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BRI, when compared with any other connectivity project in the 21st century, can indisputably be regarded as the greatest project considering its size and diversity. Yet, the real significance of this project isn't linked to its size; it is the paradigm and the spirit behind it. Cooperation, inclusiveness and win-win approach, being the main elements of this development model, makes it a completely distinct paradigm, from what has been in practice since last over 200 years in the world, under the Colonial Culture of Domination, to benefit from the opportunities offered by the over powering trend of globalization. Although China now enjoys a greater global influence, many of the other powerful international and regional players, while may like to benefit from the project, might not reconcile with the approach that has laid the foundation of BRI. Thus, while the physical and functional aspects of the BRI would naturally attract the maximum attention, an aggressive communication strategy advancing the spirit of BRI is a prerequisite to make the project a real success. While this is important for each and every region (and country) involved in BRI, the regions and countries sharing borders with China naturally occupy special significance; since the physical connectivity cannot be achieved without taking them on board. This paper, after elaborating the above perspective discusses in the final part CPEC experience as an example in the overall context.

A secular state is supposed to remain indifferent to individual beliefs and to ensure that every individual enjoys the religious freedom in personal life. But practically, the nature and character of secularism changes in different contexts. India being a predominantly Hindu and fundamentally religious society has its own flavor of secularism. The Constitution of India on one hand assures personal freedoms and declares the state as secular but on the other hand carries contradictory indications of anti-religious objectives and prominence of Hinduism. This confusion creates the room for using the cloak of secularism to promote Hindutva. As populism and exclusive nationalism seem to dominate the political front domestically in India and several other countries around the world, it seems improbable, if not impossible, for secularism to take over religion as the primary paradigm of life in India. And with the history of communal violence in India, this scenario is threatening not only for minorities as well as the vulnerable and moderate elements among Hindus but also has far-reaching effects for the region and the world at large. With this context in view, this paper has surveyed the treatment of Muslims in India who are the largest minority in the country and the third largest population of Muslims in a country.
The article was initially prepared for a presentation in a seminar held at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on July 12, 2017 on the same topic. The author thankfully acknowledges the assistance provided by Nadeem Farhat and Asifa Tanvir in writing the paper.

In September 2015, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a new global development agenda entitled, "Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." The new targets set under the agenda are assumed to guide the member countries in their decisions about development issues over next 15 years. Pakistan's performance in the past, in terms of achieving Millennium Development Goals or MDG's has not been very encouraging. Thus, the situation demands for devising a robust strategy, which would involve and actively engage different social groups of Pakistani society towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. To this, one important aspect relates to prevailing socio-political trends in Pakistani society, where Islamic beliefs and inclinations have always been an alive reality. Here, in this situation, the question arises whether these Islamic trends can help in developing a successful strategy for achieving the SDGs. This study is with reference to Pakistan only, however, its application may equally be valid for other Muslim societies considering local circumstances.
This paper is an extension of the two presentations that the author made on similar subjects in a UNOSD workshop held in Abu Dhabi from Oct. 27 to 29, 2015 and in Oslo University in a seminar on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Pakistan and Islam on January, 12, 2016. The author is particularly thankful to Syed Nadeem Farhat and Tauqeer Ahmad for their input during the course of writing this paper.

Competition is natural but the competitive tendencies can be constructive as well as destructive based on the intent involved. While competition in today's world has upped the standards of living, it has also given rise to wide-spread disparities. The prevailing global paradigm is based on the concept of 'the survival of the fittest' and in return, 'might is right' phenomenon. China with its now established economic power and expanding political clout at global level may play a leading role to render the prevailing global regime as just and rule-based. China's leadership in the recent past has been stressing upon the ideas and ideals such as 'harmonious development,' 'mutual interest,' and 'shared destiny.' Recent moves by Beijing such as the establishment of a regional and a global bank as well as the push for an Asian trade deal indicate that while China will not out-rightly challenge the global system, lack of reforms in the institutions responsible for maintaining global peace, order and economic stability will inevitably pave the way for alternatives.
This paper is a revised and updated version of a written contribution made in Beijing in "The Party and the World Dialogue 2014" on the theme of "China's New Reforms: the Role of the Party" organized by China Center for Contemporary World Studies (CCCWS) on September 3–4, 2014.

While the present dispensation in Kabul can be regarded as relatively more stable than the regimes in recent pre-2001 period, a number of challenges — security, political and socio-economic — continue to persist. The Afghan National Army and other law enforcing agencies find it hard to fend off the continuously increasing and assertive strength of resistance forces. Talks between the representatives of Kabul government and the resistance forces have been reinitiated in Qatar but the outcome and future course remains too little to talk about. Their contacts can only be regarded as 'talks about talks' for complete withdrawal of foreign troops and the positions on Constitution among the major issues on the road to a possible yet hard-to-achieve negotiated settlement. Economy and quality of life are far from satisfactory and are actually in danger of further deterioration. If a negotiated and peaceful settlement is desired, then both the sides will have to soften their stances to an extent. The role of regional countries as well as the UN — not really in the lead so far — will assume a critical significance.
This is a revised and updated version of the paper presented in international symposium on "The Situation in Afghanistan after NATO's Withdrawal", held in Istanbul under the auspices of South Asia Strategic Research Center on May 5–7, 2015.

Connectivity with others is among the basic requirements of human beings, societies and nations. It has been present, and continues to expand, in form and substance. Things are being shaped up quite rapidly with the advancement in information and communication technologies. In the particular context of China and South Asian countries, while physical connectivity and the development of related infrastructure — roads and railways, bridges, pipelines, and communication lines etc. — remain the important element in improving the relationship, more vital is to focus on soft i.e. non-physical aspects of connectivity; policies, procedures and rules. Thus, a favorable regulatory mechanism with regard to the movement of people, goods, finances as well as information is required. On a greater level, mental, political and social connectivity between the people, is a prerequisite. This, in turn, would provide a lasting and sustainable foundation for good relations.
Revised version of the Paper presented in the China-South Asia Think-Tank Forum held in Kunming, China, on June 6–7, 2013, under the auspices of Institute of South Asian Studies, Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences.

Islamic teachings and beliefs present the conceptual framework for preparing responsible and concerned citizens, while the acts of worship provide the training and upbringing of individuals and society for the purpose. A Muslim cannot stand indifferent to the needs and requirements of fellow human beings as well as towards the protection and judicious utilization of the nature and natural resources — aimed at comprehensive and all-round development of individual, society and the planet. With 97 percent population being Muslim, the sense of civic responsibility and obligations towards society finds solid ideological footings in Pakistan. It may be cemented further with spread of Islamic teachings, strengthening and channelizing the role of mosque, sensitization through media and synergizing the educational system, particularly the curriculum, for this grand purpose. The government's role Vis-à-vis providing an enabling environment, remains pivotal.
An earlier version of the paper was presented in the seminar titled Promoting Civic Responsibility in Technical Universities of Pakistan, organized by Centre for Policy Studies, COMSATS Institute of Information and Technology, Islamabad on November 26, 2013.

While the problems of political instability, polarization, corruption, etc., are not unique to Pakistan and continue to afflict all countries and societies, a more representative, multi-tier system of governance can resolve such problems more efficiently and effectively with genuine public participation. Pakistan is currently facing serious political and economic crises. However, these crises point towards symptoms of the problem, the cause lies in governance. The challenge of good governance can be met by reforming the electoral system, among other things. There are mainly two electoral systems in vogue in the world – the traditional 'first-past-the-post', and the 'proportional representation'. This paper argues that the former only promotes individual and parochial interests, while disenfranchising majority votes. The latter one represents all segments of society besides promoting national feeling and character. The constitution of Pakistan though gives an elaborate and practicable framework for governance, it still has room for amendments in keeping with the demands of changing times. Introducing electoral reforms, improving the existing system, at national and local level, and focusing on the quality of 'governors' are crucial steps to achieve better governance.

ENERGY SECURITY 1.1. Energy security has become the burning
topic of the day both in country specific and international terms. Many
consider that the new alignments in geopolitics are strongly influenced
by the search for energy security which may be defined as "dependable
and affordable energy necessary for an economy." It is even claimed that
in terms of strategic importance energy security is second only to food
security. Given the shortage of energy we are facing and the national
debate on its cost and affordability, there is no doubt consensus that
we have an Energy Crisis in the country and our Energy Security is at
risk.