Author: Raza Agha, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Mohsin Khan, Peterson Institute

The killing of Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on the night of 2 May has raised a host of questions about the implications of the operation for Pakistan.

First, for the US the main question is how the most wanted terrorist in the world could have hidden ‘in plain sight’ in Pakistan for five to six years. Read more…

Authors: Shuja Nawaz, Atlantic Council, and Mohsin Khan, Peterson Institute

The recent assassination of Governor Salman Taseer of Punjab in Pakistan has highlighted the ongoing and often violent battle for the future of the country.

Taseer had spoken out in favour of reviewing and amending the nation’s Blasphemy Law to make it less susceptible to abuse, especially against minorities, and to reduce punishments by eliminating the death penalty. Read more…

Authors: Mohsin Khan, PIIE and Shuja Nawaz, Atlantic Council, Washington

The floods in Pakistan have affected one-fifth of the country (an area roughly the size of England) and engulfed large parts of all four provinces—Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (formerly the North West Frontier Province). The vast scope of the damage makes this a truly national disaster with long-term economic and political consequences. With waters still rising, it is far too early to assess the economic costs; a proper assessment will be made in time by the Government of Pakistan, assisted by the UN and the World Bank. But on the basis of early indicators, a preliminary and admittedly impressionistic view of the damage can be formed.

The immediate impact on the population is truly staggering—20 million people affected with 8 million in need of water, food and shelter; 1500-2000 killed; 4 million left homeless; and 15 million displaced. Read more…

Author: Mohsin S. Khan, Peterson Institute

While successive Indian and Pakistani governments have often repeated the desire for peaceful relations, reaching a comprehensive agreement that settles outstanding disputes, such as Kashmir and the Indus waters agreement, still does not seem to be in the cards as yet. However, developing stronger economic relations between the two countries could be a base on which to build overall ties and trust. More specifically, despite the political issues that divide them, steps could be taken toward better economic relations through expanding trade between the two countries.

The potential gains from increased economic integration between India and Pakistan are large. Read more…