Pakistan Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

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

Governance

Political turmoil in Pakistan: future scenarios

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's future looked increasingly in doubt after a key coalition partner switched allegiance ahead of a parliamentary no-confidence vote that could be held as early as…

March 31, 2022Pakistan

Nonproliferation Terrorism

TTP’s step-up threatens Pakistani control of its nuclear weapon

Seizure of Afghan territory by Taliban brought safety concern to Pakistan, mostly over its nuclear capacity. Taliban militants in Pakistan declared an end to a month-long ceasefire arranged with the…

December 13, 2021Pakistan, Taliban

Governance Intelligence ops

Pakistani ISI head replacement might speak for China’s growing foothold amid developments in Afghanistan

The head of Pakistani intelligence was replaced most likely as the foreign actors applied the screws on the Prime Minister's Office. This decision might erode PM Imran Khan's domestic credibility. The director-general of Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) directorate, which…

October 28, 2021ISI, Pakistan

Conflict Opinion

China will have most influence in Afghanistan under the Taliban.

Today, the Taliban's offensive continues unbated in Afghanistan. The Taliban will gain control of most of Afghanistan, surely. They will face resistance in some parts of the country dominated by Uzbeks,…

July 6, 2021Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Taliban, USA

Intelligence ops

Covert arms transfer schemes for terrorism network

In 2017-2018, Gen Nicholson claimed Russia had conducted a series of exercises on the Afghan border with Tajikistan. "These are counter terrorism exercises," said Gen Nicholson, "but we've seen the Russian…

March 3, 2021ISIS, Pakistan, Russia, Taliban

Pakistan