Issue Briefs

National Report by China in the 45th UPR Session: Hiding More than it Reveals
China’s report on human rights in the 45th session of the UPR on 23 January 2024 has drawn the attention of human rights activists worldwide. It has painted a rosy picture of the human rights situation within China.


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Bridging Rivals, Managing Risks: Will Pakistan’s Quiet Strategic Recalibration Work?
Syed Eesar Mehdi
Pakistan’s offer to assist the US in recovering abandoned Afghan weapons signals strategic pragmatism, diplomatic repositioning, and a desire for relevance—yet its security gains remain limited without repairing ties with India.
‘Self-Determination’ as Empty Rhetoric: How Islamabad Undermines Self‑Rule in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
Idress Aftab
Pakistan’s celebration of “self-determination” masks a deeper reality of disenfranchisement and control in both parts of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir—the so-called Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. When judged by quality of life, representation, and rights, the narrative falls apart.
How a Potential Regime Change in Iran might affect Gilgit-Baltistan
Senge Sering
Potential regime change in Iran could reshape Gilgit‑Baltistan, weakening Shia networks, disrupting China–Pakistan strategies under CPEC, and intensifying regional contestation between Western influence, local identity, and strategic resource exploitation.
The NA-130 Verdict and the Rigged Reality of the Pakistani State
Mohammed Shoaib Raza
The NA 130 verdict exemplifies Pakistan’s hybrid system, where elections, courts, and constitutional amendments serve elite management. Imran Khan’s confinement underscores military dominance over civilian politics and managed democracy.