Pakistan
The Bride Hunters
Chinese men, who outnumber women of their generation, have been looking for brides abroad, including among Pakistan’s Christians. Treading the line between arranged marriage and human trafficking, these weddings have been facing increased scrutiny, but have persisted as ties between the countries deepen.
The Vanishing Indus
A century ago, the Indus River Delta was lush, thriving and rich. Today, it’s dry, saline and abandoned. As Pakistan grapples with a worsening water crisis, protests have erupted in Sindh province over a new government project that threatens to divert more water from the Indus.
Cultural Ties Binding India and Pakistan Face Unprecedented Strain
Cultural exchange between India and Pakistan — which has continued via cinema, music and fashion despite official restrictions — is now under unprecedented strain due to the recent political conflict. As artists face tighter regulations and digital borders harden, nationalism is threatening a shared cultural heritage.
Noon Meem Danish Brought the Black Experience to Urdu Poetry
Noon Meem Danish, a Black Pakistani poet, explores themes of Blackness, identity and belonging in his work. In a rare interview, the only Urdu-language poet writing within the Negritude tradition reflects on a life and career that has taken him from protest in Karachi to solitude in Connecticut.
India Takes Notice as Pakistan and Bangladesh Strengthen Ties
Pakistan and Bangladesh began strengthening ties following the ouster of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, after which she sought asylum in India. The thaw has included high-level meetings, the resumption of direct trade and eased visa restrictions — developments that have made India increasingly wary.
Are India and Pakistan Edging Closer to the Brink of War?
India and Pakistan face a situation close to war in one of the worst clashes between the countries to take place in more than two decades. Amid military exchanges, the trading of accusations and an information war straddling traditional and social media, both publics appear primed to support further actions.
Pakistan Struggles to Maintain Strategic Relevance
Since Kabul’s fall, Pakistan has struggled to maintain strategic relevance and its attempts to reengage the U.S. have been largely unsuccessful. Domestic political turmoil, the popularity of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and a rise in militant attacks have complicated this engagement, as have the country’s ties with China.