Author: Alicia Mollaun, ANU

On 13 February, the Supreme Court charged Pakistan’s prime minster, Yousuf Raza Gilani, with contempt for his refusal to reopen an old corruption case against Pakistan’s president, Asif Ali Zardari.

Gilani faces six months in prison if convicted — although this may not necessarily disqualify him from the prime ministership. Read more…

Author: Alicia Mollaun, ANU

In Pakistan, external shocks and unforeseen events defined 2011. But for the Western world and for Pakistanis, this past year will be remembered very differently.

Drones, floods, economic misery, developmental challenges and a fraught relationship with the US will stick in the memory of Pakistanis. While in the West, 2011 will be remembered as the year the US killed Osama bin Laden — only 50 kilometres from the Pakistani capital.

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Author: Alicia Mollaun, ANU

This year will be remembered as annus horribilis for Pakistan–United States relations.

CIA contractor Raymond Davis kicked off the downward slide when he gunned down two Pakistanis in Lahore, creating an enormous diplomatic immunity circus, which saw the media, politicians and even President Obama entering the fray. Read more…

Author: Alicia Mollaun, ANU

The United States’ relationship with Pakistan is characterised by deep mistrust. Mistrust in US policy and mistrust of US intentions in Pakistan.

The death of Bin Laden and the circumstances under which he was killed is unlikely to change this. Mistrust is likely to rankle both sides as the details of the US mission come to light. Read more…