Central Asia

Transcending Barriers of Bilateral Trade between Pakistan and Kazakhstan

Muhammad Rafiq — 2025-01-05

The article probes diversified barriers hindering the growth of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Kazakhstan to a significant level. Pakistan is the 5^th largest market of the world and Kazakhstan contributes 70% in the GDP of Central Asia. Both countries have not been able to realize the true economic potential in the form of a prosperous bilateral trade and commerce. Qualitative research method has been adopted in the paper whereby bilateral trade data of last five years has been collected. The historic analysis unravels a number of challenges and impediments that obstruct headway into substantial development of the bilateral trade. Finally, the study proposes some pragmatic policy guidelines to achieve the booming trade between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

Conflict Transformation in Afghanistan: Analysis of the Socioeconomic Development from 1996 to 2001

Akhtar Amin — 2025-01-09

This paper focuses on Conflict Transformation during the period 1996-2001 in Afghanistan with specific analysis on the Socio-Economic Development. The period of 1996-2001 in Afghanistan is said to be the first Islamic Emirate wherein the Taliban were in power in most parts of the country. In the same period, they were more inclined towards developing human capital of Afghanistan but the approach was gender biased and in favor of male. However, in the twentieth century expecting socio-economic development of any country while keeping half of the population aloof from the process was an uphill task. With regard to the large economic magnitude and especially the lack of previous literature available on the topic it was difficult to empirically analyze the exact Socio-Economic development with proper indicators. However, it was evident that the collapse of the state machinery resulted in “bazaar economy” which was mainly controlled by informal sector. The same was responsible for drastic changes in the Afghan society. In the first Islamic Emirate from 1996-2001 the Afghan economy was based mainly on trading. While alone in the year nineteen ninety-nine the Afghan opium production reached to its optimum level and in the same year 75% of the world opiates were produced in Afghanistan. Following positive response to the international community the Taliban had banned the cultivation of opium in 2000. The opium was the mainstay of the Afghan Economy, the planting of opium completely discontinued in 2001. In nutshell due to lack of infrastructure and technological development coupled with lack of support from the international community the state of Afghanistan in first Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996-2001) was not in position to stable its economy and bring prosperity in the Afghan society``.

Afghan Geopolitical Chessboard: The Interplay of Interest Groups and Persistent Instability

Samina Yasmin — 2025-01-09

Afghanistan has historically been under the attention of the superpower and the corrupt. Afghanistan has long been at the center of geopolitical rivalries, with external interventions exacerbating its socio-political instability). Therefore, the continuous interventions of nations and the competition of the major trans-regional and global powers have caused the crisis in Afghanistan. We assess how foreign interests and external interventions contribute to Afghanistan's instability through a historical and analytical approach. This study employs a historical and analytical approach to examine the impact of global and regional power dynamics on Afghanistan's persistent crises. The research findings show that there are many factors contributing to the country's crisis and instability: Global regional and trans-regional factors are at the root; the country has experienced prolonged periods of civil war; ethnic and tribal division; and playing in the hands of external factors, weak government, etc. are major factors that need to be considered.

China's Rising Influence in South Asia through Belt and Road Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges

Naveed Anjum — 2025-01-09

Due to its geopolitical location and economic opportunities, South Asia, a linchpin for international powers competition, has emerged as a new arena for regional politics, as well as intra-regional conflict. Despite being the most populated region, it is least integrated, with almost 24.6% of its population living below the international poverty line. The study will explore the reasons for the lack of intra-regional integration and the socio-economic problems of the region. With China's increasing influence in the region, what economic, social, and strategic opportunities and challenges will emerge? Is Belt and Road Initiative a prospective solution for unity and integration of the region, something it has been lacking for years because of Indian domination of the decision-making of small countries? The study concludes that the initiative will provide economic growth, prosperity, and employment opportunities, however, India’s action in partnership with the United States of America to disrupt the Belt and Road Initiative poses a huge challenge. The potential benefits will drive anti-Belt and Road Initiative countries to adopt an accommodating approach. The article will primarily focus on four regional countries: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Maldives.

Peaceful and Politically Stable Afghanistan: The Role that Shanghai Cooperation Organization Can Play

Faiza Bashir — 2025-01-09

Terrorism is one of the leading causes of Afghanistan's insecurity. The conflict and war in Afghanistan has given terrorist groups opportunity to thrive and grow. The current economic crisis in Afghanistan and the quick international recognition of the Taliban are both major challenges for SCO. The situation necessitates a greater sense of responsibility on the part of regional countries to collaborate for the stability of Afghanistan. Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states should take short term and long-term steps for political and economic development of the country. The SCO's participation in Afghanistan can be enhanced through emphasis on the shared interests of Pakistan, China, Russia, and other neighboring countries. The SCO now has the opportunity, given Afghanistan’s present need, to take such steps. This paper highlights the concrete measures that the SCO has already taken and more steps that it can take. It is suggested that reconstruction, development, governance, and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan are not only the responsibility of the regional countries but also the international community and international organizations.