Deconstructing the Deprivation Myth
![Truck traveling along the Makran Coastal Highway in Balochistan, with rugged cliffs and the Arabian Sea coastline in the background [Image via Getty Images].](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Balochistan-2.webp)
For decades, Balochistan’s underdevelopment has been framed as a story of federal neglect. But does the data support that claim?
The Journey of a WWI Memorial in Islamabad
For years, the World War I memorial near Rehara village stood quietly above the surrounding land, a small but enduring reminder of local soldiers who once left these villages for a distant war. This week, its dismantling placed the monument at the centre of a wider public debate, with questions emerging about whether it was […]
When Insurgents Rule: The Taliban’s Crisis of Governance
The Taliban’s confrontation with Pakistan reveals a deeper failure at the heart of their rule: an insurgent movement incapable of governing the state it conquered. Bound by rigid ideology and fractured by internal rivalries, the Taliban have turned their military victory into a political and economic collapse, exposing the limits of ruling through insurgent logic.
The Nobel Peace Prize or War Prize? A History of Controversial Laureates
Far from being an impartial recognition of pacifism, the Nobel Peace Prize’s legacy is marred by controversial laureates whose actions have been linked to immense violence. The prize is not a universal arbiter of peace but a political instrument reflecting a Western-centric worldview, rewarding figures who align with its geopolitical interests, regardless of the blood on their hands.
Neglected Languages & Overlooked Identities in Sindh
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.
The Battle for the Past: How Textbooks Shape Nations and Narratives
From South Asia to the West, history textbooks are being rewritten to serve national narratives, blurring the line between memory and mythology.
Diplomacy by Design: Rome and Parthia’s Border Strategy
On the rugged frontier between Rome and Parthia, Armenia became the focal point of a quiet contest for influence. Rather than constant war, both empires relied on diplomacy, dynastic ties, and client kings to assert control. The Treaty of Rhandeia in 63 CE marked a rare strategic compromise — securing peace not through conquest, but through balance and restraint.
What’s in a Name? Kashmir and the Politics of Identity
The debate over the name of Kashmir, sparked by Amit Shah’s remarks, highlights identity, history, and political agendas.
September 6th: The Battle Within
![September 6th, a day for introspection! [Image via SAT Creatives]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/September-6th-1024x1024.webp)
Beyond the displays of military prowess, September 6th is a day for introspection—a time to acknowledge that while external threats are palpable, the gravest danger often festers within our borders.
Kashmir: The Silenced Cry
Silenced Struggles, Shattered Dreams: Kashmir\’s Unheard Cry in the Shadows of \’Naya Kashmir.\’ A stark look at the aftermath of Article 370\’s revocation and the unseen scars on the valley.