Abid Hussain

‘New Normal’: Is Pakistan trying to set new red lines with Afghan Taliban? Amid growing clashes with the Taliban, Pakistan's moves mirror, ironically, an approach it has decried in the past.

With renewed fighting on border overnight between Pakistan and Afghan forces, some observers believe Islamabad is trying to establish a “new normal” with the Taliban, by making clear that future attacks on its soil could invite retribution inside Afghanistan.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...

‘Operation Sindoor’: How cricket became latest India-Pakistan weapon of war The India-Pakistan rivalry turned the Asia Cup into a battlefield for nationalist politics. Is there hope for change?

With Indian prime minister Modi invoking the spectre of war while congratulating India after Asia Cup final which was played in an acrimonious atmosphere, the message, say analysts, was clear — cricket had turned into the latest weapon of war.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...

Can India stop Pakistan’s river water — and will it spark a new war? The decades-old Indus Waters Treaty faces its gravest challenge as India suspends it, prompting Pakistan to warn of war.

After Pahalgam attack, India decided to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, which Pakistan has termed an act of war.

So can India really stop Pakistan’s water, and could this suspension see the two nuclear-armed nation wage a deadly war?

My essay for AJE.

www.aljazeera.com/features/202...

Amid US-Pakistan thaw, two key challenges: Iran and China Pakistani army chief Munir’s US trip suggests warming ties after past diplomatic friction. But challenges remain.

Spoke to a number of participants who were present at the dinner hosted by the Pak Embassy on Wednesday, during which COAS Munir spoke at length about his meeting with Trump, and Pakistan's views on regional neighbours and country's policies.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...

Trump’s Pakistan embrace: ‘Tactical romance’ or a new ‘inner circle’? Trump hosts Pakistan army chief Asim Munir for an unprecedented White House lunch, as the US and Pakistan reset ties.

On Field Marshal Asim Munir's extraordinary, unprecedented lunch with US President Trump on Wednesday, its near-to-medium term implications on Pak-US ties, geopolitical imperatives, and what impact it could have on civil-military relationship in Pakistan.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...

Pakistan pitches ‘responsible’ image as diplomatic war with India heats up India and Pakistan have shifted from armed confrontation to a diplomatic offensive, seeking to shape global opinion.

With Indian PM Modi putting on an aggressive front and threatening Pakistan, his counterpart Shehbaz Sharif is undertaking a high-level, four-country tour to flip India’s narrative and projecting Pakistan as an advocate of peace and stability in South Asia.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

Pakistan, Afghanistan move towards ‘restoring ties’ in talks with China As India strengthens ties with Kabul, Pakistan and Afghanistan return to the table after Chinese mediation.

Continuing the trend of increased diplomatic engagements, Pakistan and Afghan officials met in China, and have "expressed willingness" to elevate their diplomatic ties, a first since August 2021.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

Pakistan promotes army chief Asim Munir to field marshal: Why it matters Pakistan’s government says it’s recognition of his leadership in the India-Pakistan confrontation. Not everyone agrees.

With COAS Asim Munir getting govt approval for promotion to the rank of field marshal – only the second time in Pakistan's history – an explainer on why was he promoted, what does the rank signify, and what does this move portend for our civil-military imbalance.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

How conflict with India helped boost the Pakistan military’s domestic image Pakistan’s military enjoying renewed popularity after Indian clash, but analysts warn the surge may be temporary.

Following the four-day conflict with India, military has seen a surge of popularity in the country, with initial trends from a Gallup poll show 92% of respondents displaying positive opinion towards military — but analysts warn such support could be temporary.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

What did India and Pakistan gain – and lose – in their military standoff? As the archrivals halt hostilities after four days of fighting, analysts discuss if either gained an upper hand.

While both Pakistan and India are claiming to have achieved a decisive win after their 4-day conflict, observers believe reality is more grey than black or white. At best, both India and Pakistan can claim strategic gains even as they each also suffered losses.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

Inside Muridke: Did India hit a ‘terror base’ or a mosque? At least three people were killed in the strike at a compound with a complicated past.

As Pakistan still contemplates its retaliatory move, having denied its involvement in any attacks on India yesterday, I was able to visit Muridke on Wednesday to the compound which was targeted by Indian missiles and killed three civilians.

This is what i saw - www.aljazeera.com/features/202...

‘Don’t see a major war with India, but have to be ready’: Pakistan ex-NSA Pakistan’s ex-NSA says lack of crisis mechanisms could spark conflict with India after deadly Kashmir attack.

Pakistan's former NSA Moeeed Yusuf says action from India remains possible, but the window where imminence was a real concern has passed.
"Pakistan has to show commitment to prepare for any eventuality. You don’t know what will come next, so you have to be ready."

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

Pahalgam attack: A simple guide to the Kashmir conflict The roots of this decades-long conflict between India and Pakistan go back to the turbulent partition of 1947.

The status of Kashmir is the primary conflict between Pakistan and India, who each control part of the region but claim it fully.

Here is a simple, but comprehensive explainer on the background of the issue affecting over 15 million people on both sides.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

Kashmir attack: Why Pakistan’s threat to suspend Simla Agreement matters Analysts believe a Pakistani pullout from the Simla Agreement could dismantle key diplomatic safeguards with India.

Responding to Indian actions, Pakistan announced various similar measures, including a threat to suspend its participation in Simla Agreement and other bilateral pacts.

So what exactly is Simla Agreement, and what are the implications if Pakistan pulls out of it?

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...

India and Pakistan near strategic standoff after Pahalgam attack in Kashmir Tensions have escalated between the two nuclear powers following Tuesday’s attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir.

Pakistan has strongly responded to Indian decision to unilaterally suspend IWT, calling it an "act of war".

However, many in Pakistan believe that Indian military action could now be possible, adding the country was “ready for any Indian misadventure”.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...

After a year of hostility, Pakistan and Afghanistan seek diplomatic reboot Ishaq Dar visits Kabul as Pakistan and Afghanistan attempt to revive stalled diplomatic ties amid refugee expulsion.

When Ishaq Dar landed in Kabul on April 19, it was the first visit by a top Pakistani minister since February '23.

The visit came days after a JCC meeting, and analysts believe that this signals a willingness from both sides to reset ties through diplomacy.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...

‘Clear message’: Pakistan hires Binance boss in crypto push New crypto council marks shift in Pakistan’s digital finance policy but sceptics question if the country is ready.

After the formation of a Crypto Council, Pakistan has now brought Binance founder CZ as a "strategic advisor", signaling an openness to cryptocurrencies.

But despite the recent flurry of activities, questions remain if the country is needs to be in this sector.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...

Why is Pakistan’s new canal project sparking water shortage fears? Protesters fear than a plan to modernise agriculture could leave the lower riparian province of Sindh without water.

While the Green Pakistan Initiative was launched 2 years ago, the controversy surrounding it really picked up pace once the idea of Cholistan Canal became public.

I try to unpack what is this project and why have canals become such a flashpoint.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...

Deadly Pakistan train hijack: What happened, and what’s next? Baloch separatist group claims responsibility, says it has killed six security personnel as it holds hundreds hostage.

It has been 24-hrs since the BLA attacked the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express near Mashkaf Tunnels towards Sibbi.

The separatist group claims to have over 200 hostages, whereas security sources say over 150 people have been rescued.

Here is what we know so far.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...

Can Pakistan’s new anti-extremism policy defeat rising armed attacks? Amid a surge in armed attacks, Pakistan has unveiled a new strategy to tackle ‘extremism’. But experts are sceptical.

Pakistan has recently introduced a national policy for prevention of violent extremism.

While analysts acknowledge that the NPVE strikes a balance between military and non-military strategies, they say the new plan is, in effect, “old wine in a new bottle”.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/...

‘Please don’t do this’: Afghan families in Pakistan caught in crackdown More than 2 million Afghans in Pakistan could face a new deportation wave as Islamabad issues tough new rules.

The Pakistan government is once again gearing up to launch a repatriation operation against foreigners through a 3-stage plan. Afghan citizens, both with visas and PoR/ACC documents, are once again at the mercy of vague policies, not knowing what fate awaits them.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/...

From 1996 to 2025: Pakistan’s long wait to host another major cricket event Pakistan is hosting a major international cricket tournament after nearly three decades. Is it ready for show time?

After 29 years, Pakistan will finally host a major ICC tournament, with all top countries, except India, to play in the country.

Despite security concerns, political instability, and chaos due to Indian pull-out, is this finally Pakistan sport’s moment to shine?

www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/...

Pakistan pulls closer to post-Hasina Bangladesh amid shared India concerns Pakistan and Bangladesh have edged closer as politics in both countries ride on a general anti-India sentiment.

Pakistan-Bangladesh ties have remained mostly lukewarm at best since the latter gained independence in 1971.

But lately, the two nations have edged closer in an apparent reset, overriding their historical animosity. But how significant, lasting is this shift?

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/...

Pakistan watches with caution as old ally Taliban gets closer to India While some analysts say Pakistan need not worry, others warn that Indian influence in Afghanistan could strain ties.

Pakistani calculus of strategic-depth in Afghanistan appears to have backfired, as deteriorating relations with Afg. Taliban during the last year show. But what further complicates the matter is to see Kabul's new rulers edge closer to India, Pakistan's archrival.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/...

With Trump looming, Pakistan braces for foreign policy challenges in 2025 Analysts predict a tough year, as Islamabad prepares for more US belligerence towards China, the closest Pakistan ally.

After roughly 30 months, Pakistan's domestic turmoil appears to have subsided a little, but geopolitical upheaval in the region means year 2025 could bring with it plethora of foreign policy challenges for the country.

Experts weigh in on what lies ahead.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/...

Analyst @abdulsayedtarmize.bsky.social say this shift relates to the ongoing social media campaign by some PTI supporters for the boycott of military-owned companies’ products.
TTP, he says, may also be seeking to align itself with these activists who have been outspoken critics of the military.

Pakistan Taliban threatens military-run businesses amid rising violence The threat marks an escalation in the group’s fight against the Pakistani military, warn analysts.

The TTP has issued an ominous statement, threatening to target Pakistan Army's businesses, as well as warned civilians working for those organisations to quit or beware of consequences. Analysts say this policy could well see return of urban violence in the country.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/...

The famous proverb, “may you live in interesting times”, is seen as a curse. Pakistan, somehow, has chosen to be the living, breathing illustration of this.

I, for one, would not mind a slightly different 2025. May we see less “interesting” times in the next 12 months.

Happy new years to all.

Violence; a volatile political landscape; censorship; military ingress; a precariously placed economy; politicians benefitting from the largesse of the security establishment only to turn against it later – it is a pattern that repeats itself without fail.

How Pakistan changed in 2024 Violent attacks soared. Political instability grew. Censorship deepened. Economic green shoots, gold medal gave hope.

As I started to this piece, I could not help but recall Shehzad Roy's 2008 song Laga Reh and its intro.

My journalism career started two years later and I often wonder: while so much has changed in the country since then, has anything really, truly changed?

www.aljazeera.com/features/202...