This essay critically examines the origins, significance, and misconceptions surrounding NJ 9842—the northernmost demarcated point of the 1949 India-Pakistan Ceasefire Line (CFL) in Jammu and Kashmir. It argues that NJ 9842 emerged not as a terminus by design but as a consequence of an incomplete demarcation exercise halted by mutual consent due to terrain challenges and presumed irrelevance...
This Issue Brief analyses the structural limitations of the Gulf security framework in light of Israel’s unprecedented attack in Doha on 9 September, targeting Palestinian Hamas leadership. While the attack marked a dangerous escalation of Tel Aviv’s regional adventurism, it also exposed the enduring structural weaknesses of the Gulf’s security architecture which has been defined by entrenched dependency on the United States.
Ever since August 2021, when Taliban fighters captured the seat of power in Kabul, the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan started deteriorating. It was primarily because of Pakistan’s unrealistic expectations from the Taliban.....
This issue brief explores whether Pakistan can evolve from a traditional “security contractor” into West Asia’s net security stabiliser. The September 17, 2025, Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement marks a pivotal moment, formalising decades of military cooperation between the two countries. Historically, Pakistan has trained Gulf forces, guarded monarchies, and provided military personnel, often in transactional arrangements....
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Strategic Essay: Comprehending NJ 9842 and the Region Beyond
Amit Krishankant Paul
This essay critically examines the origins, significance, and misconceptions surrounding NJ 9842—the northernmost demarcated point of the 1949 India-Pakistan Ceasefire Line (CFL) in Jammu and Kashmir. It argues that NJ 9842 emerged not as a terminus by design but as a consequence of an incomplete demarcation exercise halted by mutual consent due to terrain challenges and presumed irrelevance...
Structural Constraints and Strategic Inertia: Rethinking Gulf Security After Israel’s Doha Attack
Mohmad Waseem Malla
This Issue Brief analyses the structural limitations of the Gulf security framework in light of Israel’s unprecedented attack in Doha on 9 September, targeting Palestinian Hamas leadership. While the attack marked a dangerous escalation of Tel Aviv’s regional adventurism, it also exposed the enduring structural weaknesses of the Gulf’s security architecture which has been defined by entrenched dependency on the United States.
The Pak-Afghan Border Clashes: Fallout of Unrealistic Expectations?
Ashish Shukla
Ever since August 2021, when Taliban fighters captured the seat of power in Kabul, the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan started deteriorating. It was primarily because of Pakistan’s unrealistic expectations from the Taliban.....
Beyond Symbolism: Can Pakistan Become West Asia’s Net Security Stabiliser?
Mohmad Waseem Malla
This issue brief explores whether Pakistan can evolve from a traditional “security contractor” into West Asia’s net security stabiliser. The September 17, 2025, Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement marks a pivotal moment, formalising decades of military cooperation between the two countries. Historically, Pakistan has trained Gulf forces, guarded monarchies, and provided military personnel, often in transactional arrangements....