Pakistan

Formed after gaining independence in 1947 from the British empire, Pakistan continues to be plagued by internal and external instability. It has been hard for Pakistan to achieve strong economic growth over the years, but it still provides opportunities for private sector investors. Security remains a primary concern for Pakistan, as the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan and tensions with its eastern neighbor India persist.

Events

The South Asia Center is the hub for the Atlantic Council’s analysis of the political, social, geographical, and cultural diversity of the region. ​At the intersection of South Asia and its geopolitics, SAC cultivates dialogue to shape policy and forge ties between the region and the global community.

Content

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 27, 2020

Women’s activism in Pakistan: Limits on freedom of choice, speech, and visibility in the public sphere

By Zainab Alam

The crux of this contentious debate does not just hang on freedom of choice. It demands a broader conversation about societal acceptance of women’s visibility in the public sphere and role in politics more broadly. Until Pakistani women are seen as full citizens of the state, and not just national subjects, such seemingly apolitical visual expression will continue to provoke much needed rights-based deliberation.

Pakistan Women

In the News

Mar 25, 2020

Aman in Responsible Statecraft: Without international aid, the coronavirus crisis in Iran will spread throughout South Asia

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Bangladesh

In the News

Mar 24, 2020

Younus in Dawn: As economy grinds to a halt, businesses need a stimulus package but they should prepare to give back

By Atlantic Council

Coronavirus Economy & Business

SouthAsiaSource

Mar 23, 2020

Social Justice and Activism in Pakistan with Jibran Nasir

By South Asia Center

With an exceedingly shrinking space for civil society and an emboldened right-wing, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Naya Pakistan is turning out to be the same-old Pakistan. Pakistani lawyer and civil rights activist Jibran Nasir helps us detangle some of Pakistan’s toughest contexts surrounding the country’s citizen empowerment, legal reforms, and social justice.

Civil Society Elections

In the News

Mar 18, 2020

Younus in his podcast “Pakistonomy,” episode 10: The Economic Impact of Coronavirus

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

In the News

Mar 16, 2020

Younus in his podcast “Pakistonomy,” episode 9: Can Pakistan Replicate Korea?

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 8, 2020

Younus in his podcast “Pakistonomy,” episode 8: Women, Feminism, and the Aurat March

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Human Rights

In the News

Mar 4, 2020

Biberman in The Washington Post: Young Kashmiris think India and Pakistan can resolve their differences over Kashmir

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management Human Rights

Feature

Mar 3, 2020

South Asia: The road ahead in 2020

By South Asia Center

South Asia’s economies are powered by an energetic young population eager to embrace 21st century economic opportunities and conscious of their growing centrality to global geopolitical calculations. Whether the governments of South Asia’s countries are capable of delivering on this promise is another question. Each state faces serious policy and governance challenges that must be addressed in 2020

Afghanistan Bangladesh

In the News

Mar 2, 2020

Younus in his podcast “Pakistonomy,” episode 7: Dr. Umair Javed

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

Experts