Author: Uzma Ehtasham

By Uzma Ehtasham Rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and India’s increasingly belligerent rhetoric and actions have heightened concerns over the stability of the region. As both countries brace for further conflict, efforts by the international community, including the United States, China, Turkey, and Gulf nations, to de-escalate the situation have become more vital than ever for the preservation of regional and global peace. Despite these calls for calm, the current scenario paints a much grimmer picture. Pakistan has been held responsible for the Pahalgam incident without any credible investigation or evidence, while the suspension of the Indus…

By Uzma Ehtasham KARACHI: The Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) hosted an engaging session with Russian Consul General Andrey Viktorovich Fedorov on April 30, 2025, titled “End of World War II and the Post-War World Order.” The event, held at Avari Towers, attracted diplomats, scholars, students, and professionals from various sectors, including strategic, media, and business circles, all keen to gain historical insights and reflections on current global dynamics. KCFR Chairperson Nadira Panjwani opened the event by emphasizing the importance of fostering dialogue and underscoring the Russian Federation’s continued diplomatic engagement with Pakistan. She acknowledged the significance of such…

By Uzma Ehtasham Something stirred in the House of Commons this week—an echo of an old injustice, still unresolved, now sharpened by a new urgency. In a rare and deeply charged session, British MPs gave voice to the mounting unease over India’s growing assertiveness and its covert maneuvers in South Asia, particularly in Kashmir. But this was no routine exchange of diplomatic pleasantries. This was Parliament standing at the edge of a geopolitical fault line and warning that it might soon erupt. This renewed scrutiny follows the sobering revelations published by The New York Times, which cast doubt on the…

By Uzma Ehtasham At a time when peace in South Asia hangs by a thread, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has delivered a message of clarity and courage. Speaking at the passing out parade of cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy, in the presence of the country’s top political and military leadership, the Prime Minister left no room for misunderstanding. Pakistan, he said, is ready to participate in any neutral, transparent, and credible investigation into the tragic Pahalgam incident. It was a simple offer, rooted in sincerity and confidence, yet one that effectively strips the Modi government of any justification for…

Job Seeker Visa offers temporary residence for individuals to explore employment opportunities within the country By Uzma Ehtasham KARACHI: For Pakistanis aspiring to build an international career, securing a job offer from abroad can sometimes feel daunting. However, several countries have introduced Job Seeker Visas, which offer a pathway for individuals to live temporarily in the country while actively searching for employment. This type of visa eliminates the need for a pre-arranged job offer or sponsor, making it easier for skilled professionals and graduates to explore job opportunities abroad. A Job Seeker Visa is essentially a temporary residence permit that…

By Uzma Ehtasham The Gaza Strip, a narrow coastal region with a length of just 41 kilometers and a width of 10 kilometers, is a place of profound historical and geopolitical significance. Situated between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea, it is home to a population of approximately 2.3 million people, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world. This small patch of land, despite its modest size, has been the focal point of a centuries-long struggle, enduring a long series of foreign invasions, occupations, and a relentless cycle of violence that continues to shape the…

By Uzma Ehtasham Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Turkey marks a significant milestone in strengthening the long-standing ties between the two nations, but its importance extends far beyond bilateral relations. The visit, taking place against the backdrop of severe challenges facing the Muslim world, underscores the shared commitment to addressing common threats and fostering greater cooperation in various sectors. During a joint press conference following his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish leader warmly welcomed Prime Minister Sharif and highlighted the strength of the bilateral relationship, emphasizing that both nations align on many global issues.…

By Uzma Ehtasham In the harsh sunlight of political theatre, Pakistan’s religio-political leadership has once again assembled at center stage. This time, the tragedy of Gaza—unspeakable, relentless, and soaked in the blood of innocents—provides the backdrop. On the surface, the newly announced “Majlis-e-Ittihad-e-Ummat,” cobbled together by Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, speaks to a moral duty. They promise unity, solidarity, and an April 27 gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan that, in their words, will echo with the voice of the Muslim Ummah. But like so many grand pronouncements in the country’s turbulent history, this one too feels burdened with…

By Uzma Ehtasham KARACHI: Consul General Scott Urbom recently completed a significant visit to Hyderabad in a diplomatic outreach aimed at deepening Pakistan-US relations, where he underscored the growing momentum in educational, economic, and people-to-people partnerships between the two nations. The visit reflected a multifaceted agenda — from engaging alumni of U.S. public diplomacy programs to fostering trade dialogue and celebrating educational initiatives. A highlight of his trip was his stop in Jamshoro, where Urbom participated in a vibrant reunion of the Pakistan-US Alumni Network (PUAN). Commending the proactive spirit of local alumni, he remarked, “Jamshoro alumni are turning vision…

Deputy High Commissioner Mahbubul Alam praises Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress, with exports topping $55bn and remittances exceeding $25bn annually By Uzma Ehtasham KARACHI: The Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Karachi S.M. Mahbubul Alam highlighted a renewed commitment between Bangladesh and Pakistan to deepen bilateral ties across economic, diplomatic, and cultural spheres during a vibrant celebration marking the 54th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The event, hosted by the Bangladesh Mission, served not just as a tribute to Bangladesh’s independence but also as a platform to promote future collaboration between the two South Asian nations. Speaking to a distinguished audience…