The first ‘regular' transfer of power between two civilian governments in Pakistan manifested itself in the aftermath of the 2013 general elections. Many celebrated this shift as a positive sign of democratic consolidation. However, the appreciation of this allegedly ‘new democratic wave'...

Civilian control of the armed forces is a sine qua non for democratic consolidation. In Pakistan, since its existence, the military played an eminent role in all spheres of socio-economic and political life. In this context it is stated by several analysts that the soldiers are mainly...

The EU is considering offering Pakistan a Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP ) in trade which could have huge implications for the economic well-being of Pakistan. However this deal is tied to a package of human rights, labour rights, good governance and environment commitments. In the past...

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar infrastructure investment project, is heralded as a game changer for Pakistan's economy. It is part of the major development initiative led by China, known as ‘One Belt, One Road' (OBOR), connecting Asia with Europe, the Middle...

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC, a multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment project, is heralded as a game changer for Pakistan's economy and regional cooperation. Being a crucial part of a major development initiative led by China, known as ‘One Belt, One Road' (OBOR), to...

The controversial German constitutional lawyer and political theorist Carl Schmitt (1888-1985) in his well-known work ‘The Concept of the Political' promotes a clear distinction between “the friend” and the “foe”. This radical premise of a ‘friend-foe relationship is supposed to be...

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment project, is heralded as a game changer for Pakistan's economy and for regional cooperation more generally. As a crucial part of the major development initiative led by China, known as ‘One Belt, One...

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment project, is heralded as a ‘game changer' for Pakistan's economy and regional cooperation. Being a crucial part of a major development initiative led by China, known as ‘One Belt, One Road' (OBOR),...