Decades of dictatorships have weakened democratic structures and the Rule of Law in Pakistan. The optimism that emerged from the Lawyers Movement brought a general change in the mindsets of the people. Since Pakistan has wasted various opportunities for democratisation in the past, it should not waste another one By Nusrat Sheikh more»

Tough times for Pakistan

- Unless the politicians lead the country from the front, coordinate with the armed forces, forge a consensus response to the Obama Plan and convey it with one voice, Pakistan’s perilous journey, compounded by the ever changing tactics of the invisible enemy, will continue. By Imtiaz Gul more»

The Al Qaeda Diaries

- As the Pakistani soldiers moved into South Waziristan, they found something almost as valuable as al Qaeda itself: the diaries and books that explain how militant ideology binds the diffuse world of terrorism together. BY IMTIAZ GUL more»

Interpreting the Taliban attacks

- The Pakistan Taliban (TTP Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) have claimed responsibility for the recent wave of attacks on the Pakistan Army Headquarters in Islamabad and Police Institutions in Lahore and Peshawar which has shaken both the Military and Political establishment and forced them to start a miltary offensive in South Waziristan on October 17, 2009. Please find valuable editorials from The News and the Daily Times. more»

Different Perspectives of Talibanisation

- Pakistan is facing troubled times. The Pakistan Taliban and other extremist elements pose a serious threat to the stability and integrity of the country. The dossier offers government documents, media coverage as well as in depth analyses on the latest developments. more»

What are we up against?

- Is it an insurgency that we face or terrorism? Clarity on the issue is necessary. The difference between how the state treats the ongoing conflict and the way society perceives it is a major problem in the country today. By Ayesha Siddiqa (Dawn) more»