Tanveer Iqbal

  SCO summit: Members sign eight agreements, endorse China as 2024-25 chair The agreements focus on SCO’s budget, secretariat operations, and counterterrorism efforts discussed at the summit.   During the summit, eight significant agreements were signed, focusing on issues like the SCO’s budget, the operations of its secretariat, and regional counterterrorism efforts. These agreements signed on Wednesday highlight the organisation's commitment to cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and economic development. The summit, chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also saw member states reaffirm their dedication to promoting regional peace, political stability, and socio-economic cooperation. In addition, the leaders recognised the need for enhanced cooperation in science, technology, digital economy, and information security. The summit participants also supported UN General Assembly resolutions aimed at promoting global peace and development. The

Inside Story: How Talks Began Between Pakistan and India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Conference The diplomatic frost between Pakistan and India, two nuclear-armed neighbors with a complex history, has shown signs of a potential thaw following rare interactions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference. For decades, relations between these nations have been fraught, primarily driven by political and territorial disputes. However, recent developments suggest an opening for dialogue, initiated by an unexpected topic: cricket diplomacy. Cricket as the Icebreaker According to well-placed sources, informal conversations between the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India commenced around cricket, a sport that holds significant cultural value in both countries. Pakistan took the initiative, highlighting the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy set to take place in Pakistan in February 2025. The tournament offers not just a sporting spectacle but also a unique platf

 The Five  atomic powers participating in the SCO summit in Islamabad are: photo courtesy:  Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation 1.        1.Pakistan  - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif India  - External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar China  - Premier Li Qiang Russia  - Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin Iran  - First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber (not officially confirmed, but widely believed to possess nuclear weapons)     These countries are recognized as nuclear-armed states.  

The state heads and their representatives reached Islamabad for participation in the 2024 SCO summit in Islamabad: Today 15th October 2024, all state guests reached Islamabad for SCO Summit. Pakistan - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif (Host of the Mega Event) China - Premier Li Qiang Russia - Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin Belarus - Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko Kazakhstan - Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov Kyrgyzstan - Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov Tajikistan - Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda Uzbekistan - Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov Iran - First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber India - External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Mongolia - Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene (Observer State) Turkmenistan - Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov (Special Guest)

  Pakistan-India Relations and the Role of the SCO Summit 2024 in Islamabad Introduction The relationship between Pakistan and India has been historically fraught with tension, shaped by a legacy of conflict, territorial disputes, and deep-rooted political animosities. Since their partition in 1947, both nations have experienced several wars and numerous skirmishes, with Kashmir remaining the core issue. However, the potential for dialogue and cooperation has not been entirely absent. The upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad in 2024 presents a significant opportunity for both countries to reconsider their bilateral relations within a broader regional context. Historical Context The partition of British India in 1947 led to the creation of two separate states, Pakistan and India, which were founded on differing national ideologies: Pakistan as a homeland for Muslims and India as a secular nation for its diverse population. This division ignited long-stand

  SCO Summit 2024 in Pakistan: October Dates, Schedule, Members, and Agenda The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit is set to convene in Islamabad, Pakistan , on October 15-16, 2024 . This high-profile gathering will bring together leaders from member states to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the region, including security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism efforts. Overview of the SCO The SCO is an intergovernmental organization primarily focused on political, economic, and security matters in Eurasia. Established in 2001, it has evolved into a significant player in regional diplomacy, emphasizing collaborative approaches to common challenges. The organization is led by the Council of Heads of State (HSC) and the Council of Heads of Government (HGC) , facilitating dialogue and cooperation among its members. Key Dates and Location Dates : October 15-16, 2024 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan The choice of Islamabad as the host city highligh

  The Dark Side of AI Technology in Pakistan: Misinformation and Political Manipulation (By Maryem Khurshid) In recent years, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has revolutionized various sectors across the globe, including communication and media. However, in Pakistan, this innovation has taken a troubling turn, particularly within the political landscape. Non-state actors, especially political parties, have begun exploiting AI on social media platforms to propagate negative agendas, leading to a concerning trend of misinformation and division within society. The Weaponization of AI in Political Discourse Political trolling has become a pervasive tactic in Pakistan, as parties and their supporters leverage AI-generated content to manipulate public perception. One of the most alarming practices involves the creation of manipulated videos that distort the voices and images of opposing party leaders. These videos are designed to mislead viewers, often depicting politicia