Tabadlab Presents...

In this episode, Uzair talks to Khurram Husain about the 2025 budget and what the government got wrong. We also talked about Pakistan's ability to extract geopolitical rents and how this stunts the reform agenda in the country. You can read Khurram's latest column on the budget here - https://www.dawn.com/news/1916673/thrashing-around Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Budget assessment 11:10 Solar power access 20:20 Geopolitical rents and Pakistan 38:40 Conclusion

Uzair talks to Dr. Kamran Bokhari about what the Trump Administration and his MAGA movement wants to achieve in the foreign policy and geopolitical realms. This is an area where there is still a lot of misconceptions about what Trump wants and the goals of his movement. Dr. Bokhari breaks down his assessment of the White House's goals from Europe and the Middle East to China. Finally, Dr. Bokhari also shares what he has picked up from the conversation in Washington about the recent India-Pakistan war. Dr. Kamran Bokhari is the Senior Director of the Eurasian Security and Prosperity portfolio at the New Lines Institute. He served as Director of the Analytical Development Department from 2019 to 2023. Dr. Bokhari is also a national security and foreign policy specialist at the University of Ottawa's Professional Development Institute. Some of the recent pieces of analyses he has written are worth a read: - https://geopoliticalfutures.com/what-the-latest-india-pakistan-conflict-means-for-the-us/ - https://geopoliticalfutures.com/pakistans-crucial-role-in-chinas-military-strategy/ - https://geopoliticalfutures.com/postwar-security-in-gaza/ - https://geopoliticalfutures.com/a-new-reality-in-the-india-pakistan-conflict/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:20 What does Trump want? 10:30 Evolving situation in Europe 20:18 Russia-China nexus 26:50 Israel, Iran, and the Middle East 43:30 Dealing with a rising China 54:40 Washington's view on India-Pak War

Uzair talks to Dr. Sahar Khan about her key takeaways from the recent India-Pakistan war and why this conflict was an inflection point. We also talked about the role of international diplomacy, particularly the United States. Finally, the conversation also looked at what could happen in the next crisis, and the ways in which better engagement could avert total disaster. Dr. Sahar Khan is an independent analyst and an expert on South Asian regional dynamics and strategic stability. She is based in Washington, DC. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Key takeaways from the war 27:50 Role of diplomacy and the US 37:30 What happens in the next crisis? 51:45 Reading recommendations You can access Dr. Khan's recent commentary here: - https://inkstickmedia.com/the-myths-that-keep-india-and-pakistan-at-war/ - https://theworld.org/segments/2025/05/22/surge-in-popularity-for-pakistani-military - https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3310688/rapid-escalation-india-pakistan-clashes-warning-new-tech-dangers

Uzair talks to Colonel Ajai Shukla (retired) about the fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. We spoke about the state of the insurgency in the region, how their tactics and strategies are evolving, and what can be done to improve security. In addition, we also touched on the prospects of a India-Pakistan war and potential off ramps that could be available for either side to take. Colonel Ajai Shukla (Retired) is a columnist and freelance journalist. He writes on strategic affairs, defence policy, military technology and the defence economy. He has written extensively for Business Standard, a pan-India daily; and for The New York Times, Guardian, BBC, Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post. He hosts a defence affairs blog, Broadsword (ajaishukla.com), which is visited daily by over 5,000 readers from across the world. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Normalcy in Kashmir 6:00 Evolution of tactics 11:40 Intelligence failures and counterinsurgency 19:20 Evidence about links to Pakistan 25:30 India-Pakistan tensions 31:10 General Munir's strategy 35:10 Conclusion

Uzair talks to Dr. Hassan Abbas about the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Kashmir. We talked about what options are on the table for both sides, the role of the United States, and why engagement and negotiations are the only path forward for both countries. Dr. Hassan Abbas is Distinguished Professor of International Relations at the Near East South Asia Strategic Studies Centre (NESA), National Defense University in Washington DC. He serves as a senior advisor at Project on Shi'ism and Global Affairs at Harvard University's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, and his current research work focuses on building narratives for countering political and religious extremism & rule of law reforms in developing states. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:30 Backdrop of the terror attack 14:20 Allegations and evidence 18:50 Narratives and media 25:10 Commitment traps 29:40 US response so far 36:30 Misreading the other side

Uzair talks to Muhammad Faisal about the fallout from the recent terror attack in Kashmir and the options both India and Pakistan have moving forward. We talk about the nuclear stability risks in the region as well as potential off-ramps that can help deescalate the situation. Muhammad Faisal is a Research Fellow at the University of Technology in Sydney and an expert in strategic stability and India-Pakistan relations. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:30 What led to this crisis? 15:40 Options for both sides 33:30 Off ramps and deescalation

In this episode, Uzair talks to Adil Husain about his perspective on how AI is going to disrupt the labor market and create new opportunities for young talent in markets like Pakistan. Adil is an entrepreneur and strategist based in Washington. You can read his full piece here - https://adilhusain.substack.com/p/the-real-ai-threat-is-a-27-year-old If you want to get in touch with Adil, message him on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilhusain

In this episode, Uzair talk to Abdul Moiz Jaferii about the frivolous cases against journalist Farhan Mallick, who was arrested during Ramzan and given bail after Eid. We discussed the ways in which a process was used to deliver punishment against him, and how the state of Pakistan is moving towards criminalizing thought in the country. Abdul Moiz Jaferii was part of the legal team that is continuing to represent Mr. Mallick in his ongoing cases.

Uzair talks to Zahid Husain about the worsening security situation in Balochistan, which has led the army chief to assert that Pakistan must become a “hard state.” We discussed what can be defined as a hard state, and also try to understand the reasons for why Zahid Husain calls Pakistan a “predator state.” Zahid Husain is an author and journalist who writes a weekly column for Dawn. You can read his latest column titled “A Predator State” here: https://www.dawn.com/news/1900408 Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:40 What is a predator state? 15:10 The state's colonial mindset 24:10 Difference in KPK and Balochistan 33:50 Anti-military sentiment in Punjab 38:10 Evolving views on military intervention

Uzair talks to Adil Mansoor about the state of Pakistan's agriculture sector and the outlook for the year. We focused on the wheat and sugar markets, whether deregulation is here to stay, and the ways in which farmers have dealt with collapsing wheat prices. Adil Mansoor is an agriculture analyst and writes for Business Recorder Research. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:40 Water shortages 4:10 Wheat outlook 18:00 Food inflation coming back? 24:20 Sugar prices 36:50 Storage and supply chain issues 42:00 Market reforms

Uzair talks to Arifa Noor about the mood in Islamabad after the Jaffer Express terror attack in Balochistan. We discussed the failures of Pakistan's Balochistan policy, why political elites have continued to cede space to the military on key topics, and the decline in parliament's standing over the years. Arifa Noor is a journalist at Dawn and host of the TV show Newswise. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Jaffer Express fallout 13:10 PPP pushes back against canal projects 23:10 PTI and an opposition alliance 31:30 Media blackouts and conspiracy theories

This episode focuses on the ongoing and worsening crisis in Balochistan, where militancy is rising and the political process shows no signs of improving. Rafiullah Kakar joins Uzair to explain what is going on in the province, the root causes of the insurgency, and why a number of political problems have added fuel to the burning fire in Balochistan. Finally, Rafiullah also discusses his research on the structural and constitutional drivers of the core political economy issues in the province, with the conversation concluding on what can be done to alleviate the crisis in Balochistan. Rafiullah Kakar is a policy analyst currently pursuing a PhD at Cambridge University, where he is seeking to understand the political economy of sub-national state capacity through a comparative study of education policy in two Pakistani provinces: Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. You can read Rafiullah Kakar's paper that was discussed on the podcast here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14662043.2024.2382458 Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Worsening militancy in Balochistan 17:10 Engaging with young political leaders 25:50 India's role in the insurgency 32:20 Is the status quo secure? 36:10 Structural drivers of the issues 47:20 Devolution of power 56:00 Competition in politics

This episode focuses on the latest developments in Pakistan's startup and innovation ecosystem Uzair talks to Sarah Munir about the latest findings from invest2innovate's 2024 Startup Ecosystem Report. Sarah is CEO at invest2innovate and has over 15 years of experience in driving impact and fueling growth. invest2innovate supports startup communities in growth markets and has been working in Pakistan since 2011. You can read the full report here - https://invest2innovate.com/ecosystem-reports/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:50 Key findings and learnings 11:30 Learnings for young entrepreneurs 14:30 Learning for investors 17:20 Policy and regulatory issues 23:10 Cultural shifts around entrepreneurship 27:10 Critical thinking and innovation 30:00 Opportunities for growth 33:30 Going beyond maturity 37:08 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations: - Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain - Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight - Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built by Duncan Clark - Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Qamar Cheema about Pakistan's foreign policy priorities, including relations with Afghanistan and the United States. We also talked about whether Donald Trump will intervene in Pakistan's affairs to help release Imran Khan. Dr. Qamar Cheema is Executive Director of the Sanober Institute, a think tank based in Islamabad. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Afghanistan relations 18:20 Trump releasing Khan? 26:10 Pakistan-Iran relations 31:05 Erdogan's trip to Pakistan 37:20 Chinese disappointment

In this episode, Uzair talks to Khurram Husain about the PML-N government's economic performance over the last year. We talked about how IMF stabilization is the easy part, why generating growth risks creating the same problems for the country, and the ways in which business interest groups are advocating for a return to past policies. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Performance review 8:10 Reasons for lack of reforms 20:30 Stabilization a big achievement? 29:40 SBP's role in killing inflation

In this episode, Uzair talks to Amir Husain about DeepSeek's innovations in the world of artificial intelligence, which has been described as a “Sputnik Moment” by many in the technology world. We also talked about how DeepSeek achieved these innovations and what they tell us about China's innovation ecosystem. Finally, Amir shares his view on export controls on cutting-edge technology and whether it helps achieve U.S. national security goals. Amir Husain is a serial entrepreneur, veteran AI technologist, and author based in Austin, Texas. He has received widespread acclaim for his pioneering work, including Austin's Top Entrepreneur award and inclusion in Austin's 40 Under 40. In 2013, Amir founded SparkCognition, now Avathon. Under Amir's leadership, the company achieved a unicorn valuation, marking a significant milestone in its journey. As the Founder and Executive Board Member of this award-winning AI company, Amir led the firm as CEO from its inception until the end of 2023. Amir has been awarded over 30 patents in AI and distributed systems. He serves on UT Austin's Computer Science Board, NATO's Innovation Advisory Board and the Board of Global Venture Bridge, fostering international entrepreneurial collaboration. He is the author of the best-selling book “The Sentient Machine,” a co-author of “Hyperwar: Conflict and Competition in the AI Century”, and has recently published “Generative Art”, “Generative AI for Leaders” and “Serious Machines.” Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:10 What did DeepSeek achieve? 19:20 US-China Chip Wars and Export Controls 33:10 Sputnik Moment and Choices for America

In this episode, Uzair talks to Ankur Bhardwaj about India's economic slowdown and its root causes. We also talked about what options the government has to stimulate growth through the budget, and the reasons why the Indian Rupee has been weakening in recent weeks. Finally, we touched on major structural reforms that are needed in India and whether the Modi-led BJP government can push them through. Ankur Bhardwaj is Web Editor at Business Standard. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Slowing growth in India 10:10 Navigating the budget cycle 14:50 Reform priorities 19:20 Promoting exports 23:30 Navigating the politics of reforms 26:50 Risks in the near-term

In this episode Uzair talks to Ali Nazari about the current state of affairs in Afghanistan, the status of the resistance against the Taliban, and the ways in which the Taliban are allowing transnational terrorism to occur from Afghanistan. Ali Nazari is Head of Foreign Relations for the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF). Ali began his career in communications at Khorasan TV, hosting a weekly show on politics and current affairs in Afghanistan. He then was Director of Media Affairs for Abdullah Abdullah's 2014 presidential campaign. As tensions between the Taliban and the government grew amidst the drawdown of NATO forces from Afghanistan, Nazary served as a chief foreign policy advisor and a liaison between Ahmad Massoud and foreign diplomats up until his departure from Kabul a few days after August 15, 2021. Since then, Nazary has served as Head of Foreign Relations for the NRF. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 The NRF and state of play in Afghanistan 6:50 Life under the Taliban 12:40 Pakistan's bet on the Taliban 17:40 How can Pakistan change its Afghanistan policy? 24:30 Regional strategy 29:50 NRF and Pakistan relations 38:40 Expectations from Trump administration 43:40 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - In the Name of my Father: Struggling for Freedom in Afghanistan by Ahmad Massoud - Afghanistan: A History from 1260 to the Present by Jonathan L. Lee - Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: Pitfalls and the Way Forward edited by Huma Baqai and Nausheen Wasi

In this episode, Uzair talks to Sardar Awais Leghari, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division), about the recently announced incentives for electric vehicle charging in Pakistan because of which tariffs will be cut by almost 45 percent. We spoke about why this announcement was made and what impact Minister Leghari anticipates as an outcome of these policy incentives. We also spoke about near-term reform priorities in the power sector for 2025 and the minister's views on uniform and competitive pricing for electricity in Pakistan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:39 EV charging incentives 8:20 Solar net metering 16:20 Reform priorities for 2025 20:50 Competitive pricing

In this episode, Uzair talks to Amb. Asif Durrani about the state of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and why they have soured. Amb. Durrani is the former special representative to Afghanistan and Senior Research Fellow at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute. You can read his recent article here - https://stratheia.com/choose-between-pakistan-or-ttp/

In this episode, Uzair talks to Khurram Husain about what 2024 was like for Pakistan's economy and the outlook for 2025. We discussed how stability was restored on the economic fronts, its associated costs, and why no real reform has happened so far under the current setup. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:58 Stability restored 7:10 Finance minister's performance 16:47 Investor confidence in Pakistan 23:20 Outlook for 2025

In this episode, Uzair talks Junaid Iqbal about his experience on Shark Tank Pakistan and the businesses that have excited him the most. We talked about valuations for businesses, the talent in the country, and the role Shark Tank can play in exciting next-generation talent in the country to be entrepreneurs. We also talked about Junaid's project @Pakistan&Counting, which is making excellent and nuanced content on business and economic topics. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:24 Shark Tank experience 9:45 Valuations for businesses 17:08 Pakistan & Counting 24:00 Pakistan's power crisis and opportunity 38:45 Doing the right things in the economy 53:18 Conclusion Links: - https://www.youtube.com/@PakistanAndCounting - https://youtu.be/rGioFk29o4U?si=yiIX43KfEZ9YTfZL - https://youtu.be/_IhB6LkQXLU?si=MQk6N_QNbRr8ezv9 - https://youtu.be/5KX1uNFsvks?si=rdKmQJLGUQ5DkClY

In this episode, Uzair talks to Zaigham Khan about PTI's final call protest which ended in failure on November 26. We talked about the reasons for this failure, the current regime's own weaknesses, and why the PTI and Imran Khan ought to reconsider their strategy. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Politics of dharna 9:30 Failure of coalition building 14:40 Why didn't people come out? 23:08 PTI's mistakes 32:47 Establishment's weaknesses 39:20 General Munir's strengths 45:02 Conclusion Recommendations: Imran Khan's interview where he accepts using the ISI: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/news/transcripts/read-imran-khans-full-atlantic-council-interview-on-failed-peace-with-india-pakistans-plight-and-his-own-fate/ Imran Ismail's podcast with Kamran Khan: https://youtu.be/cYdfWto0Cqc

In this episode, Uzair talks to Sunil Dahiya about the air pollution crisis in India and its key causes. We talked about what is being done to resolve this issue, why public pressure has not materialized in a big way, and how this current season marks an inflection point. Sunil is founder of Envirocatalysts and has been conducting research and advocacy on air pollution and environmental improvements for years. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:20 Causes of the crisis 12:10 Vehicle testing and controls 18:20 Public pressure 30:10 What needs to happen 41:00 Reading recommendations 43:30 Conclusion Reading recommendations: - Choked by Beth Garner - Breathless by Jennifer Niven - Under the Dome (Documentary on YouTube)

In this episode, Uzair talks to Mishal S. Khan about the ways in which doctors are incentivized to over-prescribe medications to patients in Pakistan. This is something many of us have known about anecdotally, but now we have research to tell us about how widespread this problem could be. Mishal S. Khan is a Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the UK and Visiting Faculty at Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Guest's profile link - https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/aboutus/people/khan.mishal-s More details about the study - https://www.patientsnotprofits.org Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Key findings 6:50 Does ethics training help? 11:30 Local v. international companies 14:40 Methodology 18:10 Pressure by patients 21:00 Policy recommendations 24:50 What can individuals do? 28:39 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Why we sleep by Matthew Walker - Poems by Faiz

Pakistan's cities are choking on smog, with the cities in Punjab including Lahore being the worst impacted. In this episode, Uzair talks to Abid Omar about what is causing this air pollution crisis in the country and what can be done about it. Abid Omar is the founder of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, which provides community-driven air quality data and resources to increase social awareness. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:30 What is going on? 12:10 Transportation's impact 26:20 Things that can be done to solve the crisis 42:50 Do we need more data? Reading recommendations: - Factfulness by Hans Rosling - The Economics of Air Pollution in China by Ma Jun - A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth

Uzair talks to Shadi Hamid on the US elections and the difficult choice American-Muslims are having to make in this cycle given the choices on offer. Shadi shared his own thoughts on how the Biden administration utterly failed when it comes to stopping the ongoing orgy of violence in Gaza. We also talk about why Kamala Harris has failed to engage with the community during the campaign, and the threat Trump represents to both Arab and Muslim lives at home and abroad. Shadi Hamid is a columnist at the Washington Post and author of the book The problem of democracy: America, the Middle East, and the rise and fall of an idea. He also co-hosts the podcast The Wisdom of Crowds. Episode Links: - https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/shadi-hamid/ - https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Democracy-America-Middle-East/dp/0197579469 - https://wisdomofcrowds.live/podcast Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:00 Is this an inflection point for Muslim-Americans? 11:28 Democrats v. Republicans 18:10 Why do people think Trump is better? 24:50 Democrat's failure to engage 32:45 US policy on democracy 40:15 Nuance and politics 44:25 Engaging on foreign policy 50:29 Conclusion Reading recommendations: - Light Years by James Salter - The Study Quran

Uzair talks to Nayyera Haq about the upcoming U.S. elections and what it means for the country, especially for immigrants and members of the American-Pakistani diaspora. We talked about the recent endorsement by PAKPAC for Donald Trump, the impact of the war in Gaza on voters, and scenarios for election night. Nayyera Haq is a seasoned communications strategist, speaker, and former White House Senior Director and diplomat known for her expertise in helping leaders communicate powerfully and authentically. As a respected political commentator, she regularly appears on outlets like CNN and MSNBC discussing global affairs, culture, and policy. Nayyera also hosts of the TrailBlaze podcast and talk radio on SiriusXM, where she amplifies diverse perspectives and thought leadership. With her dynamic career at the intersection of journalism and communication, Nayyera is a trusted voice in shaping public narratives. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Pakistanis supporting Trump 13:55 Muslim-Americans and Gaza 25:50 State of the political race 33:10 Countering Trump rigging allegations 37:35 Future of the Republicans 45:15 Future of the Democrats 51:45 Elections and foreign policy

In this episode, Uzair has a broad conversation with Fasi Zaka about whats going on in Pakistan with the recent student protests, the constitutional amendments, and the state of the broader information ecosystem. We also talked about two of the weirdest amendments being discussed as part of the proposed constitutional amendments and what they mean for Pakistan. Fasi Zaka is a Pakistani political commentator, columnist, radio talk show host, and television anchor. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:20 What's going on in the PTI? 19:20 Rape allegations and protests 31:20 Media ecosystem and regulations 52:01 Pakistani diaspora supports Trump? 1:00:10 Gaza and the media 1:06:15 Constitutional amendments

Political tensions continue to brew in Pakistan, with the Sharif government facing issues both in Islamabad and in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. In this episode, Uzair talks to Arifa Noor about the latest political developments in Pakistan. Arifa Noor is a journalist with Dawn and host of the shows Newswise. We covered what going on with the announcement to ban and then un-ban the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), why the Tehreek-e-Insaf is facing challenges in achieving its goals via protests, and the reasons for the PML-N's growing confidence in the economy. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 PTM ban 21:20 PTI protests and its impact 28:10 Centers of power in Pakistan 36:53 Economic stability and PML-N's confidence 51:25 Bilawal's role in constitutional amendment

The world seems like it is staring into the abyss, with conflicts breaking out across Eurasia. Does this mean that we are entering a new global conflict where the three great powers – the United States, Russia, and China – are entering into direct conflict? What role are smaller powers such as Israel and Iran, playing in all of this? And what do the political systems in the great powers tell us about what comes next? These are the big questions that Dr. Kamran Bokhari tries to answer in this conversation. Dr. Kamran Bokhari is the Senior Director of the Eurasian Security and Prosperity portfolio at the New Lines Institute. He served as Director of the Analytical Development Department from 2019 to 2023. Dr. Bokhari is also a national security and foreign policy specialist at the University of Ottawa's Professional Development Institute. Some of the recent pieces of analyses he has written are worth a read: - https://newlinesinstitute.org/political-systems/post-khamenei-iran-the-future-of-evolutionary-regime-change/ - https://geopoliticalfutures.com/irans-regional-position-is-crumbling/ - https://geopoliticalfutures.com/southwest-asias-shatter-belt/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Are we in a third world war? 13:10 Evolution of warfare 22:10 Role of smaller powers 31:30 Critiquing the Washington Beltway consensus 43:30 Assessing China and Russia 59:02 Future scenarios 1:15:30 US elections and foreign policy

In this episode, Uzair talks Khurram Husain about the recent agreement between Pakistan and the IMF, which has secured a 3-year $7 billion programme. We talked about what comes next for the economy and why the hard work is only just beginning. In addition, we focused on Pakistan's debt sustainability, with Khurram sharing his perspective on why restructuring debt is perhaps not the right path for the country at this point in time. The articles we referred to in our conversation are linked below: - https://www.dawn.com/news/1859741/shaky-stability - https://www.dawn.com/news/1861209/and-audits-for-all - https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2024/08/28/break-the-taboos-propping-up-unsustainable-debt-pleads-a-former-central-banker - https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/pakistan-needs-public-debt-restructuring-by-sanjay-kathuria-1-2024-09 Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:45 Debt restructuring for Pakistan 13:16 IMF agreement and its implications 22:55 Petrol prices and relief 29:10 Politics and the current status quo 36:25 Conclusion

In this episode, Uzair talks to Salahuddin Ahmed about the ongoing moves to amend Pakistan's constitution and its drivers. We focused on the role of the Supreme Court, why the government is pushing through a new ordinance to change the court's procedures, and the impact of political polarization on the superior judiciary. We also talked about why these proposed changes matter to ordinary citizens, and the outlook for Pakistan's democracy. Salahuddin Ahmed is a lawyer and former president of the Sindh High Court Bar Association. He recently wrote a must-read piece on these proposed amendments which you can read here - https://www.dawn.com/news/1859376/constitutional-package-judicial-overhaul-or-national-suicide Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:10 Ordinance issued by government 19:10 What does the government want to achieve? 31:00 Politics and judiciary 36:50 Patronage and the courts 42:05 Why should citizens care? 56:30 Paving the way for authoritarian rule

Pakistan's parliament has historically been one of the weakest institutions in the country, but even by those standards, events that transpired over this past week have set a new low. Masked men entered parliament and took away numerous PTI legislators, who were subsequently arrested by the police. This has caused an uproar across the country, with the PTI leading the charge in terms of talking about the sustained and accelerating decimation of the rule of law and democracy in the country. In this episode, Uzair talks to Salman Akram Raja about what happened in parliament and what comes next. Mr. Raja is Secretary General of the PTI and a senior supreme court lawyer. We also talked about coalition building and how the PTI intends to reach out to other groups who have been protesting against similar violations for years. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 What happened in parliament? 8:30 Ways to strengthen parliament 13:50 Situation in the judiciary 20:45 What is the PTI's overall engagement strategy? 26:10 Gandapur, divisions, and coalition building 31:40 PTI's outreach to PTM and others

In this episode, Uzair talks to Tabarak Rehman who is attempting to become the first person ever to run 1,400 kilometers across the length of Pakistan to raise awareness around the country's education crisis. His goal is to raise $1 million for The Citizens Foundation, an incredible non-profit that operates nearly 2,000 schools in Pakistan. Tabarak is a New York-based Turnaround & Restructuring Consultant at AlixPartners, who's also super passionate about educating Pakistani students. Through his social media, he has guided hundreds of Pakistani students toward higher education in the U.S., even helping secure over a million dollars in student loans for at least 30 of them. His academic journey started from his boarding high school, Cadet College Hasan Abdal after which he went to IBA Karachi for his undergrad and then Northeastern University in Boston, where he earned his Master's degree. He also holds a CFA Charter. You can support Tabarak's cause here - https://fundraise.tcfglobal.org/fundraiser/384593207740/tabarak-runs-across-pakistan-for-education Follow Tabarak's run here - https://www.instagram.com/tabarakruns/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:20 Tabarak's journey 14:45 Resources for getting an education in the US 20:30 Running 1,400 kilometers 26:30 Training regimen 32:00 How to help 38:10 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell - The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason - Built to Last by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Ilhan Niaz about where Pakistan stands today and the nature of the status quo ruling the country. We also talked about the mainstreaming of anti-establishment views and what that means for the politics in the country. Finally, we also talked about modernization and the role of the Protestant Reformation in kick-starting this process in Europe, and whether Pakistan has the core ingredients to modernize. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Independence Day 2024 4:15 Where did Pakistan go wrong? 14:50 Assessing the status quo today 21:00 Anti-establishment views in Punjab 29:15 Protestant Reformation and modernity 39:55 Can Pakistan modernize? 51:50 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations - Great State – China and the World by Timothy Brook - Asad Rahim's essay in Dawn - https://www.dawn.com/news/1852072/the-two-partitions-polemics-purges-and-pakistans-first-opposition-party

In this episode, Uzair talks to Amb. Shamsher Mubin Chowdhury about what led to the collapse of the Hasina regime in Bangladesh and what comes next for the country. We focused on the reasons why younger citizens were angry with the government and reports of violence against Hindus over the last few days. We also discussed whether foreign agencies led to Hasina's ouster. Amb. Chowdhury is a war hero who took active part in the Bangladesh War of Liberation in 1971. For his bravery and contribution in the battlefield the Government of Bangladesh conferred upon him the gallantry award Bir Bikram. He has also served as a top diplomat for Bangladesh around the world, including as Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States of America, with concurrent accreditation to Colombia, Brazil and Mexico from 2005 to 2007. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:20 What just happened? 17:40 Claims of foreign involvement 29:20 Secularism in Bangladesh 40:05 What comes next?

Balochistan's city of Gwadar has been the center of protests for the last few days. Roads and highways leading into the city have been blocked and countless protestors have been arrested. Uzair talks to Dr. Mahvish Ahmad to figure out what is going on in the province and better understand the underlying reasons for the crisis in Balochistan. Dr. Mahvish Ahmad is an Assistant Professor in Human Rights and Politics. Before joining LSE, she was an A.W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Humanities Research, University of the Western Cape. She completed her PhD in Sociology at Cambridge. Earlier, Mahvish was a journalist covering military and insurgent violence in the Pakistan-Afghanistan region, and co-founded the bilingual Urdu/English magazine Tanqeed with Madiha Tahir. She is currently completing a book on state violence in Pakistan's southern province of Balochistan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:05 What's going on in the province? 7:00 Multiple issues driving protests 13:30 Missing persons 19:05 Resource extraction 25:40 Historical drivers 32:55 Baloch protestors v. TLP 37:10 Islamabad politics and Balochistan 42:05 Evolution of Baloch society 51:05 Path forward 57:20 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - https://loksujag.com/special-edition/bloch-women-long-march - https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/items/dee93c5f-6f5e-43a8-bfd7-e79de8d2d35f - https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/home-front-changing-insurgency-balochistan - https://www.scribd.com/document/554334646/The-Problem-of-Greater-Balochistan-PDFDrive

In this episode, Uzair talks to Zaigham Khan about the ongoing polycrisis in Pakistan and the path forward. We focused on the structural drivers of this conflict, in particular the breaking down of the post-Zia social contract that has sustained Pakistan's political economy for decades. Zaigham argues that the PTI's popularity is a symptom of the underlying breakdown of this social contract and that repression is unlikely to yield any sustainable stability in the country. We also discussed why fundamental reforms of the political economy are needed to even sustain the various elite factions ruling the country today. Zaigham Khan is an anthropologist and political analyst. You can follow him on X @zaighamkhan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 What is causing the crisis? 8:50 PTI's conversion to constitutionalism 18:30 Elite conflict in Pakistan 28:50 Can same page be sustained? 33:45 Why are the elite fighting within? 42:10 Breakdown of the status quo 46:50 Establishment view on repression 56:20 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations - The Alif Laila and other mythological books - Masnavi by Rumi - Political Conflict in Pakistan by Dr. Mohammad Waseem

In this episode, Uzair talks to Faysal Itani about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. We talked about the current state of play, the strategic goals for both sides, and the role of the United States, Iran, and other powers. Faysal Itani is a Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy. He is also an adjunct professor of Middle East politics at Georgetown University. Itani was born in and grew up in Beirut, Lebanon, and has lived and worked in several Middle East countries. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Current state of play 21:10 Washington's appetite for regional conflict 29:10 Role of US politics and elections 33:25 Key risks to watch 37:40 Role of China and Russia 41:40 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Warriors of God by Nicholas Blanford - The Iron Wall by Avi Shlaim - History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides

In this episode, Uzair talks to Zahid Hussain about the latest in Pakistan, where the Sharif government has announced it will seek to ban Imran Khan's PTI. This is a dangerous move and Zahid helps us understand why this reflects the ruling regime's weakness. We also talked about internal politics within the Pakistan Army and why this confrontation is headed in a very dangerous direction for Pakistan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 PTI ban reasons 14:05 Surveillance in Pakistan 19:20 Supreme Court v. Establishment 28:30 Internal politics of the army 37:00 What comes next?

In this episode, Uzair talks to Gilles Verniers about the recent French parliamentary election results. With many expecting gridlock in Paris, Gilles helps us understand what the results mean and what comes next for the country. Gilles Verniers is Karl Loewenstein Fellow and Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science at Amherst College, and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. He also holds affiliations with the Centre for Advanced Studies of India at UPenn, and the Centre de Sciences Humaines in New Delhi. His research focuses on Indian electoral and party politics, political representation, women and minorities participation in politics and India's democratic trajectory. He regularly contributes to various Indian media and was based in Delhi from 2005 to 2023. He graduated from Sciences Po, Paris. You can read his recent pieces on the elections here: - https://m.thewire.in/article/world/france-election-far-right-marine-le-pen-macron - https://thewire.in/world/france-dodges-a-bullet-for-now-but-sinks-in-uncertainty Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:05 Understanding the differences in the groups 9:30 The normalization of the far-right 20:40 Lack of coalition culture in France 30:05 Personalization of acrimony 33:01 The left's agenda and its foreign policy 38:20 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations - Cas Mudde, The Far Right Today (2019) - James Shields (2007), The Extreme Right in France: From Pétain to Le Pen

This episode is about assessing Joe Biden's foreign policy as it relates to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While not a whole lot has changed in terms of the substance of US policy towards Palestine and Israel, a lot has indeed changed in terms of the political discourse in Washington. Uzair talked to Matt Duss about these developments and the long-term implications of Biden's foreign policy choices. We also talked about the prospects for a broad agreement with Saudi Arabia, and the ways in which communities can engage at the grassroots levels to influence foreign policy. Matt Duss is Executive Vice-President at the Center for International Policy. The Center for International Policy is a woman-led, progressive, independent nonprofit center for research, education, and advocacy working to advance a more peaceful, just, and sustainable U.S. approach to foreign policy. Before joining CIP, Duss was a visiting scholar in the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. From 2017-22, Duss was foreign policy advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt). Duss's work has been widely published, including in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, The Nation, The American Prospect, and Foreign Policy. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:20 What has changed in Washington? 5:20 Role of AIPAC 8:40 America's leverage over Israel 12:20 Impact of the presidential debate 18:35 Long-term implications of US choices 22:10 Saudi-Israel normalization 27:10 Key risks on the horizon 30:30 What can we do to change policy? 32:45 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations - The Price of Peace: Money, Democracy, and the Life of John Maynard Keynes by Zachary D. Carter - Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis and Quincy Troupe

There has been a lot of confusion about the recently-announced Azm-e-Istehkam effort, which was initially dubbed as an operation but later revised to be a vision by the Sharif-led government. To talk about what the state is trying to do and to better understand the growing security crisis across Pakistan, Uzair invited Iftikhar Firdous to the podcast. Iftikhar is founder and editor of The Khorasan Diary, an organization that closely follows security issues in the region. We talked about the role of China and the Afghan Taliban in the ongoing crisis, the regional dynamics at play, and why the political division across Pakistan is exacerbating the crisis. If you want to stay on top of these topics, follow Iftikhar at @IftikharFirdous. You should also follow The Khorasan Diary at @khorasandiary and subscribe to their YoutTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/TheKhorasanDiary Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:20 What is Azm-e-Istehkam? 14:40 Militancy and illicit economy 26:20 No-go areas and growing insecurity 40:10 Chinese demands from Pakistan 46:02 Relationship with Afghan Taliban 53:10 Regional security dynamics at play

Shehbaz Sharif's government has put forward a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year, setting off a debate on more taxes, government spending, and economic reforms. As parliament debates the budget, some things may change about the exact numbers. But to discuss what has been put on the table, Uzair spoke to Ammar H. Khan about what this budget signals and why it pursues a “deepening” of the tax net, as opposed to a widening. We also talked about the energy sector and why prices are being reduced for industrial consumers of electricity, as well as Ammar's views on what he calls the heartland strategy. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Budget takeaways 7:10 Pension reforms 10:30 Power subsidies 15:10 Inflation and salaried class 20:30 Digitization and taxes 26:16 Why are cash handouts criticized? 28:05 Electricity tariffs for industry 38:40 Heartland strategy and its issues

This year has seen more record-breaking heatwaves across the subcontinent, leading to immense loss of life and economic output. Given climate change, these heatwaves are likely to be the new reality around the world, especially in Pakistan and India. Both these countries face tremendous risks from extreme weather events, especially heatwaves. In this episode, Uzair talks to Kathy Baughman McLeod about heatwaves and how we can be better prepared to deal with them. Kathy Baughman McLeod is CEO of Climate Resilience for All, a gender-focused climate adaptation nonprofit dedicated to the protection of people and livelihoods from extreme heat and all its impacts. Kathy brings a record of executive leadership and impact for public, nonprofit, and private sector institutions including the Arsht-Rockefeller Resilience Center, Bank of America, The Nature Conservancy, and the Office of the State of Florida's Chief Financial Officer. She was also named by Reuters as one of 20 “Trailblazing Women in Climate for 2024.” Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Understand heatwaves 9:50 What are places doing to deal with them 19:40 What should policymakers in Pakistan do 25:10 Adapting to the new climate 36:20 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations - Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson - The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell - All We Can Save by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

The world's largest elections are over and they have delivered a surprise in India. While we will get more detailed analysis in the coming days, what is for certain is that the elections mark a return to coalition politics in the world's largest democracy. Uzair spoke to Rahul Verma about what the results mean for India, Narendra Modi, and the country's democracy. We also talked about what the BJP and Congress got right, what they are likely to do next, and the role of coalition allies moving forward. Rahul Verma is Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, and Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, Ashoka University, Sonipat. He has a PhD in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. His research interests include political representation, political parties, and voting behaviour. He is a regular columnist for various news platforms, and a regular TV commentator on elections, party politics, voting behavior, and public opinion polls. His book co-authored with Pradeep Chhibber, Ideology and Identity: The Changing Party Systems of India, develops a new approach to defining the contours of what constitutes an ideology in multi-ethnic countries such as India. He recently co-edited a volume with Sudha Pai & Shyam Babu - Dalits in the New Millennium. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Key takeaways from the elections 8:30 Has Hindutva reached its peak? 21:30 Return of coalition politics 29:10 Scope for reforms in a coalition 33:50 What to look for in the near-term 38:47 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Coalition Politics and Economic Development: Credibility and the Strength of Weak Governments by Irfan Nooruddin - Ideology and Identity: The Changing Party Systems of India by Rahul Verma and Pradeep Chhibber - Raag Darbari by Shrilal Shukla

In this episode, Uzair talks to Abdul Moiz Jaferii about the ongoing cases in Pakistan's superior judiciary. We focused on the wiretapping case being heard by Justice Babar Sattar, cases related to Imran Khan, and the broader implications of the supposed standoff between the establishment and the judiciary. We also focused on the political ramifications of these cases through the summer and whether Imran Khan will be out of jail in the next few months. Abdul Moiz Jaferii is a lawyer and tweets @jaferii Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 The latest at the courts 7:30 IHC's letter to Justice Isa 15:00 Illegal wiretapping case 33:30 Political ramifications 39:00 Will Khan be out soon?

In this episode, Uzair talks to Ali Khizar about the upcoming budget and the ongoing conversations between the IMF and Pakistan. We focused on why this government will only pursue incremental reforms, the issues with the power sector, and why broadening the tax base is unlikely for the time being. Ali Khizar is head of research at Business Recorder and has over 20 years of experience in economic research and business analysis. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:55 IMF's focus for Pakistan 9:30 Taxes in the budget 22:50 Cost of energy 36:30 Privatization outlook 47:20 Political space for reforms

In this episode, Uzair talks to Ali Farid Khwaja about the potential of Saudi investments into Pakistan. We talked about why things were moving slowly, sectors Saudi is interested in, and why it is important for Pakistan to approach these conversations in a more professional manner. Ali Farid Khwaja is Chairman of KTrade Securities and has over a decade of experience in the technology and financial sectors. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:35 Current state of play 12:00 What Pakistan needs to get right 19:20 Engagement with IMF 27:20 What is Saudi seeking from Pakistan? 32:30 Risks to watch for 38:20 Conclusion

In this episode, Uzair talks to Khurram Husain about the latest decision by the central bank to keep rates unchanged. We talked about why the central bank has a credibility problem and how the IMF is influencing its choices. We also discussed the ongoing conversations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, why it feels different this time around, and the role of geopolitics. Finally, we also discussed the upcoming budget, the finance minister's priorities, and how he can secure his position in the cabinet. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Interest rates and the IMF 16:20 Saudi Arabia's interest in Pakistan 24:45 Role of geopolitics in Saudi conversations 32:18 Budget and reforms outlook 39:05 How long will the finance minister last?