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Abid Hussain

@abidhussayn.bsky.social

158 followers 54 following 70 posts

ZooWorld of a U2 Maniac! Sports | Politics | History | Culture | Society | Travel | Media | Science | Music | Food. Pakistan Correspondent @ Al Jazeera English. Also available on Twitter and Threads.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

A year ago, the Pahalgam attack set off a chain of events that elevated Asim Munir into a Field Marshal, Pakistan's first CDF, and in last few weeks, the central figure in one of Pakistan’s most consequential diplomatic moments. www.aljazeera.com/features/202...

India to Iran: How two wars shaped rise of Pakistan’s Asim Munir

The war against India a year ago led to Munir's elevation to the status of field marshal. Now he's playing peacemaker.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

The temporary cessation of hostilities between US and Iran were the result of weeks of painstaking diplomacy that few believed Pakistan could deliver. Here is the chain of events of how Pakistan convinced Iran and US to hold their much-awaited dialogue in Islamabad www.aljazeera.com/features/202...

How Pakistan managed to get the US and Iran to a ceasefire

Backchannel talks led by Pakistan result in temporary ceasefire after weeks of fighting.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Pakistan brokered the secret US-China backchannel in 1971. It was a key interlocutor in the Geneva Accords to end USSR occupation of Afghanistan. It also facilitated the 2020 Doha Agreement and has, on several occasions, attempted to mediate between KSA and Iran. www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...

Nixon to Trump: Pakistan’s long record as backchannel between rival powers

Islamabad reprises its role as diplomatic broker as US and Iran edge closer to wider confrontation.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

While no ground operation has been ordered, the scale US forces suggest possibility of at least three scenarios. Seizing or blockading Kharg Island, clearing Iran’s coastline to reopen the SoH, and, in extreme case, securing Iran’s nuclear material. www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...

War on Iran: What troops is the US moving to the Gulf?

Growing US military presence around Iran suggests shift from air campaign to potential ground operations.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Pakistan dismissed Taliban claims of drones attacks, calling them "rudimentary". But analysts say drones that can get this far suggest something more serious, revealing gaps against a threat that is increasingly emerging as the future of warfare. www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...

Do Taliban’s drone attacks expose a chink in Pakistan’s armour?

As the conflict intensifies, Taliban drones challenge Pakistan’s security and response strategy, say experts.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

As Iran strikes Gulf targets, Pakistan navigates alliance with Riyadh while avoiding confrontation with Tehran. But with the war intensifying, and CDF Munir meeting Saudi defence minister, that posture will be hard to manintin, esp with the defence agreement. www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...

Caught between Iran and Saudi Arabia, can Pakistan stay neutral for long?

As Iran strikes Gulf targets, Pakistan navigates alliance with Riyadh while avoiding confrontation with Tehran.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

A new 'strategic embrace' is unfolding as Indian PM Modi visits Israel, eyeing defense/cyber tech. With Bibi proposing a "hexagon of alliances" to counter what he calls "radical axes," how will this deepening partnership reshape Pakistan’s security calculus? www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...

Why Indian PM Modi’s Israel visit matters for Pakistan’s security

The tightening strategic embrace between New Delhi and Tel Aviv could test Pakistan's diplomacy, say analysts.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

The charter of the Trump's Board of Peace proposes a new entity to resolve global conflicts, while not once mentioning Gaza, its raison d'etre. While several nations have agreed to join the board, many, including US allies, haven't. We unpack why is that so. www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...

Trump’s ‘board of peace’: Who has joined, who hasn’t – and why

Before a signing ceremony planned for Thursday, several nations have agreed to join the board. But many haven't.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

An SMDA with KSA last year, now talks with Libya and Sudan for JF-17, and even possibility of yet another pact with Turks in the mix. Can Pakistan expand military footprint across Arab world, and will it manage to keep its promises while maintaining the balance? www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...

Saudi to Sudan: Can Pakistan expand military footprint across Arab world?

Multiple countries have shown interest in Pakistani weapons and jets. But Pakistan won't find it easy to deliver.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

While Pakistan has long been marketing the qualities of its JF-17, the India conflict put the spotlight on PAF. The delivery of five JF-17s to Azerbaijan, followed by reported interest by Libya, KSA and now BD, shows that Islamabad’s defence diplomacy is driving new interest in the fighter jet.

Why is Pakistan selling its JF-17 fighter jets to Bangladesh and others?

Islamabad’s defence diplomacy is driving new interest in the JF-17 fighter jet following Pakistan-India clashes.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

At the beginning of 2025, I wrote a piece which said this year Pakistan's foreign policy will be in the spotlight. The year saw country's growing role in regional geopolitics and many observers credited the revival to Field Marshal Asim Munir. My latest for AJE. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...

How Pakistan’s Asim Munir became Trump’s ‘favourite field marshal’

The army chief, analysts say, has driven Pakistan's geopolitical reemergence over the past year as a soldier-diplomat.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

With renewed fighting on border overnight between Pakistan and Afghan forces, some observers believe Islamabad is trying to establish a “new normal” with the Taliban, by making clear that future attacks on its soil could invite retribution inside Afghanistan. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...

‘New Normal’: Is Pakistan trying to set new red lines with Afghan Taliban?

Amid growing clashes with the Taliban, Pakistan's moves mirror, ironically, an approach it has decried in the past.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

With Indian prime minister Modi invoking the spectre of war while congratulating India after Asia Cup final which was played in an acrimonious atmosphere, the message, say analysts, was clear — cricket had turned into the latest weapon of war. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...

‘Operation Sindoor’: How cricket became latest India-Pakistan weapon of war

The India-Pakistan rivalry turned the Asia Cup into a battlefield for nationalist politics. Is there hope for change?

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

After Pahalgam attack, India decided to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, which Pakistan has termed an act of war. So can India really stop Pakistan’s water, and could this suspension see the two nuclear-armed nation wage a deadly war? My essay for AJE. www.aljazeera.com/features/202...

Can India stop Pakistan’s river water — and will it spark a new war?

The decades-old Indus Waters Treaty faces its gravest challenge as India suspends it, prompting Pakistan to warn of war.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Spoke to a number of participants who were present at the dinner hosted by the Pak Embassy on Wednesday, during which COAS Munir spoke at length about his meeting with Trump, and Pakistan's views on regional neighbours and country's policies. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...

Amid US-Pakistan thaw, two key challenges: Iran and China

Pakistani army chief Munir’s US trip suggests warming ties after past diplomatic friction. But challenges remain.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

On Field Marshal Asim Munir's extraordinary, unprecedented lunch with US President Trump on Wednesday, its near-to-medium term implications on Pak-US ties, geopolitical imperatives, and what impact it could have on civil-military relationship in Pakistan. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...

Trump’s Pakistan embrace: ‘Tactical romance’ or a new ‘inner circle’?

Trump hosts Pakistan army chief Asim Munir for an unprecedented White House lunch, as the US and Pakistan reset ties.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

With Indian PM Modi putting on an aggressive front and threatening Pakistan, his counterpart Shehbaz Sharif is undertaking a high-level, four-country tour to flip India’s narrative and projecting Pakistan as an advocate of peace and stability in South Asia. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

Pakistan pitches ‘responsible’ image as diplomatic war with India heats up

India and Pakistan have shifted from armed confrontation to a diplomatic offensive, seeking to shape global opinion.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

Continuing the trend of increased diplomatic engagements, Pakistan and Afghan officials met in China, and have "expressed willingness" to elevate their diplomatic ties, a first since August 2021. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

Pakistan, Afghanistan move towards ‘restoring ties’ in talks with China

As India strengthens ties with Kabul, Pakistan and Afghanistan return to the table after Chinese mediation.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

With COAS Asim Munir getting govt approval for promotion to the rank of field marshal – only the second time in Pakistan's history – an explainer on why was he promoted, what does the rank signify, and what does this move portend for our civil-military imbalance. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

Pakistan promotes army chief Asim Munir to field marshal: Why it matters

Pakistan’s government says it’s recognition of his leadership in the India-Pakistan confrontation. Not everyone agrees.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Following the four-day conflict with India, military has seen a surge of popularity in the country, with initial trends from a Gallup poll show 92% of respondents displaying positive opinion towards military — but analysts warn such support could be temporary. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

How conflict with India helped boost the Pakistan military’s domestic image

Pakistan’s military enjoying renewed popularity after Indian clash, but analysts warn the surge may be temporary.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

While both Pakistan and India are claiming to have achieved a decisive win after their 4-day conflict, observers believe reality is more grey than black or white. At best, both India and Pakistan can claim strategic gains even as they each also suffered losses. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

What did India and Pakistan gain – and lose – in their military standoff?

As the archrivals halt hostilities after four days of fighting, analysts discuss if either gained an upper hand.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

As Pakistan still contemplates its retaliatory move, having denied its involvement in any attacks on India yesterday, I was able to visit Muridke on Wednesday to the compound which was targeted by Indian missiles and killed three civilians. This is what i saw - www.aljazeera.com/features/202...

Inside Muridke: Did India hit a ‘terror base’ or a mosque?

At least three people were killed in the strike at a compound with a complicated past.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

Pakistan's former NSA Moeeed Yusuf says action from India remains possible, but the window where imminence was a real concern has passed. "Pakistan has to show commitment to prepare for any eventuality. You don’t know what will come next, so you have to be ready." www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

‘Don’t see a major war with India, but have to be ready’: Pakistan ex-NSA

Pakistan’s ex-NSA says lack of crisis mechanisms could spark conflict with India after deadly Kashmir attack.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

The status of Kashmir is the primary conflict between Pakistan and India, who each control part of the region but claim it fully. Here is a simple, but comprehensive explainer on the background of the issue affecting over 15 million people on both sides. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...

Pahalgam attack: A simple guide to the Kashmir conflict

The roots of this decades-long conflict between India and Pakistan go back to the turbulent partition of 1947.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Responding to Indian actions, Pakistan announced various similar measures, including a threat to suspend its participation in Simla Agreement and other bilateral pacts. So what exactly is Simla Agreement, and what are the implications if Pakistan pulls out of it? www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...

Kashmir attack: Why Pakistan’s threat to suspend Simla Agreement matters

Analysts believe a Pakistani pullout from the Simla Agreement could dismantle key diplomatic safeguards with India.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Pakistan has strongly responded to Indian decision to unilaterally suspend IWT, calling it an "act of war". However, many in Pakistan believe that Indian military action could now be possible, adding the country was “ready for any Indian misadventure”. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...

India and Pakistan near strategic standoff after Pahalgam attack in Kashmir

Tensions have escalated between the two nuclear powers following Tuesday’s attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

When Ishaq Dar landed in Kabul on April 19, it was the first visit by a top Pakistani minister since February '23. The visit came days after a JCC meeting, and analysts believe that this signals a willingness from both sides to reset ties through diplomacy. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...

After a year of hostility, Pakistan and Afghanistan seek diplomatic reboot

Ishaq Dar visits Kabul as Pakistan and Afghanistan attempt to revive stalled diplomatic ties amid refugee expulsion.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

After the formation of a Crypto Council, Pakistan has now brought Binance founder CZ as a "strategic advisor", signaling an openness to cryptocurrencies. But despite the recent flurry of activities, questions remain if the country is needs to be in this sector. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...

‘Clear message’: Pakistan hires Binance boss in crypto push

New crypto council marks shift in Pakistan’s digital finance policy but sceptics question if the country is ready.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

While the Green Pakistan Initiative was launched 2 years ago, the controversy surrounding it really picked up pace once the idea of Cholistan Canal became public. I try to unpack what is this project and why have canals become such a flashpoint. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...

Why is Pakistan’s new canal project sparking water shortage fears?

Protesters fear than a plan to modernise agriculture could leave the lower riparian province of Sindh without water.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

It has been 24-hrs since the BLA attacked the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express near Mashkaf Tunnels towards Sibbi. The separatist group claims to have over 200 hostages, whereas security sources say over 150 people have been rescued. Here is what we know so far. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...

Deadly Pakistan train hijack: What happened, and what’s next?

Baloch separatist group claims responsibility, says it has killed six security personnel as it holds hundreds hostage.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Pakistan has recently introduced a national policy for prevention of violent extremism. While analysts acknowledge that the NPVE strikes a balance between military and non-military strategies, they say the new plan is, in effect, “old wine in a new bottle”. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/...

Can Pakistan’s new anti-extremism policy defeat rising armed attacks?

Amid a surge in armed attacks, Pakistan has unveiled a new strategy to tackle ‘extremism’. But experts are sceptical.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

The Pakistan government is once again gearing up to launch a repatriation operation against foreigners through a 3-stage plan. Afghan citizens, both with visas and PoR/ACC documents, are once again at the mercy of vague policies, not knowing what fate awaits them. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/...

‘Please don’t do this’: Afghan families in Pakistan caught in crackdown

More than 2 million Afghans in Pakistan could face a new deportation wave as Islamabad issues tough new rules.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

After 29 years, Pakistan will finally host a major ICC tournament, with all top countries, except India, to play in the country. Despite security concerns, political instability, and chaos due to Indian pull-out, is this finally Pakistan sport’s moment to shine? www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/...

From 1996 to 2025: Pakistan’s long wait to host another major cricket event

Pakistan is hosting a major international cricket tournament after nearly three decades. Is it ready for show time?

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Pakistan-Bangladesh ties have remained mostly lukewarm at best since the latter gained independence in 1971. But lately, the two nations have edged closer in an apparent reset, overriding their historical animosity. But how significant, lasting is this shift? www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/...

Pakistan pulls closer to post-Hasina Bangladesh amid shared India concerns

Pakistan and Bangladesh have edged closer as politics in both countries ride on a general anti-India sentiment.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Pakistani calculus of strategic-depth in Afghanistan appears to have backfired, as deteriorating relations with Afg. Taliban during the last year show. But what further complicates the matter is to see Kabul's new rulers edge closer to India, Pakistan's archrival. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/...

Pakistan watches with caution as old ally Taliban gets closer to India

While some analysts say Pakistan need not worry, others warn that Indian influence in Afghanistan could strain ties.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

After roughly 30 months, Pakistan's domestic turmoil appears to have subsided a little, but geopolitical upheaval in the region means year 2025 could bring with it plethora of foreign policy challenges for the country. Experts weigh in on what lies ahead. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/...

With Trump looming, Pakistan braces for foreign policy challenges in 2025

Analysts predict a tough year, as Islamabad prepares for more US belligerence towards China, the closest Pakistan ally.

Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

The TTP has issued an ominous statement, threatening to target Pakistan Army's businesses, as well as warned civilians working for those organisations to quit or beware of consequences. Analysts say this policy could well see return of urban violence in the country. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/...

Pakistan Taliban threatens military-run businesses amid rising violence

The threat marks an escalation in the group’s fight against the Pakistani military, warn analysts.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

As I started to this piece, I could not help but recall Shehzad Roy's 2008 song Laga Reh and its intro. My journalism career started two years later and I often wonder: while so much has changed in the country since then, has anything really, truly changed? www.aljazeera.com/features/202...

How Pakistan changed in 2024

Violent attacks soared. Political instability grew. Censorship deepened. Economic green shoots, gold medal gave hope.

Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

Last week saw a sharp escalation in hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan. But now, as the guns quiet down on both sides, a familiar question has arisen: What is next for these two neighbours, entangled in a decades-long, fraught and fragile relationship? www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12...

As Pakistan, Afghanistan attack each other, what’s next for neighbours?

Experts say both sides need to reset their approach towards the other — even as mounting tensions have eroded trust.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

When I reported on Adriana sinking last year, this boy I met said nothing will change despite 700~ casualties. A year later, another boat capsized, more young Pakistanis perished, while those who were lucky to survive, don't know what the future holds for them. www.aljazeera.com/features/202...

A ‘miracle’: Pakistani survivor of a deadly Mediterranean sea crossing

A harrowing journey costing $7,000 and the lives of many of his compatriots was ‘not worth the risk’, Hassan Ali says.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

The bill weakening gov't oversight over religious schools was a part of a political deal to push through a constitutional amendment. Now Islamabad is backtracking, with the military concerned, too. Why a bill on religious seminaries is Pakistan’s latest flashpoint? www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12...

Why a bill on religious seminaries is Pakistan’s latest flashpoint

Bill weakening government oversight over religious schools was part of a political deal. Now Islamabad is backtracking.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

The Pakistani military formally indicted former ISI chief, retd Lt. Gen Faiz Hamid, charging him of “engaging in political activities”, in essence accusing him of working with ex-PM Imran Khan to sow chaos. But some ex military officials have questioned the motive. www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12...

Pakistan’s military charges former spy chief over ‘political activities’

Lieutenant-General Faiz Hamid, under arrest since August, is the first spy chief accused of helping a political party.

Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

The four-day protests in Pak-administered Kashmir were discontinued after the authorities withdrew the controversial public assembly ordinance. But it does indicate growing resentment among large sections of local population, who also protested in May this year. www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12...

Pakistan-administered Kashmir repeals protest restrictions after strike

The climbdown in the geopolitically sensitive region comes amid growing anger against the administration.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Govt remain adamant that last week's protest did not result in a single death of a civilian. However, PTI, after claiming 00s of death, have issued a list of 12 individuals who the party says died between November 24 and 26. I spoke to four such families. www.aljazeera.com/features/202...

Dead but not counted: Hidden victims of Pakistan’s latest political clash

Al Jazeera spoke to family members of PTI supporters whose deaths last week were denied by the government.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 28/11/2024

Pakistan has deployed Chinese technology to build what officials familiar with the project are calling a new, national internet “firewall” that will allow authorities to monitor online traffic and regulate the use of popular apps with greater control than before. www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11...

Pakistan tests secret China-like ‘firewall’ to tighten online surveillance

The new monitoring system could give the government unprecedented insights into citizens’ online use.

Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Just drove around Islamabad for an hour, covering areas from F-11 to all of Constitutional Avenue and then Nazimuddin Road. Turns out it rained all over the city and the AQI right now is around 80ish or so, making it absolutely a joy to drive in this rather lovely weather.

Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Punjab officials are "seriously considering" implementing Covid-style lockdowns in smog affected areas to counter the devastating pollution crisis in short-term, but experts argue that the government’s approach this year in tackling pollution is in adequate. www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11...

As Pakistan chokes on smog, is the government doing enough?

Authorities in the worst-hit Punjab province launch mobile clinics and shut schools amid record pollution levels.

Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 25/09/2024

Pakistani Army has announced the appointment Lt. General Asim Malik as the head of ISI, its premier intelligence agency. A look at Malik's career, as well as the legacy of the outgoing DG Nadeem Anjum, and what challenges lie ahead for the new chief. www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/...

Who is Pakistan’s new spy chief Asim Malik?

A decorated officer, Malik takes charge of an agency that is often caught in controversy.

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Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 23/09/2024

Pakistan and India used the Indus Waters Treaty to irrigate their fertile lands for six decades. But the pact could emerge as the latest flashpoint in the fragile relationship between them, with India serving a notice seeking to renegotiate the terms. For AJE - www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/...

Is the Indus Waters Treaty the latest India-Pakistan flashpoint?

India wants to renegotiate the 64-year-old pact under which the neighbours split water from six Himalayan rivers.

Abid Hussain @abidhussayn.bsky.social · 04/09/2024

With Islamabad set to host the SCO summit next month, analysts believe the invite to Indian PM Modi will not result in a visit. However, the other question is, would these bilateral tensions b/w Pakistan and India also end up impacting the SCO itself? www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/...

Will India-Pakistan rivalry hurt Russia-China led SCO grouping?

Pakistan has invited Indian PM Narendra Modi to the upcoming SCO summit in Islamabad. Modi is unlikely to attend.

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