Politicisation of Pakistan’s Civil Awards: Honor or Political Gimmick?

The conferral of civil awards in Pakistan has always been a subject of debate, but the investiture ceremony held on March 23, 2025, under President Asif Ali Zardari has sparked particularly intense discussions. This year, the inclusion of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB), as a posthumous recipient of the Nishan-e-Pakistan, has led to accusations of political favoritism, while the recognition of certain journalists has further ignited controversy.

How Terrorism Has Matured

The battlespace changed again when the US invaded Iraq and deposed Saddam Hussain. The mistake most make is assuming the battlefield changed on 9/11. That was the instigating event that weakened al Qaeda and created a space for another group to emerge.