Pakistan Insight 2019

In February 2018, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) set up the Pakistan Study Group (PSG) to discuss and debate issues relating to Pakistan in a holistic manner. Meeting almost every fortnight since its inception, the discussions have been forthright and candid as also enriching and valuable. Articles include an overview of developments in Pakistan in 2018-19, the 2018 elections, the rise of the religious parties, especially the Barelivs, the future of Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Muslim League (N), the Aasia Bibi case, the Pashtun protests and the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement, pressures that Pakistan faces from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Pakistan s economy and the challenges it confronts. The external section looks at Pakistan s interactions with the key countries: Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the US. This section has articles on the prospects of Indo-Pak relations, the efficacy of the Track II process, the Balakote strike, developments in Gilgit Baltistan, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the complexities of the Afghan peace process, Pak-Afghan relations, Pak-US relations and the Pak-Saudi-Iran triangle. The book concludes with some thoughts on the future trajectory of Pakistan.

Tilak Devasher is the author of three widely acclaimed books on Pakistan: `Pakistan: Courting the Abyss` (December 2016); `Pakistan: At the Helm` (July 2018) and `Pakistan: The Balochistan Conundrum` (July 2019). Tilak retired as Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India in October 2014. He is currently a member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and also a Consultant with the Vivekananda International Foundation. During his professional career Tilak specialized in security issues, especially pertaining to India`s neighbourhood. Post retirement, he has continued to take a keen interest in such issues with special focus on Pakistan. Tilak has taken to writing after his superannuation. Apart from his books, he has written articles for a wide variety of mainstream newspapers and magazines as also online platforms. He has also a regular guest on TV debates and shows on India Today, Times Now, CNN News, RajyaSabha TV, AajTak, WION and CNBC. Tilak is an alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer and St. Stephen`s College, Delhi.