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

Webcasts

Apr 2, 2014

Webcast: Countering Violent Extremism in Pakistan: Why Women Must Have a Role

Pakistan is at a crucial juncture as it tries to contain and combat militant violence that has devastated communities, families, and lives across all provinces. Pakistani women are frequent targets of radical ideologies and terrorism, giving them unique perspectives on how to counter violent extremism in their communities and homes. But despite the potential to […]

Pakistan

Event Recap

Mar 31, 2014

Rehaii Screening: Pursuing Gender Equality in Pakistan

“Poverty affects everyone in the household–the young, the old, the women, the men. So it is everybody’s responsibility to resolve it,” stated Kashf Foundation’s Managing Director Roshaneh Zafar, reflecting on conversations with Grameen Bank Founder Mohamed Younus during the formative stages of Kashf Foundation. “Gender issues are everybody’s problem. They are not just the problem of […]

Pakistan

Event Recap

Mar 30, 2014

India-Pakistan Track-II Water Cooperation Dialogue

The India- Pakistan Track-II Water Cooperation Dialogue, organized by the South Asia Center of the Atlantic Council, was held in Dubai from March 30-31, 2014. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Govt. of Pakistan, and Ambassador Salman Haidar, Former Foreign Secretary, Govt. of India, standing in […]

India Pakistan

SouthAsiaSource

Mar 21, 2014

This Week in South Asia: March 15 – 21

Commentary from the South Asia Center on the most relevant news from the region, and suggested “must-read” analyses from the week. IndiaVaranasi, the holiest of the seven sacred Hindu cities located on the banks of the Ganges, came into the election spotlight this week as Narendra Modi announced that he would contest the national elections […]

Afghanistan India

Event Recap

Mar 13, 2014

Briefing with US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson

On Thursday, March 13, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center hosted a discussion with US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson. Ambassador Olson discussed the US-Pakistan bilateral relationship, and elaborated on various security, economic, developmental and political dynamics between the two countries. This conversation is particularly important, looking at the year ahead, as Pakistan pieces together […]

Pakistan

SouthAsiaSource

Mar 7, 2014

This Week in South Asia: March 1 – 7

Commentary from the South Asia Center on the most relevant news from the region, and suggested “must-read” analyses from the week.IndiaAs the current Lok Sabah, India’s lower house of parliament, approaches it end on May 31, The Election Commission of India announced the dates on which the nation’s 814 million voters will go to the […]

Afghanistan India

SouthAsiaSource

Feb 28, 2014

This Week in South Asia: February 22-28

Commentary from the South Asia Center on the most relevant news from the region, and suggested “must-read” analyses from the week. PakistanAmidst targeted army strikes on militants’ hideouts in Waziristan, Pakistan’s released its first-ever internal security strategy primarily focused at eliminating the terrorist insurgency. The long awaited strategy takes a strong handed approach, stating “any […]

Afghanistan India

SouthAsiaSource

Feb 21, 2014

This Week in South Asia: February 15-21

Commentary from the South Asia Center on the most relevant news from the region, and suggested “must-read” analyses from the week. IndiaThe controversial ‘Telangana Bill’ was passed by both houses of India’s Parliament this week, thereby carving out India’s 29th state, Telangana, from an inland section of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. As […]

Afghanistan India

SouthAsiaSource

Feb 14, 2014

This Week in South Asia: February 8-14

Commentary from the South Asia Center on the most relevant news from the region, and suggested “must-read” analyses from the week. IndiaThe Aam Aadmi Party’s experiment with governance ends as Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, resigns from the post less than 2 months after he was sworn in. Keeping his word, Mr. Kejriwal carried out […]

Afghanistan India

In the News

Feb 12, 2014

Nawaz on Afghan Taliban Talks

By Shuja Nawaz

South Asia Center Director Shuja Nawaz is quoted by The Daily Beast on Pakistan’s role in the Afghan reconciliation process:

Afghanistan Pakistan

Experts