Farooq Yousaf

Farooq Yousaf is a research analyst and programme consultant at the Centre for Research and Security Studies in Islamabad; he has a masters in public policy and conflict management from Germany.

With Ghani in Kabul, will relations with Pakistan change?

There are signs that the long-fraught relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan could improve, following the change of leadership in Kabul. Reciprocation from Islamabad will, however, be needed.

By Farooq Yousaf

/ 3 Mar 2015

Pakistan’s 21st amendment: national consensus or soft coup?

The attack on the school in Peshawar in December shocked the world. In Pakistan, the upshot is a growing military shadow once more looming over a fragile democracy.

By Farooq Yousaf

/ 6 Jan 2015

Pakistan’s minority-rights challenge

In theory, Pakistan’s constitution upholds equality of all its citizens, regardless of religion. In theory.

By Farooq Yousaf

/ 16 Dec 2014

Between Scylla and Charybdis: life in Pakistan’s tribal frontier

The Federally Administered Tribal Areas touching Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan suffer a toxic mix of state and non-state violence and neglect. The consequences are unlikely to be good.

By Farooq Yousaf

/ 2 Dec 2014

Pakistan’s authoritarian move

The government in Islamabad will face opposition in the coming week to its Protection of Pakistan Ordinance. Is it about protecting the citizen—or the state?

By Imtiaz Gul and Farooq Yousaf

/ 13 Apr 2014

India and Pakistan: time to call time on proxy wars

India and Pakistan’s zero-sum game is hindering development and the proxy wars in which the two states have indulged need to come to an end. If they do, big dividends would follow.

By Imtiaz Gul and Farooq Yousaf

/ 24 Feb 2014

Pakistan: prospects poor for Taliban talks

The announcement of talks between Islamabad and representatives of the Pakistan Taliban surprised many. Few will however be surprised if they fail.

By Imtiaz Gul and Farooq Yousaf

/ 9 Feb 2014