South Asia - South Asia Times

Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Dilemma: Balancing Civilian Protection and Security

SAT Commentary September 2, 2025

Unlike its peak years of 2007–2009, the TTP no longer commands territory but operates through small decentralized cells that blend into civilian populations. This shift poses an unprecedented challenge for Pakistan’s security forces, where every strike risks civilian casualties and fuels propaganda. The dilemma is not unique, echoing ISIS in Iraq and Boko Haram in Nigeria, but it demands a collective civil-military response to deny militants both sanctuary and narrative advantage.

From 1965 Battlefields to Hybrid Frontlines: Pakistan’s Enduring Test

Faiqa Khanam September 1, 2025

Explore how Pakistan’s 1965 war legacy connects to today’s hybrid warfare—disinformation, proxies, and economic pressure reshaping national defense.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani: The Ideologue Who Defined Kashmir’s Defiance

Syed Ali Shah Gillani: The Ideologue Who Defined Kashmir’s Defiance

SAT Editorial Desk September 1, 2025

Syed Ali Shah Gillani was more than a political leader—he was the unwavering voice of Kashmiri resistance. From electoral politics to decades of confinement, his life embodied an uncompromising devotion to self-determination and a rejection of political compromise. His passing in 2021 marked not an end, but the continuation of a struggle defined by defiance and sacrifice.

Extremist Rhetoric and Constitutional Reality: The Case of Pakistan’s Islamic Identity

SAT Editorial Desk August 31, 2025

The glorification of militants as martyrs by Mufti Kifayatullah reveals a dangerous narrative that mirrors extremist propaganda. From constitutional consensus to historic fatwas by leading scholars, Pakistan’s religious and political mainstream has repeatedly rejected armed rebellion as un-Islamic. By platforming extremist sympathizers, certain nationalist movements risk legitimizing violence, undermining national sacrifices, and enabling the TTP’s attempt to co-opt Pashtun identity. The path forward lies in constitutionalism, peace, and dialogue—not violence.

Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Why Comparisons to the US War on Terror Are Misleading

Usama Khan August 29, 2025

Obaidullah Baheer’s critique misrepresents Pakistan’s counter-terrorism fight by equating it with America’s wars abroad. Unlike the US, Pakistan faces an existential threat from groups like the TTP and BLA, requiring a nuanced mix of military, legal, and development responses.

The Cult of the Celebrity-Politician: Why Charisma is South Asia’s Greatest Democratic Threat

Ayesha Noor August 29, 2025

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

From Disaster to Resilience: Why Pakistan Needs Dams and Flood Canals

SAT Editorial Desk August 27, 2025

Pakistan’s devastating floods have exposed a systemic failure of outdated water infrastructure. Without urgent investment in modern dams, flood canals, and climate adaptation, the country will remain locked in a cycle of annual destruction. Learning from international models and pursuing cooperative management of shared rivers with India is vital to building a secure and resilient future.

India’s Balancing Act Collapses: US Tariffs Expose Fragile Foreign Policy

SAT Commentary August 27, 2025

India’s long-standing strategy of balancing ties with Washington and Moscow has unraveled. Sweeping US tariffs on Indian exports signal that New Delhi’s ambiguous stance on Russian oil is no longer sustainable, with severe economic and diplomatic consequences that could reshape its foreign policy trajectory.

Climate Change and Mental Health in AJK: Assessing Impacts amid an Awareness Deficit

Saad Khursheed August 26, 2025

Climate change is reshaping life in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, from melting glaciers and cloudbursts to devastating floods. Beyond economic losses, these disasters are leaving deep psychological scars, with rising cases of PTSD, depression, and chronic stress. Yet, awareness of the mental health toll remains scarce, underscoring the urgent need for community resilience and mental health support in AJK.

Challenging India’s Assumption of Kashmir’s Global Irrelevance

Muhammad Mobashir Turk August 24, 2025

Operation Sindoor has revived international focus on Kashmir, undermining India’s assumption of global indifference and boosting Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.