Pakistan

Iran-Pakistan tensions

What was behind the Balochistan strikes?

Tit-for-tat attacks between neighbours Iran and Pakistan are linked to separatists fighting for independence of the mineral-rich Balochistan region that spans their borders
Culture unites where politics divide

Bollywood – bringing India and Pakistan closer together

Indian movie stars, especially from Bollywood, have huge fan bases in Pakistan – despite the bitter political rivalry between the neighbouring nations. What's driving this popularity?
Afghans expelled from Pakistan

Deportations damage the economy and the environment

The deportation of Afghan refugees is taking a massive toll on Pakistan's recycling and plastics industry, which relies heavily on Afghan labourers
Pakistan after the mass departure of Afghans

Exodus of Afghans causes major headache for Pakistan's farms and mines

Skilled Afghan workers are in short supply in Pakistan as the country continues its clampdown on illegal migrants. Farmers and mine owners are now paying the price
Afghans in Pakistan facing deportation and uncertainty

They fled Afghanistan seeking refuge from the Taliban in Pakistan. Now faced with forced deportation, more than 200,000 Afghans have left the South Asian country, going back into the unknown
Kashmir: Back to life

After years of rioting and turmoil, Kashmir is once again open for business. Yet foreign tourists remain hesitant, their uncertainty driven by security concerns. By Eric Lafforgue
Climate change

Pakistan faces a looming water crisis

Pakistan is facing a looming water crisis that threatens to exacerbate food insecurity. Political instability and economic fragility are complicating the situation further. The government is taking steps to address the problems, but much more needs to be done. By Abdur Rehman Cheema
Modi's Hinduisation of India

The curse of identity politics

Unusual public criticism of India by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following the murder of a Sikh separatist in Canada has once again focused international attention on the movement for a separate Sikh state. By Mohammad Luqman
Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan

Who are the Pakistani Islamists vowing 'death to blasphemers'?

An outlawed Islamist political party with the main objective of protecting Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws and punishing blasphemers has been linked to violence against Christians and the burning of several churches
Taliban Afghanistan 2 years on

Report from a forgotten land

15 August 2023 marked the second anniversary of the Taliban's return to Afghanistan. Emran Feroz recently travelled through the country – here is his exclusive report for Qantara.de on everyday life in Kabul
Sweden Koran burnings

Playing to the radicals

As Sweden grapples with the diplomatic fallout of a series of Koran burnings, radicals on all sides are rubbing their hands and exploiting the moment. Birgit Svensson travelled from Baghdad to Stockholm to get the full picture
Music: Universal Echoes by Kuné

An impactful message from Canada's Global Orchestra

The musicians in the Canadian music ensemble Kuné come from a diverse array of traditions and cultures. On their new album, they share their concern for our planet's future in a collection of glorious tracks. By Richard Marcus