Abid Hussain
@abidhussayn.bsky.social
ZooWorld of a U2 Maniac!
Sports | Politics | History | Culture | Society | Travel | Media | Science | Music | Food.
Pakistan Correspondent @ Al Jazeera English. Also available on Twitter and Threads.
Sports | Politics | History | Culture | Society | Travel | Media | Science | Music | Food.
Pakistan Correspondent @ Al Jazeera English. Also available on Twitter and Threads.
A year ago, the Pahalgam attack set off a chain of events that elevated Asim Munir into a Field Marshal, Pakistan's first CDF, and in last few weeks, the central figure in one of Pakistan’s most consequential diplomatic moments.
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
India to Iran: How two wars shaped rise of Pakistan’s Asim Munir
The war against India a year ago led to Munir's elevation to the status of field marshal. Now he's playing peacemaker.
www.aljazeera.com
April 24, 2026 at 7:45 AM
A year ago, the Pahalgam attack set off a chain of events that elevated Asim Munir into a Field Marshal, Pakistan's first CDF, and in last few weeks, the central figure in one of Pakistan’s most consequential diplomatic moments.
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
The temporary cessation of hostilities between US and Iran were the result of weeks of painstaking diplomacy that few believed Pakistan could deliver. Here is the chain of events of how Pakistan convinced Iran and US to hold their much-awaited dialogue in Islamabad
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
How Pakistan managed to get the US and Iran to a ceasefire
Backchannel talks led by Pakistan result in temporary ceasefire after weeks of fighting.
www.aljazeera.com
April 9, 2026 at 7:44 AM
The temporary cessation of hostilities between US and Iran were the result of weeks of painstaking diplomacy that few believed Pakistan could deliver. Here is the chain of events of how Pakistan convinced Iran and US to hold their much-awaited dialogue in Islamabad
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
Pakistan brokered the secret US-China backchannel in 1971. It was a key interlocutor in the Geneva Accords to end USSR occupation of Afghanistan. It also facilitated the 2020 Doha Agreement and has, on several occasions, attempted to mediate between KSA and Iran.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
Nixon to Trump: Pakistan’s long record as backchannel between rival powers
Islamabad reprises its role as diplomatic broker as US and Iran edge closer to wider confrontation.
www.aljazeera.com
March 28, 2026 at 6:33 AM
Pakistan brokered the secret US-China backchannel in 1971. It was a key interlocutor in the Geneva Accords to end USSR occupation of Afghanistan. It also facilitated the 2020 Doha Agreement and has, on several occasions, attempted to mediate between KSA and Iran.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
While no ground operation has been ordered, the scale US forces suggest possibility of at least three scenarios. Seizing or blockading Kharg Island, clearing Iran’s coastline to reopen the SoH, and, in extreme case, securing Iran’s nuclear material.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
War on Iran: What troops is the US moving to the Gulf?
Growing US military presence around Iran suggests shift from air campaign to potential ground operations.
www.aljazeera.com
March 26, 2026 at 6:48 AM
While no ground operation has been ordered, the scale US forces suggest possibility of at least three scenarios. Seizing or blockading Kharg Island, clearing Iran’s coastline to reopen the SoH, and, in extreme case, securing Iran’s nuclear material.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
Pakistan dismissed Taliban claims of drones attacks, calling them "rudimentary".
But analysts say drones that can get this far suggest something more serious, revealing gaps against a threat that is increasingly emerging as the future of warfare.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
But analysts say drones that can get this far suggest something more serious, revealing gaps against a threat that is increasingly emerging as the future of warfare.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
Do Taliban’s drone attacks expose a chink in Pakistan’s armour?
As the conflict intensifies, Taliban drones challenge Pakistan’s security and response strategy, say experts.
www.aljazeera.com
March 18, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Pakistan dismissed Taliban claims of drones attacks, calling them "rudimentary".
But analysts say drones that can get this far suggest something more serious, revealing gaps against a threat that is increasingly emerging as the future of warfare.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
But analysts say drones that can get this far suggest something more serious, revealing gaps against a threat that is increasingly emerging as the future of warfare.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
As Iran strikes Gulf targets, Pakistan navigates alliance with Riyadh while avoiding confrontation with Tehran.
But with the war intensifying, and CDF Munir meeting Saudi defence minister, that posture will be hard to manintin, esp with the defence agreement.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
But with the war intensifying, and CDF Munir meeting Saudi defence minister, that posture will be hard to manintin, esp with the defence agreement.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
Caught between Iran and Saudi Arabia, can Pakistan stay neutral for long?
As Iran strikes Gulf targets, Pakistan navigates alliance with Riyadh while avoiding confrontation with Tehran.
www.aljazeera.com
March 7, 2026 at 6:14 AM
As Iran strikes Gulf targets, Pakistan navigates alliance with Riyadh while avoiding confrontation with Tehran.
But with the war intensifying, and CDF Munir meeting Saudi defence minister, that posture will be hard to manintin, esp with the defence agreement.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
But with the war intensifying, and CDF Munir meeting Saudi defence minister, that posture will be hard to manintin, esp with the defence agreement.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/...
A new 'strategic embrace' is unfolding as Indian PM Modi visits Israel, eyeing defense/cyber tech.
With Bibi proposing a "hexagon of alliances" to counter what he calls "radical axes," how will this deepening partnership reshape Pakistan’s security calculus?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...
With Bibi proposing a "hexagon of alliances" to counter what he calls "radical axes," how will this deepening partnership reshape Pakistan’s security calculus?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...
Why Indian PM Modi’s Israel visit matters for Pakistan’s security
The tightening strategic embrace between New Delhi and Tel Aviv could test Pakistan's diplomacy, say analysts.
www.aljazeera.com
February 26, 2026 at 6:33 AM
A new 'strategic embrace' is unfolding as Indian PM Modi visits Israel, eyeing defense/cyber tech.
With Bibi proposing a "hexagon of alliances" to counter what he calls "radical axes," how will this deepening partnership reshape Pakistan’s security calculus?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...
With Bibi proposing a "hexagon of alliances" to counter what he calls "radical axes," how will this deepening partnership reshape Pakistan’s security calculus?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...
The charter of the Trump's Board of Peace proposes a new entity to resolve global conflicts, while not once mentioning Gaza, its raison d'etre. While several nations have agreed to join the board, many, including US allies, haven't. We unpack why is that so.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
Trump’s ‘board of peace’: Who has joined, who hasn’t – and why
Before a signing ceremony planned for Thursday, several nations have agreed to join the board. But many haven't.
www.aljazeera.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:05 AM
The charter of the Trump's Board of Peace proposes a new entity to resolve global conflicts, while not once mentioning Gaza, its raison d'etre. While several nations have agreed to join the board, many, including US allies, haven't. We unpack why is that so.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
An SMDA with KSA last year, now talks with Libya and Sudan for JF-17, and even possibility of yet another pact with Turks in the mix. Can Pakistan expand military footprint across Arab world, and will it manage to keep its promises while maintaining the balance?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
Saudi to Sudan: Can Pakistan expand military footprint across Arab world?
Multiple countries have shown interest in Pakistani weapons and jets. But Pakistan won't find it easy to deliver.
www.aljazeera.com
January 16, 2026 at 7:37 AM
An SMDA with KSA last year, now talks with Libya and Sudan for JF-17, and even possibility of yet another pact with Turks in the mix. Can Pakistan expand military footprint across Arab world, and will it manage to keep its promises while maintaining the balance?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
While Pakistan has long been marketing the qualities of its JF-17, the India conflict put the spotlight on PAF.
The delivery of five JF-17s to Azerbaijan, followed by reported interest by Libya, KSA and now BD, shows that Islamabad’s defence diplomacy is driving new interest in the fighter jet.
The delivery of five JF-17s to Azerbaijan, followed by reported interest by Libya, KSA and now BD, shows that Islamabad’s defence diplomacy is driving new interest in the fighter jet.
Why is Pakistan selling its JF-17 fighter jets to Bangladesh and others?
Islamabad’s defence diplomacy is driving new interest in the JF-17 fighter jet following Pakistan-India clashes.
www.aljazeera.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:09 PM
While Pakistan has long been marketing the qualities of its JF-17, the India conflict put the spotlight on PAF.
The delivery of five JF-17s to Azerbaijan, followed by reported interest by Libya, KSA and now BD, shows that Islamabad’s defence diplomacy is driving new interest in the fighter jet.
The delivery of five JF-17s to Azerbaijan, followed by reported interest by Libya, KSA and now BD, shows that Islamabad’s defence diplomacy is driving new interest in the fighter jet.
At the beginning of 2025, I wrote a piece which said this year Pakistan's foreign policy will be in the spotlight.
The year saw country's growing role in regional geopolitics and many observers credited the revival to Field Marshal Asim Munir.
My latest for AJE. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...
The year saw country's growing role in regional geopolitics and many observers credited the revival to Field Marshal Asim Munir.
My latest for AJE. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...
How Pakistan’s Asim Munir became Trump’s ‘favourite field marshal’
The army chief, analysts say, has driven Pakistan's geopolitical reemergence over the past year as a soldier-diplomat.
www.aljazeera.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:20 AM
At the beginning of 2025, I wrote a piece which said this year Pakistan's foreign policy will be in the spotlight.
The year saw country's growing role in regional geopolitics and many observers credited the revival to Field Marshal Asim Munir.
My latest for AJE. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...
The year saw country's growing role in regional geopolitics and many observers credited the revival to Field Marshal Asim Munir.
My latest for AJE. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...
With renewed fighting on border overnight between Pakistan and Afghan forces, some observers believe Islamabad is trying to establish a “new normal” with the Taliban, by making clear that future attacks on its soil could invite retribution inside Afghanistan.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
‘New Normal’: Is Pakistan trying to set new red lines with Afghan Taliban?
Amid growing clashes with the Taliban, Pakistan's moves mirror, ironically, an approach it has decried in the past.
www.aljazeera.com
October 15, 2025 at 5:50 AM
With renewed fighting on border overnight between Pakistan and Afghan forces, some observers believe Islamabad is trying to establish a “new normal” with the Taliban, by making clear that future attacks on its soil could invite retribution inside Afghanistan.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
With Indian prime minister Modi invoking the spectre of war while congratulating India after Asia Cup final which was played in an acrimonious atmosphere, the message, say analysts, was clear — cricket had turned into the latest weapon of war.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...
‘Operation Sindoor’: How cricket became latest India-Pakistan weapon of war
The India-Pakistan rivalry turned the Asia Cup into a battlefield for nationalist politics. Is there hope for change?
www.aljazeera.com
September 30, 2025 at 8:18 AM
With Indian prime minister Modi invoking the spectre of war while congratulating India after Asia Cup final which was played in an acrimonious atmosphere, the message, say analysts, was clear — cricket had turned into the latest weapon of war.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...
After Pahalgam attack, India decided to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, which Pakistan has termed an act of war.
So can India really stop Pakistan’s water, and could this suspension see the two nuclear-armed nation wage a deadly war?
My essay for AJE.
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
So can India really stop Pakistan’s water, and could this suspension see the two nuclear-armed nation wage a deadly war?
My essay for AJE.
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
Can India stop Pakistan’s river water — and will it spark a new war?
The decades-old Indus Waters Treaty faces its gravest challenge as India suspends it, prompting Pakistan to warn of war.
www.aljazeera.com
July 9, 2025 at 7:42 AM
After Pahalgam attack, India decided to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, which Pakistan has termed an act of war.
So can India really stop Pakistan’s water, and could this suspension see the two nuclear-armed nation wage a deadly war?
My essay for AJE.
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
So can India really stop Pakistan’s water, and could this suspension see the two nuclear-armed nation wage a deadly war?
My essay for AJE.
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
Spoke to a number of participants who were present at the dinner hosted by the Pak Embassy on Wednesday, during which COAS Munir spoke at length about his meeting with Trump, and Pakistan's views on regional neighbours and country's policies.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...
Amid US-Pakistan thaw, two key challenges: Iran and China
Pakistani army chief Munir’s US trip suggests warming ties after past diplomatic friction. But challenges remain.
www.aljazeera.com
June 20, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Spoke to a number of participants who were present at the dinner hosted by the Pak Embassy on Wednesday, during which COAS Munir spoke at length about his meeting with Trump, and Pakistan's views on regional neighbours and country's policies.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...
On Field Marshal Asim Munir's extraordinary, unprecedented lunch with US President Trump on Wednesday, its near-to-medium term implications on Pak-US ties, geopolitical imperatives, and what impact it could have on civil-military relationship in Pakistan.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...
Trump’s Pakistan embrace: ‘Tactical romance’ or a new ‘inner circle’?
Trump hosts Pakistan army chief Asim Munir for an unprecedented White House lunch, as the US and Pakistan reset ties.
www.aljazeera.com
June 20, 2025 at 7:10 AM
On Field Marshal Asim Munir's extraordinary, unprecedented lunch with US President Trump on Wednesday, its near-to-medium term implications on Pak-US ties, geopolitical imperatives, and what impact it could have on civil-military relationship in Pakistan.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/...
With Indian PM Modi putting on an aggressive front and threatening Pakistan, his counterpart Shehbaz Sharif is undertaking a high-level, four-country tour to flip India’s narrative and projecting Pakistan as an advocate of peace and stability in South Asia.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Pakistan pitches ‘responsible’ image as diplomatic war with India heats up
India and Pakistan have shifted from armed confrontation to a diplomatic offensive, seeking to shape global opinion.
www.aljazeera.com
May 29, 2025 at 6:51 AM
With Indian PM Modi putting on an aggressive front and threatening Pakistan, his counterpart Shehbaz Sharif is undertaking a high-level, four-country tour to flip India’s narrative and projecting Pakistan as an advocate of peace and stability in South Asia.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Continuing the trend of increased diplomatic engagements, Pakistan and Afghan officials met in China, and have "expressed willingness" to elevate their diplomatic ties, a first since August 2021.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Pakistan, Afghanistan move towards ‘restoring ties’ in talks with China
As India strengthens ties with Kabul, Pakistan and Afghanistan return to the table after Chinese mediation.
www.aljazeera.com
May 24, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Continuing the trend of increased diplomatic engagements, Pakistan and Afghan officials met in China, and have "expressed willingness" to elevate their diplomatic ties, a first since August 2021.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
With COAS Asim Munir getting govt approval for promotion to the rank of field marshal – only the second time in Pakistan's history – an explainer on why was he promoted, what does the rank signify, and what does this move portend for our civil-military imbalance.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Pakistan promotes army chief Asim Munir to field marshal: Why it matters
Pakistan’s government says it’s recognition of his leadership in the India-Pakistan confrontation. Not everyone agrees.
www.aljazeera.com
May 22, 2025 at 5:44 AM
With COAS Asim Munir getting govt approval for promotion to the rank of field marshal – only the second time in Pakistan's history – an explainer on why was he promoted, what does the rank signify, and what does this move portend for our civil-military imbalance.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Following the four-day conflict with India, military has seen a surge of popularity in the country, with initial trends from a Gallup poll show 92% of respondents displaying positive opinion towards military — but analysts warn such support could be temporary.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
How conflict with India helped boost the Pakistan military’s domestic image
Pakistan’s military enjoying renewed popularity after Indian clash, but analysts warn the surge may be temporary.
www.aljazeera.com
May 20, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Following the four-day conflict with India, military has seen a surge of popularity in the country, with initial trends from a Gallup poll show 92% of respondents displaying positive opinion towards military — but analysts warn such support could be temporary.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
While both Pakistan and India are claiming to have achieved a decisive win after their 4-day conflict, observers believe reality is more grey than black or white. At best, both India and Pakistan can claim strategic gains even as they each also suffered losses.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
What did India and Pakistan gain – and lose – in their military standoff?
As the archrivals halt hostilities after four days of fighting, analysts discuss if either gained an upper hand.
www.aljazeera.com
May 14, 2025 at 7:53 AM
While both Pakistan and India are claiming to have achieved a decisive win after their 4-day conflict, observers believe reality is more grey than black or white. At best, both India and Pakistan can claim strategic gains even as they each also suffered losses.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
As Pakistan still contemplates its retaliatory move, having denied its involvement in any attacks on India yesterday, I was able to visit Muridke on Wednesday to the compound which was targeted by Indian missiles and killed three civilians.
This is what i saw - www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
This is what i saw - www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
Inside Muridke: Did India hit a ‘terror base’ or a mosque?
At least three people were killed in the strike at a compound with a complicated past.
www.aljazeera.com
May 9, 2025 at 5:01 AM
As Pakistan still contemplates its retaliatory move, having denied its involvement in any attacks on India yesterday, I was able to visit Muridke on Wednesday to the compound which was targeted by Indian missiles and killed three civilians.
This is what i saw - www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
This is what i saw - www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
Pakistan's former NSA Moeeed Yusuf says action from India remains possible, but the window where imminence was a real concern has passed.
"Pakistan has to show commitment to prepare for any eventuality. You don’t know what will come next, so you have to be ready."
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
"Pakistan has to show commitment to prepare for any eventuality. You don’t know what will come next, so you have to be ready."
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
‘Don’t see a major war with India, but have to be ready’: Pakistan ex-NSA
Pakistan’s ex-NSA says lack of crisis mechanisms could spark conflict with India after deadly Kashmir attack.
www.aljazeera.com
May 3, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Pakistan's former NSA Moeeed Yusuf says action from India remains possible, but the window where imminence was a real concern has passed.
"Pakistan has to show commitment to prepare for any eventuality. You don’t know what will come next, so you have to be ready."
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
"Pakistan has to show commitment to prepare for any eventuality. You don’t know what will come next, so you have to be ready."
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
The status of Kashmir is the primary conflict between Pakistan and India, who each control part of the region but claim it fully.
Here is a simple, but comprehensive explainer on the background of the issue affecting over 15 million people on both sides.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Here is a simple, but comprehensive explainer on the background of the issue affecting over 15 million people on both sides.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Pahalgam attack: A simple guide to the Kashmir conflict
The roots of this decades-long conflict between India and Pakistan go back to the turbulent partition of 1947.
www.aljazeera.com
May 2, 2025 at 7:06 AM
The status of Kashmir is the primary conflict between Pakistan and India, who each control part of the region but claim it fully.
Here is a simple, but comprehensive explainer on the background of the issue affecting over 15 million people on both sides.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Here is a simple, but comprehensive explainer on the background of the issue affecting over 15 million people on both sides.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Responding to Indian actions, Pakistan announced various similar measures, including a threat to suspend its participation in Simla Agreement and other bilateral pacts.
So what exactly is Simla Agreement, and what are the implications if Pakistan pulls out of it?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...
So what exactly is Simla Agreement, and what are the implications if Pakistan pulls out of it?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...
Kashmir attack: Why Pakistan’s threat to suspend Simla Agreement matters
Analysts believe a Pakistani pullout from the Simla Agreement could dismantle key diplomatic safeguards with India.
www.aljazeera.com
April 29, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Responding to Indian actions, Pakistan announced various similar measures, including a threat to suspend its participation in Simla Agreement and other bilateral pacts.
So what exactly is Simla Agreement, and what are the implications if Pakistan pulls out of it?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...
So what exactly is Simla Agreement, and what are the implications if Pakistan pulls out of it?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/...