Author: Admin
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June 2019
Overview. The month of May has seen a build-up of US military hardware and bellicose rhetoric from both sides. Direct conflict seemed almost inevitable mid-month, until Donald Trump signalled that conflict and regime change were not Administration aims. The economy continues to worsen which, combined with the threat of war, has led to societal debate…
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June 2019
Overview. The new government is heading into its first budget next month. The political and security situation appear to be stable. The Rohingya refugee crisis remains in limbo. There is no evidence that Myanmar will be willing to give the refugees safe passage back. At the same time, the tensions between host communities and refugees…
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May 2019
Overview. The resignation of Finance Minister Asad Umar, PM Khan’s visit to China and Iran, ongoing economic challenges, and extended support from the military to the government for implementation of the National Action Plan, are the major highlights of the month. As anticipated and reported previously, the security situation remained comparatively peaceful except in Balochistan…
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May 2019
Overview. Further pressure was applied to the economy and regime this month as the US said it would not extend sanctions waivers on Iranian oil exports. With inflation rising sharply, particularly for food, and the rial suffering more losses this month, Iranians’ standard of living is set for greater decline.…… Read the rest
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May 2019
Overview. In the last month, security issues have come to the forefront, especially after the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka. A close relative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was killed in Colombo and other members of her family were seriously injured. The Prime Minister had directed the military forces to be on high alert.…… Read…
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April 2019
Overview. During the reporting period, outside of Balochistan and the Afghan border, Pakistan was generally calm. The month featured Pakistan Day celebrations on 23rd March, a visit by the Malaysian premier, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) actions against financial embezzlement, and a visit by an FATF team to assess the actions taken so far by Pakistan…
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April 2019
Overview. Iranian and US leaders issued statements and delivered speeches on the eve of the Iranian New Year (Nowrouz), 21st March. Messages had heavily political tones, with leaders blaming one another for increasing the hardship Iranian people face. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei labelled the new year (1398) “The Year of Production Boom”.…… Read the rest
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April 2019
Overview. Tobacco looks to be attracting more attention from campaigners, but whether or not the state will accede to demands for taxation changes remains to be seen. In the run up to the production of a new budget various groups are voicing their ideas and demands for taxation or funding.…… Read the rest
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March 2019
Overview. The rift between India and Pakistan over the Pulwama terrorist incident in Indian-administered Kashmir has been the hot topic under discussion on almost every Pakistani forum since 14th Feb. The country is facing challenges on many fronts; peace negotiations in Afghanistan, a deteriorated relationship with Iran over the terrorist incident on inside its neighbour’s…
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March 2019
Overview. Economic conditions worsen for ordinary Iranians and the country’s armed forces suffer their worst domestic terrorist incident for years in the restive south east. Limited good news came in the form of an FATF reprieve as counter-measures on the banking sector remain suspended until at least June. In practice, Iran’s banks remain isolated and…