Pakistan-Belarus Cooperative Ties and the Visit of President Lukashenko

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November 27, 2024

The recent three-day visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to Pakistan primarily aimed at strengthening the foundations of cooperative ties between the two nations parallel to facilitating the mainstream leaders of both states in addressing future challenges with a shared vision and mutual cooperation.

The governments of both states have marked this visit as a diplomatic milestone capable of strengthening bilateral collaboration in different areas like trade, agriculture, defense, technology, and politics. Hence, the high-level meetings between the officials of the two sides have resulted in the signing of 15 important agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in diverse fields to emphasize several unexplored dimensions of Pakistan-Belarus bilateral relations. The visit is accompanied by high-level 68 delegation members, including key government authorities, different heads of ministries, and prominent business personalities under the leadership of the Belarusian foreign minister.

It showed Belarusian state representatives’ commitment to diversifying the conventional patterns of bilateral interaction between Pakistan and Belarus. This official trip reflects the growing political communication and diplomatic cooperation between Islamabad and Minsk, which could be measured by the historical cooperative interaction of the two nations despite their contrasting geographical locations in different regions.

The changing domestic political scenarios and the persistently evolving global power dynamics always proved ineffective in upsetting the conventional patterns of bilateral interactions between two nations.

While leading the formal delegation, the foreign minister, Maxim Ryzhenkov, has expressed his government’s intentions and leadership’s formal commitments for multiplying the two states’ existing cooperative avenues with several new initiatives. The initial meetings of both states’ representatives explicitly communicated their optimistic approach with each other for boosting bilateral ties in the areas of shared interests and common values parallel to designing essential joint efforts against future challenges.

This visit recalled the history of cooperative relations between Islamabad and Minsk, which witnessed the smooth growth of cooperative bilateralism under diverse political administrations. The changing domestic political scenarios and the persistently evolving global power dynamics always proved ineffective in upsetting the conventional patterns of bilateral interactions between two nations. The history of bilateral collaboration of both nations has always observed a shared commitment to deepening mutually beneficial partnerships in diverse areas.

Earlier, the leaders of both states signed in 2023 an agreement on the Visa Abolishment Agreement for Diplomatic and Official Passports. Now, the agreement on the abolition of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders profoundly reflects their shared vision of increasing governmental-level formal political communications. The increasing political communication has witnessed the prevalence of a brief layer of Pakistan-Belarus relations to improve trading connections, explore investment opportunities, foster scientific collaboration, and advance societal connections by introducing several cultural exchange schemes.

At the governmental level of communications, the Belarusian authorities always viewed Pakistan as a valuable and reliable South Asian partner with a prominent standing in the Muslim world. Additionally, the formal state representatives from Minsk have declared Pakistan a friendly partner with gigantic diplomatic potential and cooperative strengths in regional and extra-regional affairs.

The recently arranged 35-year celebrations of the Pakistan-Belarus bilateral partnership have reiterated the foundations of bilateral cooperation originating from the recognition of Belarus in December 1991. The diplomatic move defined the initial framework of two-sided cooperation fostered in 1994. The establishment of bilateral ties in 1994 was further strengthened with the inauguration of formal diplomatic services in 2014 by Belarus in Islamabad.

The opening of Belarusian diplomatic services in Islamabad, reciprocated by Pakistan in 2015, was welcomed by the Belarusian government and treated as a significant development step for promoting high-level state visits between the two governments. These visits subsequently resulted in the signings of the Islamabad Declaration of Pakistan-Belarus Partnership and the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 2015. In the same year, a combined institutional mechanism, the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, was created to support mutually agreed business and trading activities. The formal support of both governments to economic activities encouraged the collaborative connections of two-sided business communities.

Apart from bilateral multidimensional developments, the multilateral cooperative frameworks of the international community also played a significant role in enlarging the diplomatic strengths of Pakistan and Belarus in the world. The global intergovernmental setups such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) proved to be additional platforms allowing Pakistani and Belarusian formal state officials to deepen their pleasant interactions.

Based on a nice combination of bilateral and multilateral efforts, it can be said that the mutually agreed framework of cooperative bilateral interaction between Pakistan and Belarus is associated with the quests of both nations for attaining an adequate level of active political engagement, consistent diplomatic communication and improved trading aspirations.

To structure the future dimensions of their bilateral cooperation, leaders of both states have developed a consensus on several regional and international developments, exclusively concentrating on the current Middle Eastern situation where Palestinian Muslims are suffering under Israeli occupational forces. So, the leaders of both countries are highly determined to develop a coordinated approach to address the humanitarian concerns of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination for securing an independent Palestinian state in accordance with the internationally agreed and accepted resolution of the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly. Apart from keeping the Palestinian issue in their high-level governmental negotiations, the formal state representatives of Pakistan and Belarus have dedicated to crafting a cooperative mechanism to foster joint collaboration against common security threats and potential future challenges.

The governments of the two states are enthusiastic about extending their cooperation beyond the conventional bilateral standards.

In this way, the two government authorities are strong-minded in upholding and supporting each other’s positions in regional and international affairs, parallel to opposing interference in their domestic affairs. It symbolizes the high spirits of both states in respecting and appreciating their productive development paths against future challenges and regional difficulties. It is pertinent to mention here that the absence of any governmental-level critical development between the two nations has led them to secure high rates of political communications, economic collaborations, diplomatic cooperation, and societal-level friendly interactions.

Due to the non-existence of political estrangement, the governments of the two states are enthusiastic about extending their cooperation beyond the conventional bilateral standards. The inclusion of multilateral cooperative mechanisms in their bilateral agendas has exclusive emphasis on the exploration of different intergovernmental platforms of collaboration, which could lead the respective governments of the two states to acquire the desired cooperative strengths in the near future. In this way, the recent visit of President Lukashenko to Pakistan is expected to achieve the new strengths of Pakistan-Belarus bilateral relations, which are capable of facilitating the two-sided leaders to explore each other’s untapped trading potentials in multiple domains.

These cooperative domains are merely aligned with the shared goals of economic development, technological developments, political improvements, and the issues of regional stability between Islamabad and Minsk. Thus, the debate on the scope of bilateral collaboration in diverse areas could be connected to the unique potentials of the two nations, which is primarily designed to align with the issues of regional stability and global power politics.

Akin to the occupied status of Palestinians under Israeli forces, the discussion of President Lukashenko with Pakistani state authorities on the miseries of Kashmiris living under occupational forces and the resolution of the Kashmir issue on the UN resolutions further exhibits the Belarusian plans for widening the diplomatic and strategic considerations of both states for regional developments. Adopting such a pragmatic approach to realizing each other’s positions in their respective regions could enable the two-sided governments to improve their standings in regional and international matters.

A Powerful Ally In The Fight Against Climate Change

By

Dr. Raziq Hussian

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November 27, 2024

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Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the present era, which has been a chronic problem that requires immediate and appropriate response. Average global temperatures are increasing, frequency of disasters, storms, and general effects of climate change are being seen. To prevent this, the world needs to move away from its dependence on fossil fuel and reduce its emission of greenhouse gases hugely. Structured within this fight against climate change is one of the world’s leading combatants of Nuclear Energy. Always under debates and controversy, nuclear power is one of the most promising clean, reliable and scalable solutions for climate change.

The main cause of climate change is the over emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Such emissions are mainly emitted during fossil use in industries like in burning of coal, oil and natural gas which contributes to over 70% emissions of greenhouse gases. It is therefore important to move to cleaner sources of energy in the effort to reverse this trend. Wind turbines, PV panels and hydropower systems are increasingly being adopted as part of renewable energy sources; however, they are incapable of providing the ever-increasing global energy demands due to their unpredictable nature. Here nuclear energy comes as another option given its low carbon image and constant power generation.

When nuclear energy is combined with renewable energy in the most effective way, we can transform the world faster to prevent climate change.

Nuclear energy is generated for nuclear fission which is splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei liberating a huge amount of energy. This energy is then used to produce electricity. Unlike the coals or gas power plants, nuclear reactors also do not release CO2 when they are in operation. Indeed, the relative total emission factor of nuclear energy is comparable to the wind and solar power and thus eliminates as one of the cleaner energy sources at its disposal today.

Indeed, one of the biggest strengths of nuclear energy compared to many renewable sources is often scalability. Nowadays, nuclear power plants can generate a continuous stream of electricity at any one time of the day, and the climate does not have any influence over it. This is an important point to factor in especially with the constraints of source such as solar, and wind energies which heavily rely on light from the sun and wind respectively. Nuclear energy can be permanent and stable and can indeed provide a more permanent frame for the power grid while providing the fluctuating random nature of renewables. Secure this synergy can help to make transition to low carbon energy system easier and avoid shortages or instabilities in energy supply.

Also read: Smog In Pakistan: A Crisis Of Neglect, Denial And Missed Opportunities

Over the past few years, campaigns have continued to be developed that provide greater safety and efficiency in nuclear power. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are currently considered as one of the most promising ones. These reactors are compact in design, affordable to produce and safer than the standard nuclear reactors in the market. A particular reason relates to the capability of constructing SMRs in locations where the construction of large plants is impossible, therefore expanding the applicability and flexibility of nuclear electricity. Further, new generation plants including Generation IV reactors are expected to provide higher efficiency and safety and can even burn waste produced by current reactors.

The other breakthrough technology is nuclear fusion that entails joining of atomic nuclei rather than fission, that has potential for almost infinite clean power supply. Albeit at a comparatively low level of technological development, the nuclear fusion has a potential of providing the mankind with plentiful and clean energy. And if the scientists find out how to tame the reaction, consumers will get an unprecedented source of power that will have a nearly zero carbon footprint.

A clean energy, being a policy, is not a single source of energy that can provide sustainable energy mix but a system that integrates clean sources.

However, nuclear energy is widely questioned, and people fear for safe utilization of nuclear energy, nuclear wastes and worst occurrence of the major disasters. Some the catastrophic accidents such as Chernobyl power plant in April 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi disaster in March 2011 have poisoned the public view towards the nuclear power possibility. However, it is important to understand that the existing types of nuclear reactors possess complex safety system which does not allow such failures to occur. The improvements in the reactor designs, the high levels of safety procedures in use, and elevated quality of safety regulation make the modern nuclear power plants much safer than the previous generation plants.

Another important problem is the problem of nuclear waste. The nuclear reactors ionize certain materials which generate radioactive wastes that are hazardous to the environment if not disposed well. Besides this, development in technology and changes in the methods for disposing of waste have made it possible to contain nuclear waste for many years. Furthermore, present day research works for reprocessing and recycling of nuclear fuel could still cut the waste yield.

Another stumbling block for optimistic forecasting of nuclear power development is people’s opinion. Opponents of nuclear power are mostly from the regions that recall the disastrous effects of radiation and nuclear weapons. Thus, public awareness is something requiring effort to be made to better educate the public about the safeguards and environmental impact of modern nuclear technology. With no doubt, the exaggeration of information besides the interpretation of verified facts can assist in developing strong community trust in using nuclear energy as a solution in combating climate change.

The clean energy, being a policy, is not a single source of energy that can provide sustainable energy mix but a system that integrates clean sources. For the energy mix that can fulfill the global electricity demand, nuclear energy when used alongside the renewably generated power, means energy security without the possibility of greenhouse gases. When nuclear energy is combined with renewable energy in the most effective way, we can transform the world faster to prevent climate change.

Erosion of Media Freedom Under Taliban Rule

By

Arshad Mehmood

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November 27, 2024

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The United Nations’ most recent report provides a disheartening and worsening depiction of media freedom in Afghanistan, focusing particularly on the Taliban’s repressive tactics targeted at journalists and those working in the media industry.

Released on Tuesday, the 26-page document by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Human Rights Office covers the period from August 2021, to September 2024. It sheds light on the alarming erosion of press freedom, documenting widespread censorship, severe restrictions on access to information, and systematic targeting of journalists. The report also mentions the deeply ingrained culture of self-censorship that has permeated all aspects of media in regions under Taliban control.

Through extensive research and interviews with media personnel, the report vividly illustrates the alarming extent to which journalists and reporters have been forced to suppress their own voices and adhere to strict guidelines imposed by the Taliban. This culture of self-censorship has been fueled by a myriad of factors, with arbitrary detentions, constant threats, and instances of brutal violence against media personnel serving as the primary catalysts.

The report delves into the chilling accounts of journalists who have faced imprisonment or even lost their lives for daring to challenge the Taliban’s narrative. It says the pervasive atmosphere of fear and intimidation has not only stifled the freedom of expression but has also eroded the quality and accuracy of news coverage, leaving the public in a state of perpetual uncertainty and misinformation.

The Taliban’s tactics to control media narratives have created an environment of fear, severely constraining journalistic autonomy.

Through its comprehensive analysis, the report aims to bring attention to the urgent need for international support and advocacy to protect the integrity and independence of media organizations in regions under Taliban rule.

According to the UN, 336 journalists have been directly impacted by these practices, with 256 cases of arbitrary detention, 130 instances of torture or ill-treatment, and 75 occurrences of threats or intimidation. This reflects a broader trend of declining press freedoms since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

The Taliban’s tactics to control media narratives have created an environment of fear, severely constraining journalistic autonomy. One of the most notable actions is the imposition of an 11-point media directive that severely restricts content deemed contrary to Islamic or national values. This includes a policy where media outlets must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Information and Culture before publishing any sensitive material. Failure to comply has led to the closure of several outlets.

A significant number of media outlets have shut down post-Taliban takeover, driven by loss of revenue, the exodus of journalists, and escalating restrictions on media operations.

The Taliban have continued to create an extremely restrictive environment for media, heavily interfering with editorial content and reducing operational freedom.

New social restrictions, including the ban on music broadcasting, gender-segregated workplaces, and prohibitions on displaying images of living beings, further undermine media freedom.

The UN has documented 336 cases of “arrest,” “torture,” and “intimidation” directed at journalists by the Taliban. Journalists are required to seek approval from the Taliban before publishing reports, with their news agendas subjected to pre-vetting. New social restrictions, including the ban on music broadcasting, gender-segregated workplaces, and prohibitions on displaying images of living beings, further undermine media freedom.

A particularly concerning aspect of the report is the systematic marginalization of women in the media sector. Women journalists face compounded discrimination, including travel restrictions, mandatory hijabs, and bans on their voices being aired in broadcasts.

Since the Taliban’s resurgence, more than 84% of women in media have lost their jobs, with little opportunity for new female journalists as the regime has suspended higher education for women, further limiting their role in the public sphere.

The shrinking of Afghanistan’s media landscape is a direct consequence of the Taliban’s oppressive policies. Hence, the closure of 43% of media outlets since their return to power is attributed to an economic collapse, loss of international funding, and increasingly stringent regulations. Remaining outlets continue to struggle financially, with bans on music and entertainment contributing to their declining revenue.

The plight of journalists working for media organizations in exile is also a focal point of the report. Many such journalists have been detained for alleged connections to outlets considered illegal by the Taliban.

The UN calls on the Taliban authorities to protect media workers and align their practices with international human rights standards, ensuring that women have full access to participate in the media sector.

This suppression not only undermines the principles of democracy but also prevents the dissemination of accurate and unbiased information to the public.

In response to these dire conditions, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, underscored the importance of media freedom for public accountability and informed debate, declaring, “The current conditions are incompatible with Afghanistan’s obligations under international law.”

The report urges the international community to renew its support for Afghanistan’s media sector, emphasizing the need for both financial and technical assistance to sustain the press. It also stresses the importance of restoring access to education and employment for women as a critical foundation for a free and dynamic press in the country.

The situation outlined in the UN report represents not only a severe regression in Afghanistan’s media freedom but also a broader erosion of basic human rights under the Taliban’s governance. That’s why the ongoing suppression of journalists by the current regime is a grave concern that highlights the erosion of press freedom and the stifling of dissenting voices.

Journalists, who play a vital role in holding those in power accountable, are facing increasing restrictions, harassment, and even imprisonment. This suppression not only undermines the principles of democracy but also prevents the dissemination of accurate and unbiased information to the public. Furthermore, the shrinking role of women in the media further emphasizes the deeply entrenched authoritarianism within the regime.

Despite the significant contributions of women journalists, they are often marginalized, excluded from decision-making processes, and subjected to discrimination and unequal treatment. This exclusion not only perpetuates gender inequality but also limits diverse perspectives and narratives in the media landscape. A combination of suppressing journalists and marginalizing women in the media industry underscores the alarming authoritarian tendencies of the current regime.

Is the Age of American Dominance Over?

By

Uroosa Khan

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November 27, 2024

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The world is witnessing a transformative period in global politics, from a country that used to be the sole dominant superpower in the United States. Shifting from a unipolar world to a multipolar order opens the doors to other major powers as they challenge the existing American-led global system. This waning US world order has created space for a nation like China, or Russia, or even other middle powers to fill the vacuum. The emergence of these powers with the formation of middle-tier countries is working upon changing the balance of global power.

Indeed, there are a number of reasons which have weakened the United States’ position. Whether through the successive governments’ policies or through the militarization approach of Washington, it seems that the single superpower’s fall may be inevitable. The realist international relations theory, articulated by writers like John Mearsheimer, attempts to explain this phenomenon as a result of changes in power distribution in an anarchic global system.

A rising China, backed by its economic might through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), presents a challenge to the once unrivaled US military and economic dominance. The BRI, having invested trillions of dollars in infrastructure projects across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, has resulted in China successfully positioning itself as an indispensable economic partner for developing countries.

Whether through the successive governments’ policies or through the militarization approach of Washington, it seems that the single superpower’s fall may be inevitable.

According to statistics, China’s trade volume during 2022 exceeded $6 trillion compared to the US trade of $4.9 trillion. This economic leverage has enabled China to lure nations that have become disillusioned with the US hard-power approach. The globalization era has also nurtured technological progress that has made it possible for the Third World to partake in the economic and knowledge benefits hitherto arrogated by the West.

According to liberal theorists, globalization merely redistributes power because of its leveling effect. The old torchbearer of liberal democracy and free-market capitalism, Washington is battling to find its footing in an emerging order with the diffusion of power changing global governance. In this regard, the rise of BRICS; namely, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa- that will account for over 31.5% of total global GDP in 2023, while surpassing the G7’s 30.7%. At a different, economic level, this shift challenges the dollar-centric financial system and heralds the decline of the US-led economic and political order. The policies of successive US administrations have accelerated its decline.

Also read: Trump Second Term: What It Means For Allies And Foes

For example, the militarization of regions, the invasion of Iraq, and the perpetuation of conspiracy theories have all damaged Washington’s global image. The invasion of Iraq in 2003, based on unverified claims of weapons of mass destruction, cost over $2 trillion and destabilized the Middle East. The 20-year war in Afghanistan, which ended in a chaotic withdrawal in 2021, raised questions about the effectiveness of US military strategies. The failures have emboldened the rivals, Russia and China, who now don’t hesitate to challenge the US not only militarily but also economically and ideologically. In addition, the crisis of leadership within the US has undermined its ability to project influence globally.

Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Accord and cut funds to NATO sowed distrust among allies, signaling a step back from multilateralism.

Former President Donald Trump’s slogan to “Make America Great Again” underlined the turn towards isolationism, reduced funding for international projects, and the tackling of domestic issues alone. Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Accord and cut funds to NATO sowed distrust among allies, signaling a step back from multilateralism. Liberal international relations theory affirms institutions and alliances as important for maintaining stability at a global level. The US retreat from these responsibilities has given China and Russia a chance to fill the power vacuum by offering alternative models. Domestically, Washington is facing major problems that undermine its hegemonic reach.

Political polarization, the erosion of democracy, and economic inequality are all contributing factors. The top 1% of Americans controlled 32.3% of the nation’s wealth in 2022, highlighting the failures of neoliberal capitalism. Constructivist theorists argue that domestic instability undermines a nation’s ability to project soft power. Domestically, internal issues like systemic racism, Capitol Riots, and gun violence diminish the nation’s generally held image as the epitome of democracy. The dependency on hard power over soft power has also dented its global standing in Washington.

The decline of US hegemony is a multifaceted phenomenon pulled by internal weaknesses, flawed foreign policies, and the rise of alternative power centers.

In sharp contrast with the US’s militaristic strategies, China’s cooperative approach espouses the “win-win” foreign policy model. For example, while Washington relied on sanctions to influence the policy of states, Beijing has turned to geoeconomic initiatives such as BRI to bring closer developing countries. Sanctioned by the United States, Iran and Russia are now aiming at the establishment of alternative economic systems, even including the establishment of a BRICS currency to bypass the dollar. Realists view it as a direct challenge to US hegemony, since the adversaries bond together to achieve power equivalent to that of the hegemon. The inability of Washington to address issues that the world has to face further decreases its ranking.

For instance, the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestine war, and civil wars in Africa expose its dwindling influence as a mediator. While tens of billions are spent on military aid to Ukraine, the United States has yet to prevent Russian aggression, nor obtain a resolution to the war. Liberal theorists contend that effective international leadership requires more than merely traditional security threats, but rather non-traditional ones such as climate change, poverty, pandemics. The US, however, has too frequently acted in accordance with short-term strategic advantages rather than long-term solutions. The rise of China and Russia as revisionist powers is reshaping global alliances.

China’s trade relations with over 140 countries and its ability to outpace the US in infrastructure investment have won it allies worldwide. Similarly, Russia’s use of energy diplomacy has strengthened its ties with countries like India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Constructivist scholars argue the power of narratives and have both China and Russia positioned themselves as champions of multipolarity against the Western aggrandizement. The decline of US hegemony is a multifaceted phenomenon pulled by internal weaknesses, flawed foreign policies, and the rise of alternative power centers.

Realist, liberal, and constructivist insights provide an explanation of how both relationship dynamics involving power, institutional failures, and ideational changes intersect. In such a multipolar order, one is left questioning whether it’s possible for the United States to orient itself to fit into the realities of the 21st century and reclaim some semblance of its international mantle. Or will it continue in its ways of ceding influence to emerging powers like China and Russia? The answer will shape the future of international politics and determine whether Washington can fulfill its role in addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Insensitivity Of Afghan Taliban Towards Chinese Interests

By

Iftikhar Hussain Jazib

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November 27, 2024

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Chinese Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, recently stated that around 20 terrorist outfits are active in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, officials in the interim Afghan government and propaganda tools of the Afghan Taliban scrambled to belittle the personality of the Chinese ambassador over his concerns for the security of Chinese citizens. In the same statement, Ambassador Yue spoke about $64 million in humanitarian aid in the last three years, and he pledged further Chinese assistance for Afghanistan. Instead of appreciating China for its generosity, the media resource of the Afghan Taliban, Al-Mirsad, alleged that Ambassador Yue made this statement under the influence of Pakistan.

The Chinese special envoy for Afghanistan is a well-informed person on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, and the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) is a globally acclaimed intelligence service. Perhaps the reason for Yue’s criticism was an attack on a Chinese company in Tajikistan by Afghan assailants on 18 November, 2024. According to the details in the media, one Chinese was killed and four others were injured in an attack perpetrated by armed men across the border from Afghanistan. Therefore, the Afghan interim government would lose Chinese support if it does not take serious measures to remove such threats to the interests of China in the region.

No doubt, Pakistan and China enjoy a credible partnership over counterterrorism operations, which is marked by shared assessment and joint efforts to eradicate threats to mutual interests. However, the claim by media sources like Al-Mirsad that China is making its statements based only on Pakistani information is baseless. A global power like China is independent in its policies and statements and makes decisions keeping in mind its national interests.

There are also reports that the Afghan Taliban had resurrected the East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which is an entirely anti-China terrorist organization.

The statement of the Chinese envoy regarding terrorist groups in Afghanistan is a reflection of the ground realities, and this assessment is shared by other major powers as well. Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has also raised concerns over growing terrorist groups in Afghanistan, and he has warned that these militants could destabilize Central Asian states. Similarly, General Michael E Kurilla, commander US Central Command, said in March that Afghanistan is harboring TTP, and inaction against ISIS-K sanctuaries would incite violent conflicts in South and Central Asia. Therefore, Ambassador Yue is not a solitary voice in this regard, and Afghan officials and media outlets should pay heed to his opinion.

There are also reports that the Afghan Taliban had resurrected the East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which is an entirely anti-China terrorist organization, and Chinese authorities could not ignore this development in Afghanistan. A report of UNSC has claimed that TTP and ETIM are also working closely in Afghanistan.

The most worrisome aspect of the Afghan Taliban is their support for the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The Afghan Taliban and TTP are facilitating BLA for extortion in Balochistan, and they are targeting the interests of China in Pakistan. The chief of BLA Majeed Brigade, Bashir Zeb, and TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud are living in Afghanistan. TTP, BLA, and ETIM are collaborating on terrorist attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan, and joint investigations of China and Pakistan had uncovered planning and training of recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. It is regrettable that the involvement of the Afghan Taliban is found in most of the attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan.

China gives preference to economic gains over politics, and its engagement with the interim Afghan government is motivated by the same spirit. It has provided major trade incentives to Afghanistan, and it has also made an offer of extending an economic corridor to Afghanistan. It is a moment of reflection for the Afghan Taliban; they must understand that sheltering terrorists on their soil could prove to be a disastrous move for them. If they do not take strong action against these groups, the situation in the region will get out of their hands. Afghanistan must protect its own interests and prove through its actions that it is against terrorists, not their facilitators.

The propaganda of sources like Al-Mirsad is simply a failed attempt to distort reality. Urgent and strong measures must be taken to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists; otherwise, this game will cause irreparable damage not only to Afghanistan but also to the entire region.

Nuclear Saber-Rattling In Europe

By

Dr. Zafar Khan

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November 26, 2024

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Ever since the start of Russian-Ukraine war, the understrength conventional power capability of Russia against the US-led NATO bolstering Ukraine often comes up with the nuclear saber-rattling. More recently, the Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing the world community on November 21 argued that Russia launched ballistic missile strikes against Dnipro City in response to the recent attacks by Ukraine which used ATACMS (supersonic tactical ballistic missile) and Storm Shadow (air-launched cruise missile) provided by the US and UK against the military objects in Russia.

Putin warned the US-led NATO countries that Russia may strike the military facilities of the Western countries that supported Ukraine to use western missiles directly against Russia. Russia terms this as one of its “red lines” Russia perceives that the West is crossing, risking a large-scale military escalation to a nuclear level. Russia has already threatened to use nuclear weapons after Ukraine is largely supported by the US-led NATO members. It has stationed its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus for deterrence and nuclear signaling purposes against the Western countries in Europe.

Scholars contend that in the nuclear war, there are no victors. This goes back to the Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev 1985 statement on nuclear war: “a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought.”

Why does Russia often come up with nuclear saber-rattling? What does it want to achieve? Are the US-led NATO members deterred? How much is the Russia-Ukraine war boiling for a nuclear use engulfing the entire Europe? Is the world considering nuclear risk reduction and the possible end of this war when Europe is turning into one of the world’s nuclear flash points? These are some of the overarching questions the serious contemporary scholarship is focusing upon underpinned by various combinations of academic framework to understand the growing risk of nuclear escalation, the cost of which may be too high than the benefit each side may perceive.

Scholars contend that in the nuclear war, there are no victors. This goes back to the Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev 1985 statement on nuclear war: “a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought.” Based on the conceptual logic of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD), this remains valid in a nuclear environment where each side will end up destroying each other. This primarily reflects from the 1958 seminal work of Albert James Wohlstetter on “the Delicate Balance of Terror” where he argued that the presence of thermonuclear weapons between the US and the Soviet Union had produced a “presumed automatic balance” of power which in turn makes nuclear war “extremely unlikely”.

From an academic point of view, the Russian threats of the use of nuclear weapons against the US-led NATO military support for Ukraine could be 1) to let the Western countries become serious while getting on board for resolving the Russia-Ukraine war to the best Russian terms, 2) to give deterrence signaling to the Western countries so that they stop supplying sophisticated defensive and offensive missile capability that undermine the Russian conventional force capability in its war against Ukraine and 3) to prevent the US from making Ukraine part of NATO. Although Russia appears to be succeeding on these strategic imperatives, many consider that most of the European including some sections in the US consider the Russian nuclear saber-rattling as mere rhetoric.

Presumably, if nuclear weapons exist and thereby deter the potential adversary from major offensive strikes, nuclear deterrence should have the value addition by serving its purpose.

However, the leading scholars such as John J Mearshiermer from a realist security paradigm consider that the people in the Pentagon must be taking Putin’s nuclear threats seriously. A nuclear threat from the state leadership becomes credible especially when it has the capability and the political will to use nuclear weapons in the worst-case scenario.

This reminds us of the seminal work on Guarding the Guardians by Peter D Feaver conceptual framework on the always/ never dichotomy that nuclear weapons should always be used when they are absolutely needed and should never be used when they are not required. Presumably, if nuclear weapons exist and thereby deter the potential adversary from major offensive strikes, nuclear deterrence should have the value addition by serving its purpose.

Nuclear saber-rattling may fall in such a conceptualized category of deterrence for Russia. Despite the understrength conventional force capability of Russia compared with the US-NATO allies, the credible Russia nuclear forces both at the tactical and strategic level remain one of the fundamental deterrents preventing the US-led NATO allies from crossing the red-lines that may not be acceptable to the Russian security leadership.

The recent tactics of Ukraine by striking Russia with the Western supported missiles might accidentally increase the chances of escalation to a nuclear level. As Europe is becoming the nuclear flash point, world leaders should mutually work for nuclear risk reduction, urge the Russian and the US-led NATO allies to demonstrate maximum restraint, and eventually negotiate to end the Russia-Ukraine war on the terms acceptable to all the stakeholders. Such measures can only help reduce the chances of a nuclear war emitting out of saber-rattling in Europe.

Pakistan And BRICS Membership

By

Huma Rehman

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November 26, 2024

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Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk’s recent visit to Pakistan opened new avenues for bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Overchuk held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar over trade, regional connectivity, and defense during his trip to Islamabad. Overchuk’s visit held particular significance for Islamabad because it publicly conveyed Russia’s support for Pakistan’s membership in the BRICS bloc. Pakistan formally applied for BRICS membership in August 2023 to benefit from economic ties with members of the bloc. Given that Russia hosted the BRICS summit in October 2024, this expression of support carries weight. But for Pakistan to get membership in the coveted bloc, it would need to win the consent of all members, including India. Because of tensions between the two countries, New Delhi is likely to oppose Pakistan’s application. However, Pakistan’s entry into the BRICS could be in the interest of both Islamabad and New Delhi and largely regional stability.

The BRICS+ Expansion and Geopolitical Realignments:

Originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS bloc has risen rapidly in membership and geopolitical significance. Earlier this year, the bloc expanded to include as many as 10 emerging economies, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and others, and it now accounts for 36 percent of global GDP. The expansion dynamic increase in internal complexity is due to the evolution from BRICS to BRICS+. On the one hand, including new members would enhance the bloc’s overall geopolitical power and standing in the world economy. On the other hand, the expansion of BRICS membership may provide an environment to mitigate existing cleavages. For example, Iran and Saudi Arabia are regional competitors in the Middle East, which makes it questionable whether an enlarged grouping can either regulate or contain those internal conflicts without breaking apart.

The formation of BRICS+ has led to several geopolitical realignments:

Challenge To Western Dominance: BRICS+ nations are increasingly assertive in international forums, advocating for their interests and challenging the traditional power dynamics. This has led to a shift in the global balance of power.
Formation Of Alternative Institutions: BRICS+ has established alternative institutions, such as the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2015 and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), to finance and support developing countries. These institutions aim to reduce dependence on Western-dominated institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Compared to Western-led multilateral banks, such as the World Bank and the IMF, the NDB is still at a nascent stageand enjoys limited reach. However, for many emerging economies, especially those that owe a heavy debt to the IMF, the NDB represents an opportunity to reduce their reliance on the West.
Increased Cooperation Among Emerging Economies: BRICS+ has fostered closer cooperation among its members, increasing trade, investment, and technological exchange. This has strengthened the economic ties between these nations and enhanced their collective bargaining power.

Pakistan And BRICS Membership: Opportunities and Challenges:

Pakistan’s recent application to join the BRICS group of nations presents a complex scenario with both significant opportunities and potential challenges.

Pakistan’s severe and protracted economic difficulties are the driving force behind its attempt to join the BRICS. Pakistan’s GDP growth rate in 2022 was nearly 5 percent, according to data from the World Bank. This figure shrunk to just over 2 percent in 2023-24. The total debt-to-GDP ratio stood at nearly 75 percent in the last fiscal year compared to just under 74 percent in the previous fiscal year. A long-standing decline in foreign investment flows has added to the country’s woes, largely exacerbated by political instability.

Under these circumstances, the BRICS has already emerged as a key partner. In light of its challenges, Pakistan has had trouble securing adequate support from the IMF, which imposes several conditions for its assistance, including the implementation of fiscal adjustments, privatization, structural reforms, and social security nets. This has often necessitated intervention from BRICS states. For example, Saudi Arabia, China, and the United Arab Emirates all BRICS members provided funding to help Pakistan secure its most recent tranche of IMF financial support, which totaled USD 7 billion.

In this regard, the NDB could also be a promising opportunity for Pakistan. The NDB lends directly to BRICS members or against their sovereign guarantee, thereby making membership in the BRICS critical. Importantly, unlike the IMF, the NDB does not impose conditions for financial assistance, and no member state can veto the decisions of other members based on its economic size. Given Pakistan’s erratic foreign reserves, the NDB’s ability to let states borrow in their currencies is also quite significant. A major improvement over other multilateral development banks, which can take years to complete loans, is that the NDB accepts loans in less than six months.

Opportunities:

Pakistan’s BRICS membership opportunities can be foreseen in multiple areas. The economic boost includes trade expansion: BRICS states represent a substantial market, offering the potential for increased exports of Pakistani goods like textiles, agricultural products, and IT services. Forty percent of the world’s oil and forty-two percent of its grain are produced by BRICS countries. The investment attraction membership could attract foreign direct investment from BRICS countries, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.

At the global level, BRICS membership will facilitate Pakistan to cultivate geopolitical influence. It offers a platform for Pakistan to voice its concerns on the global stage and engage with influential emerging economies. Additionally, it will provide venues for diversified diplomacy which will help Pakistan to diversify its diplomatic relations and reduce reliance on traditional partners.

Furthermore, it will provide an option for technological collaboration as well such as Knowledge Sharing: BRICS countries are actively involved in technological advancements. Pakistan could benefit from cooperation in areas like AI, space technology, and renewable energy.

Challenges:

The challenges include several aspects that may hurdle Pakistan’s membership. Mainly, India’s strong opposition, due to historical baggage which deepened because of prolonged tensions, and ongoing disputes. On the diplomatic front, India’s influence within BRICS will complicate Pakistan’s entry process. The economic vulnerability, including high debt and political instability, could hinder Pakistan’s ability to fully benefit from BRICS membership.

BRICS And Engaging With India:

Pakistan’s inclusion in the BRICS may also provide a forum for New Delhi to engage with Islamabad more constructively. This may be especially crucial to both countries considering regional cooperation mechanisms under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have long been moribund. Multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS which are not specific to South Asia and thus less politically sensitive could play a role in easing tensions and normalizing ties. In particular, the presence of mutual partners such as Russia can be a catalyst for engagement in these fora.

Pakistan’s inclusion in the BRICS will create a conducive environment for reviving bilateral channels. So far, India and Pakistan have not undertaken any diplomatic discussions on this issue, and in the run-up to his upcoming visit to Pakistan, Jaishankar has already ruled out any bilateral dialogue with Islamabad on the sidelines of the SCO Summit 2024. However, without constructive ties with its neighbors, India cannot achieve its ambitions of becoming a global power in an era of significant geopolitical divisions and evolving world order. Similarly, for Pakistan, cooperation with the BRICS can be an economic lifeline but it cannot achieve that without normalizing ties with India.

Conclusion:

While Pakistan’s membership in BRICS offers a substantial potential for economic growth and geopolitical influence, it is essential to acknowledge the significant challenges posed by India’s opposition and Pakistan’s domestic economic vulnerabilities. To maximize the benefits, Pakistan will need to carefully consider its strategic approach, strengthen its economic fundamentals, and effectively manage its relationship with India within the BRICS framework.

Israel and Hezbollah – Escalating Tensions

By

Shahzad Masood Roomi

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November 25, 2024

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The latest spate of violence unleashed between Israel and Hezbollah is the latest in its long history of conflict this time on the back of a circle of violence, retaliation, and diplomatic effort to find the answer in peaceful resolution. Hezbollah here hosted a dramatic series of events as it bombarded nearly 340 missiles into Israel on military sites, including its naval base at Ashdod as well as areas close to Tel Aviv. The unprecedented attack left several civilians injured and exposed the volatile nature of the region, which has reached a new level following a string of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that killed at least 20 people.

Hezbollah positioned its recent rocket attacks as acts of solidarity with the Palestinian cause and as a defender against Israeli aggression.

The history of this escalation is deep and rooted in ancient grievances; it is complex enough. Following the second wave of violence fueled by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israeli further amplified its military actions against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah positioned its recent rocket attacks as acts of solidarity with the Palestinian cause and as a defender against Israeli aggression. This immediately spoke to the sentiments of many of the people of Lebanon and much of the greater Arab world which is often decidedly anti-Israeli.

Israel’s response was swift, but brutally indiscriminate. Military air strikes pounded locations throughout the country, including civilian areas, killing many non-combatants. It was condemned by the Lebanese government, describing this as a clear and blatant violation of sovereignty with direct attacks on moves to work towards a ceasefire, facilitated by international actors including the United States and the European Union. The human cost is staggering: over 3,700 reported dead in Lebanon since fighting escalated to this new level; nearly 1.2 million displaced within the borders-this translates to virtually a quarter of the population.

As each side continues its tit-for-tat violence, peace prospects appear bleaker than at any other time. That’s why the chief diplomat of the European Union has sought an immediate ceasefire with results of negotiations according to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted with the purpose of creating final peace after the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. The unanimity in all involved parties seems quite hard to be achieved.

Hezbollah’s leadership publicly stated that the airstrike will be continued as long as Hezbollah continues its military operation. But the impacts of this war are much greater than short-term military issues. The repeated violence can create constant threats of instability to the state of Lebanon as well as the surroundings in the Middle Eastern region. An equally important dimension of the complexity is that Tehran financially backs Hezbollah as well as Hamas, since for Tehran both groups form essential agents in its policy of resistance against Israel and penetration by the West into the area. Other powers directly involved, or other groups deciding to join the conflict, would make a broader war in the regional framework likely.

The attacks already shut down schools and have heightened the security arrangements across northern Israel as its inhabitants become accustomed to the new status quo of living with an ever-potential threat of rockets from land. Public sentiment within Israel is a feeling of fear and anxiety. Against this background, the Israeli government battles to make its citizens feel safe while negotiating the geopolitical structure that has marked its relationship with Lebanon and Hezbollah.

The repeated violence can create constant threats of instability to the state of Lebanon as well as the surroundings in the Middle Eastern region.

This brings the second question – humanitarian situation in Lebanon can’t be left indifferent. The catastrophe and airstrikes on infrastructure and, in general, civilian life have led international organizations to plead for urgent humanitarian aid. Destruction often leaves a long-lasting effect upon the society due to the hurt feelings, and resentment may simmer over for generations.

Yet again, it appears that the latest flare-up between Israel and Hezbollah has reminded this troubled region just how fragile peace can be. Each side dug in for retaliatory action, and any way forward toward de-escalation has become a very hard slog. International diplomats work day and night to fight for a truce among warring sides, all out of view of the public. One might have hoped for a final settlement, one that would focus more on the deep-seated causes of this war rather than mere short-term security concerns. Lacking such efforts, Israelis and Lebanese are doomed to spend the rest of their lives locked into this cycle of violence with little hope for a peaceful future.

A World Without Thinkers: The Crisis Of Modern Youth Values

By

Uroosa Khan

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November 25, 2024

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A world without thinkers is a world without vision, where haphazard pleasures replace permanent purpose, and the candlelight of invention pales under the dark clouds of mediocrity.

In the past, people respected all relationships and followed virtues like modesty and humility. However, the present age represents an alarming decline in these virtues, especially among the youth. This younger generation today, devoid of intellectualism, analytical excellence, and inclusiveness, speaks graphically about what is in the pipeline ahead. Constant pleasure and entertainment slavery have consequently weakened their ability to question the status quo and actively engage with issues that implicate the society in its crucial discretion.

From scientists, philosophers, and geniuses in intellect, youths these days seem to embrace social media influencers as their role models.

Social media platforms have exponentially grown in this 21st century. Though initially designed to provide a sense of connection and communication, they gradually became an outlet for addiction, consumerism, and escapism. The youth, in particular, spend hours surfing through entertainment, family vlogs, or influencer-driven content. According to the Statista report of 2024, 70 million Pakistanis are active users of social media with an average screen time of 2.5 hours per day.

This superficial exposure has led to a role model change. From scientists, philosophers, and geniuses in intellect, youths these days seem to embrace social media influencers as their role models. In most cases, these influencers are materialistic and consumerist, providing no intellectual justification to their generations, thus a culture of showoff and instant gratification. This trend of following these non-contributing heroes is a recipe for an unpalatable future among the generations.

Pakistan is among the world’s leading nations in terms of searches for explicit content. According to reports, 20 million people in Pakistan visit illegal sex websites each day. Such statistics point to the moral decay and unhealthy habits predominantly among the youth.

Dissatisfaction and societal pressure upsurge have become a massive mental health concern. According to the World Health Organization, 24% of Pakistani youths suffer from depression or anxiety due to sociological comparison, unemployment, and lack of purpose.
The alarming increase in suicides and psychological disorders among youths is a tragic symptom. Social media’s showoff culture and economic hardships only fuel the destructive psychology behind those feelings of inferiority.

Over 22.8 million children are out of school in Pakistan (UNICEF, 2024), and the relatively few who do enter school often have to cope with unemployment after graduation. This double-edged sword contributes further to rising dissatisfaction and mental health crises.
Family vlogs account for most online views by women and children in Pakistan. As shown by Gallup Pakistan, 40% of these audiences spend a lot of time watching family vlog content. Unfortunately, this kind of content does not deliver much and actually encourages pseudo-aspirations. Women have a key role in the making of future generation heroes, while children will be tomorrow’s leaders; they are therefore highly influenced by such fruitless use.

Moreover, the entertainment industry deceives people, destroys their minds, and wastes precious time. Instead of stimulating intellectual questions or critical thinking, these service providers promote sensationalism and consumerism.

Apart from consumerism, the youth are also embracing dangerous habits, such as obsession with porno material and other explicit content breeds an avenue for moral decay in society. Substance use among young people is increasing, cutting them off from intellectual and productive engagements. The show-off culture, which social media has amplified, makes one feel inadequate. Everyone presents his life as perfect, thus giving rise to competition and dissatisfaction. Isolation, jealousy, and anxiety become the norm rather than forming community.

Reversing these trends would, thus, have to involve education, media regulation, changes to parenting, conscious mental health understanding, and empowerment through the economic sphere.

Governments and social media platforms will have to work together to construct a healthier digital ecosystem.

The education system must focus on intellectual development, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking: Philosophy, ethics, and history must feature as core subjects to develop analytical and moral reasoning skills. Develop balanced curriculums that combine STEM education with humanities. Provide training for teachers who will nurture creativity, empathy, and intellectual curiosity. Equitable access to quality education must also feature, particularly in areas that remain underserved.

Governments and social media platforms will have to work together to construct a healthier digital ecosystem: Enact stiffer regulations to control access to explicit and harmful content on the web. Organize campaigns on digital literacy and responsible social media use. Bring to the forefront and celebrate the feats of philosophers, scientists, and intellectuals on social media sites to inspire the youth. Implement “screen-free hours” in schools, workplaces, and homes to engage in meaningful activities.

Parents are very influential in the values and behaviors of their children: Organize workshops that equip parents with strategies on effective parenting, such as discipline, empathy, and intellectual engagement. Ensure family interactions that involve reading, outdoor adventures, and creative discussions to instill a love for learning. Equip parents with resources for monitoring and guiding their children on appropriate online activities.
Mental health services must become a priority to combat the rising psychological disorders among the youth. Establish affordable and accessible mental health facilities nationwide. Integrate mental health education into school curriculums, teaching children how to manage stress and build resilience. Create peer support networks in schools and colleges to provide safe spaces for youth to share their struggles.

Raise awareness campaigns that will point out the negative ramifications of consumerism and livings of relevance. Organize workshops on global issues and problem-solving in schools and community centers that encourage purposeful actions. Reward and recognize people who advance reasons of positive contribution to society to divert attention from worldly things.

Invest in vocational training programs that train youth with practical skills needed in the market. Sponsor and provide funds to young entrepreneurs in order to encourage innovation and creativity. Increase job creation and make hiring transparent so that people can trust it and see opportunities.

The growing consumerism, show-off culture, and decline in value are a serious threat to the future of our youth and society at large. It is our collective responsibility to create an environment that fosters intellectualism, compassion, and integrity. By reforming education, regulating the media, empowering parents, addressing mental health, and creating economic opportunities, we pave the way for a brighter future. So, now is the time, because the choices we make today determine the generations of the day after tomorrow.

China’s Path To A Sustainable Future

By

Dr. Raziq Hussian

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November 25, 2024

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China, the second largest economy and the largest populated country in the world is in the process of transformation. Having originated from an industrial revolution implemented with energy sourced from coal, China has over the years shifted its approach toward green energy and its international environmental policy. The journey towards a green and sustainable future for China involves two main fronts: American local and global energy measures and programs. Collectively, they form a new model towards sustainability for not just China but for the whole world.

For many years, the Chinese economic success was powered up by coal hence high pollution levels earning China a reputation as the world’s biggest carbon emitter. But the way this country looked at energy and environmental disaster started shifting in the early millennium. Understandably concerned with the impact of pollution on the health of its population base and the sustainable growth of its economy, the Chinese leadership agreed to undertake a master plan to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and to increase the contribution of renewable energy sources to its electricity mix.

The country’s commitment to attain peak in carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2060 is consistent with the global target of staying below the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark of warming above pre-industrial levels.

China’s domestic green initiatives include its aggressive rush in renewable power generation from wind, solar and hydroelectric power. China is the world’s largest market for renewable energy and has poured tremendous amounts of money on solar power facilities. The country has investments in mega solar power plants; the largest of them is Desert Solar Power Station also called the ‘Great Wall of Solar’ increases with an area of over 1,200 MV. These initiatives epitomize China’s aspiration for free itself from dependence on coal and explore cleaner energy sources. In 2020, it can be evident that solar and wind aspect of China’s generation mix has risen to almost 26percent as a proportion of the total generating capacity, up from previous years.

Also, in domestic context, China has implemented very aggressive measures to promote electric vehicles (EVs) as its green drive policy. The government offers vast subsidies for both the makers of EVs, and their consumers and China now owns the largest EV market in the world. Some countries such as China has started implementing electric transport means in its cities such as Shenzhen that now boasts of having an all-electric public transport system that has decreased city air pollution. In addition, even domestic players such as BYD and NIO are turning into industry leaders in the EV market, which reflects technological advancement of China in the sphere of clean transportation.

Based on the just concluded UN General Assembly Speech in 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised to achieve the goal of neutrality in carbon emissions by the year 2060. This challenging goal demonstrates that China will continue to build a plan to address climate change and adopt sustainable development goals. China has employed a range of measures to achieve this – higher emissions standards, a policy to shut down dirty coal-power stations, and new standards for green buildings. China’s 14th Five-Year Plan for 2021 to 2025 puts heavy focus on renewable energy with Wind, Solar and Nuclear energy as the main strategic commodities in China’s Energy mix.

Another essential domestic measure is China’s carbon trading market that started in 2021 to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Corporate emission permits have now been moved under a market within it has made it the largest carbon market globally. Forcing companies to set up pollution caps for greenhouse gases and making it financially rewarding for China’s firms to pursue more sustainable business models, China is relying on market mechanisms to promote environmentally friendly practices. The effectiveness of this market will be fundamental to China’s ability to meet its climate goals and brand the country as environmentally friendly.

China has also invested in wind power in African countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia for enhancing economic growth and participate in the process of decarbonization globally.

Chinese domestic green initiatives are observed in its global energy commitment where it is both a pioneer and a partner. The general energy strategy of the country is rooted in the BRI which is an infrastructure investment project across Asia, Africa and Europe. Despite its early support for fossil fuel projects, the BRI has recently paid more attention on renewable energy infrastructure in host countries.

That means China funded countless solar, wind, and hydropower projects in developing countries that have shifted from coal since the BRI. For instance, the Chinese government has agreed with the Pakistani government to build the largest solar power plant in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park. This project not only adds green energy capacity to Pakistan but at the same time it sends a right message of Chinese intention in exporting renewable energy.

Also, China has also invested in wind power in African countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia for enhancing economic growth and participate in the process of decarbonization globally. But apart from supporting green projects fiscally, China has turned into a powerhouse of renewable technology production globally. It remains the largest supplier of solar panels, wind turbines, as well as lithium-ion batteries on the global market. The Chinese electrochemical technology company CATL and electronics company BYD are among the leading manufacturers of electric vehicle batteries for both domestic and export markets. Therefore, China has a unique advantage in the process of global energy transformation by leading renewable technologies to guide the international energy development and policies.

Some of the ways through which China has signaled its commitment to international environment include the country has ratified to the Paris Agreement amongst other global climate agreements. It is notable that China is one of the top contributors to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, whose participation is of great importance to climate-change-related efforts on the international level. The country’s commitment to attain peak in carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2060 is consistent with the global target of staying below the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark of warming above pre-industrial levels.

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Scholars contend that in the nuclear war, there are no victors. This goes back to the Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev 1985 statement on nuclear war: “a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought.”

Presumably, if nuclear weapons exist and thereby deter the potential adversary from major offensive strikes, nuclear deterrence should have the value addition by serving its purpose.

Hezbollah positioned its recent rocket attacks as acts of solidarity with the Palestinian cause and as a defender against Israeli aggression.

The repeated violence can create constant threats of instability to the state of Lebanon as well as the surroundings in the Middle Eastern region.

From scientists, philosophers, and geniuses in intellect, youths these days seem to embrace social media influencers as their role models.

Governments and social media platforms will have to work together to construct a healthier digital ecosystem.

The country’s commitment to attain peak in carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2060 is consistent with the global target of staying below the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark of warming above pre-industrial levels.

China has also invested in wind power in African countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia for enhancing economic growth and participate in the process of decarbonization globally.

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