960 to modern missions in South Sudan and the DRC, Pakistani peacekeepers have shown courage, adaptability, and sacrifice. Their legacy is one of humanitarian commitment and global service.

CPEC 2.0 marks a new phase in Pakistan-China ties, with trade, industry, and Gwadar at the center of regional connectivity and economic revival.

CPEC 2.0: A Lifeline for Pakistan’s Economic Revival and Regional Integration

SAT Commentary September 7, 2025

Pakistan and China have launched CPEC 2.0, shifting from roads and energy to industries, technology, and trade. With $64 billion in projects and Gwadar Port at its heart, the initiative promises jobs, growth, and regional integration at a critical time.

Pakistan’s legacy at the UNGA highlights its role in self-determination, decolonization, Islamophobia, and global justice.

A Principled Legacy: Pakistan at the UNGA

SAT Editorial Desk September 5, 2025

Since 1947, Pakistan has used the UN General Assembly to advance causes of self-determination, decolonization, and justice. From supporting Algeria and Afghanistan to championing Palestine and combating Islamophobia, Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic efforts underscore its role as a defender of global equity and multilateralism.

Neglected Languages & Overlooked Identities in Sindh

Syed Abdullah Anwer September 5, 2025

Sindh is home to at least 16 distinct languages, yet official recognition remains limited to Vicholi Sindhi. This marginalization threatens cultural heritage, deepens social inequalities, and obscures the province’s rich linguistic mosaic. Reforming policies to include all regional tongues is essential for inclusivity and unity.

Pakistan at the SCO Summit: Strategic Messaging and Diplomatic Wins

SAT Commentary September 4, 2025

Pakistan’s active engagement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit reflected a strategic balancing act between security concerns, economic connectivity, and regional diplomacy. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif not only internationalized India’s Indus Waters Treaty move but also secured explicit SCO condemnation of terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. Coupled with key bilateral meetings with China, Russia, Turkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan, Islamabad emerged from the summit with both narrative and diplomatic gains, reinforcing its role as a pivotal regional actor.

Water, War, and the UN: The Indus Basin Dilemma

SAT Editorial Desk September 4, 2025

The Indus Waters Treaty, once hailed as a model of cooperation, faces its gravest challenge after India’s unilateral suspension in 2025. For Pakistan, water security is a matter of survival, with millions dependent on the Indus Basin for food and livelihoods. As tensions mount, the fear of “water terrorism” looms large, raising the stakes for regional stability. The UN must move beyond silence, leveraging law and diplomacy to ensure the Indus remains a source of life rather than a trigger for war.

Why Pakistan Still Matters to Its Diaspora

Azam Ahmed September 3, 2025

For generations of the Pakistani diaspora, belonging in the West has felt conditional, while Pakistan remains both a sanctuary and a source of frustration. Their lived experiences, shaped by partition memories, racial hostility abroad, and continued engagement with Pakistan, reveal a paradox of love, responsibility, and disillusionment.

UNGA 80: Pakistan’s Case Against Terrorism, Proxies, and Global Neglect

SAT Commentary September 2, 2025

As the UN General Assembly meets under the theme of peace and cooperation, Pakistan highlights its struggle against cross-border terrorism, proxy wars, and external agendas undermining its stability.