Pakistan Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Recent Afghanistan–Pakistan border clashes: reasons, foreign actors, consequences, perspectives

The latest Afghanistan–Pakistan clashes are the product of three reinforcing drivers: militant sanctuary and cross-border violence (especially Pakistan’s accusations that anti-Pakistan militants operate from Afghan soil), a chronic border/sovereignty dispute along the Durand Line…

February 27, 2026Afghanistan, Pakistan

Conflict Geopolitics Terrorism Warfare

Afghanistan–Pakistan Border Clashes, 2025

Intense fighting along the long‐contested Afghanistan–Pakistan frontier broke out in October 2025, marking the worst conflict between the two countries since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Islamabad accused Kabul of…

October 20, 2025Afghanistan, Pakistan

Opinion Terrorism

The Pahalgam TerrorAttack: A Manufactured Crisis Fueled Pakistan’s Military-Industrial Complex

Introduction The Pahalgam attack was a pivotal moment that reshaped security narratives in Pakistan. While the official stance framed it as an existential threat requiring immediate military escalation, deeper analysis…

June 2, 2025Pakistan

Conflict Geopolitics Warfare

After the Guns Fall Silent: Strategic Implications of the India–Pakistan War

The recent war between India and Pakistan—though short in duration—has left behind a complex legacy. While active hostilities have ceased under international pressure, particularly from the United States and China, the…

May 15, 2025China, India, Pakistan

Conflict Geopolitics

Evaluating the Risk of Conflict Between Pakistan and India”

While a large-scale conventional war between Pakistan and India remains unlikely due to the nuclear deterrent and international diplomatic pressure, the risk of limited conflict or escalation through proxy engagements,…

April 25, 2025India, Pakistan

Corruption Governance

The arrest of the former head of Pakistan’s intelligence agency has deepened the country’s political crisis.

Pakistan's unprecedented arrest and court-martial of a former spy chief raises the heat on Imran Khan and could be the precursor to prosecuting the jailed former prime minister on charges…

September 9, 2024ISI, Pakistan

Governance

The Politics of the February 8, 2024, General Elections in Pakistan

As expected, the 12th general elections held on February 8, 2024, were massively rigged by the military, and delivered a hung parliament. Earlier, Pakistan’s 12th general elections were held on February…

February 28, 2024Pakistan

Geopolitics Governance

Iran and Pakistan Conflict

The Iran-Pakistan conflict presents multifaceted challenges, involving internal security concerns, regional power dynamics, and global geopolitical considerations. As these dynamics continue to unfold, the intricate interplay of domestic politics, military actions,…

January 29, 2024Iran, Pakistan

Conflict

Conflict between Pakistan and Iran and the Ongoing Gaza-Israel War: Brief Analysis of the Linkages

After last week’s tit-for-tat missile attacks, Pakistan and Iran have moved quickly to de-escalate tensions. At the invitation of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian…

January 24, 2024Iran, Pakistan

Democracy Governance

Pakistani ISI strengthens political influence in the country by lobbying for the legislation amendments

The National Assembly (Parliament) of Pakistan green-lighted the intelligence law proposed by the government. The legislative initiative grants wider powers to the country's top intelligence agencies and provides for a three-year prison term for anyone guilty of…

August 9, 2023ISI, Pakistan

Pakistan