Salman Rafi Sheikh

Salman Rafi Sheikh is an Assistant Professor of Politics at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan. He covers Pakistan as a regular contributor to Himal Briefs. He can be reached at: salmansheikh.ss11.sr@gmail.com

Pakistan’s politics continues to dictate its economic crisis

The standoff over elections in Punjab between the PML-N’s ruling coalition and Imran Khan’s PTI has intensified Pakistan’s multidimensional crisis, and may lead to sovereign default

May 19, 2023

Tehreek-i-Taliban is making its way back in Pakistan

Tehreek-i-Taliban’s resurgence reveals the failure of the Pakistan government’s anti-terror policy and its ambivalent, contradictory relationship with Islamist militant groups

Mar 13, 2023

Pakistan needs to go beyond the 18th amendment to end the military’s role in politics

Reviving the 2010 reform process can be key to resolving Pakistan’s continued crises, but the reforms need to also target the military's massive business empire

Jan 30, 2023

Politics and Pakistan’s new army chief

The appointment of General Asim Munir as the COAS is of greater political than institutional significance.

Dec 13, 2022

Taliban regime under siege, within and without

One year later, the Taliban is under attack from rival groups.

Nov 11, 2022

Talking to Tehreek-i-Taliban

Pakistan’s negotiations with the banned group may lead to more violence and instability.

Sep 13, 2022

No neutrality

The military’s neutral stance around Imran Khan’s ouster may be damage control.

Jun 23, 2022

Devolution doldrums

In Pakistan, devolution is stalled at the provincial level.

Apr 15, 2022

Bypassing Parliament

Governing by ordinance in PTI’s Pakistan.

Feb 01, 2022

Military creep

Pakistan’s federal system is being undermined by militarisation.

Aug 04, 2021

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