Khalid Masood

Former Pakistan Army Officer, Student of Geo-Politics
& Public Relations.  Writer & Digital Creator

In the grand theater of global affairs, geopolitics writes the script, but public relations delivers the performance. While nations jostle for influence through military alliances, trade routes, and territorial claims, their real power often lies in how the world perceives their intentions. A missile test can shake borders, but a well-timed speech or viral narrative can redraw minds. Public relations becomes the soft weapon of hard politics—shaping global opinion, masking aggression as diplomacy, and turning regional ambitions into stories of national pride. In today’s interconnected world, it’s no longer enough for a country to act powerful—it must also appear righteous, progressive, and justified. Thus, geopolitics fuels the strategy, but PR spins the story the world believes.

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Godi Media

The Reckless Rush: Indian Media’s Habit of Weaponizing Unverified Claims Against Pakistan

(By Quratulain Khalid) In the digital age, where information travels faster than verification, journalism bears a sacred responsibility: to illuminate truth amid chaos, not to fan the flames of prejudice and conflict. Yet, time and again, segments of the Indian media—particularly the hyper-nationalist electronic channels often derisively termed “Godi media” for their perceived subservience to governmental narratives—have abandoned this duty. They have instead transformed into amplifiers

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The Darkest Day in Pakistan’s History: The Heartbreaking Fall of Dhaka

(By Khalid Masood) The surrender of Pakistani forces in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, marked the end of a united Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh. This event, often described as one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s history, stemmed from deep-seated grievances in East Pakistan that transformed initial enthusiasm for Pakistan among Bengalis into demands for autonomy and, ultimately, independence. Bengalis had been at the

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APS Attack 2014

The Peshawar APS Massacre: Eleven Years On – Grief, Resilience, and the Unfinished Fight Against Terror

(By Faraz Ahmed) On December 16, 2014, Pakistan endured one of the darkest chapters in its history when Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants stormed the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, slaughtering 149 people – including 132 innocent children aged between 8 and 18. As the nation approaches the 11th anniversary tomorrow, the wounds remain raw, a stark reminder of terrorism’s brutality and the cost of complacency.

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Bondi Beach Hanukkah Terror Attack

Bondi Beach Hanukkah Terror Attack: Tragedy, Misinformation, and Lessons in Unity

(By Mohsin Tanveer) On December 14, 2025, a devastating terrorist mass shooting took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, during the “Chanukah by the Sea” event celebrating the first day of Hanukkah, organized by the local Chabad Jewish community. Two gunmen—a father-and-son duo—opened fire on attendees in Archer Park near the beach, killing at least 15 people (including children, rabbis, and a Holocaust survivor) and

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Pakistan is in the trap of circular debt as for as electricity is concerned. Please carryout research and let me know about it in a paragraphPakistan's electricity sector remains trapped in a persistent circular debt crisis, a longstanding issue originating from 2006, characterized by a vicious cycle of unpaid government subsidies, high transmission and distribution losses (often exceeding 20%), power theft, delayed payments across the supply chain, and inefficiencies in distribution companies (DISCOs). As of mid-2025, the power sector circular debt stock was reduced to approximately Rs 1.614 trillion through reforms including improved recoveries, theft control, and renegotiated contracts with independent power producers (IPPs), down from over Rs 2.3-2.4 trillion in prior years. However, inflows continue to pose risks, with projections of potential increases up to Rs 735 billion in the current fiscal year if not managed, driven by factors like weak revenue collection and operational bottlenecks. In a major breakthrough, the government secured a landmark Rs 1.225 trillion financing deal with 18 banks in September 2025, followed by settlements including Rs 659.6 billion in December 2025—the largest debt market transaction in Pakistan's history—aimed at restructuring liabilities without new consumer burdens, with repayments covered by existing surcharges and a plan to fully eliminate the debt within six years, potentially reducing electricity bills by 10% by 2031. Despite these efforts, including IMF-mandated targets for zero net inflows, the crisis underscores the need for deeper structural reforms to break the cycle and ensure sustainable energy sector stability.1.7sCan we write an article about it. specially how to get rid of this debt?Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Pakistan's Battle Against Power Sector Circular Debt Pakistan's electricity sector has long been ensnared in a debilitating circular debt crisis, a self-perpetuating loop of unpaid bills, subsidies, inefficiencies, and high financing costs that has crippled the economy for nearly two decades. Originating around 2006, this debt arises when distribution companies (DISCOs) fail to recover full costs due to high transmission and distribution losses (often over 20%), rampant power theft, delayed subsidy payments from the government, and under-recovery of tariffs. This forces DISCOs to delay payments to power producers, who in turn struggle to pay fuel suppliers, leading to operational disruptions, load-shedding, and ever-mounting interest charges. As of mid-2025, the stock had been reduced to approximately Rs 1.614 trillion through aggressive reforms, down from over Rs 2.4 trillion the previous year—a significant achievement credited to improved bill recoveries, anti-theft drives, and renegotiated contracts with independent power producers (IPPs). In a landmark move, the government secured a Rs 1.225 trillion financing facility from 18 commercial banks in September 2025, structured at favorable rates (KIBOR minus 0.9%), to restructure existing liabilities without imposing new burdens on consumers. Repayments are covered by an existing surcharge of Rs 3.23 per unit, with the plan projecting full debt elimination within six years—potentially by 2031—leading to a 10% reduction in electricity bills through the removal of this debt service surcharge. By December 2025, a record Rs 659.6 billion settlement was completed, including sukuk redemptions and syndicated loan clearances, marking Pakistan's largest-ever debt market transaction and injecting much-needed liquidity into the sector. Despite these strides, challenges persist, with potential inflows risking an increase of up to Rs 735 billion in the current fiscal year if not contained, driven by lingering DISCO inefficiencies and seasonal factors. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has mandated zero net inflows for FY2025-26 as a key condition for its program support, emphasizing timely tariff adjustments to ensure cost recovery. Pathways to Permanent Elimination To truly rid the sector of circular debt, Pakistan must shift from short-term financing fixes to deep structural reforms: Enhance Operational Efficiency: Aggressively reduce transmission and distribution losses through infrastructure upgrades, smart metering, and privatization or corporatization of DISCOs. Breaking large DISCOs into smaller, accountable units and leveraging technology to curb theft could save hundreds of billions annually. Renegotiate and Rationalize IPP Contracts: Continue revising outdated power purchase agreements, particularly for underutilized thermal plants, shifting to competitive, take-and-pay models, and prioritizing cheaper renewable sources to lower generation costs. Timely Tariff Adjustments and Subsidy Targeting: Implement automatic quarterly adjustments for full cost recovery while protecting vulnerable consumers through targeted subsidies, avoiding political delays that exacerbate shortfalls. Improve Governance and Recovery: Strengthen bill collection (aiming for 100% recovery), enforce strict penalties for theft, and ensure prompt government subsidy releases to prevent interest accrual. Transition to Renewables and Market Competition: Accelerate the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) to foster a buyer-seller marketplace, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and minimize capacity payment burdens. If sustained, these measures—aligned with IMF targets—could not only eliminate the remaining stock by 2031 but also unlock affordable, reliable power, boosting industrial growth and economic stability. The recent progress signals hope, but success hinges on unwavering political will and transparent implementation to finally break this costly cycle.2.1swrite in a comprehensive way. Add background, give case study of some other country and at the end give recommendations.Pakistan's Power Sector Circular Debt: A Persistent Challenge and Path to Resolution Background and Origins Pakistan's power sector circular debt emerged prominently around 2006 as a systemic financial malaise rooted in structural inefficiencies and policy distortions. It forms a vicious cycle: distribution companies (DISCOs) incur high transmission and distribution (T&D) losses—often exceeding 20% due to outdated infrastructure and technical faults—compounded by rampant electricity theft, poor bill recovery rates (frequently below 90%), and delayed or inadequate government subsidy payments. Politically motivated tariffs that fail to reflect full cost recovery force DISCOs to underpay generation companies, which in turn delay payments to fuel suppliers, leading to operational disruptions, load-shedding, and escalating interest on overdue amounts. Independent Power Producers (IPPs), introduced in the 1990s to attract private investment, have contributed through capacity payments for underutilized plants, further inflating costs amid overcapacity and reliance on imported fuels. By mid-2025, the circular debt stock had been reduced to approximately Rs 1.614 trillion through aggressive measures like improved recoveries and IPP contract renegotiations, down from over Rs 2.4 trillion the prior year. However, inflows risked adding up to Rs 735 billion annually without controls. In a breakthrough, the government secured a Rs 1.225 trillion syndicated financing facility from 18 banks in September 2025 at favorable rates (KIBOR minus 0.9%), restructuring liabilities without new consumer tariffs. This was followed by a record Rs 659.6 billion settlement in December 2025, including sukuk redemptions and loan clearances—Pakistan's largest debt market transaction. Repayments, funded by an existing Rs 3.23 per unit surcharge, aim for full elimination by 2031, potentially slashing bills by 10% through surcharge removal. The IMF has endorsed this timeline, mandating zero net inflows starting FY2025-26. Current Status and Recent Progress As of December 2025, these initiatives have injected liquidity, reduced interest burdens, and signaled institutional confidence in reforms. Yet, core issues persist: DISCO inefficiencies, seasonal demand fluctuations, and subsidy delays continue to threaten inflows. The plan shifts from ad-hoc bailouts to structured repayment, aligning with IMF conditions for timely tariff adjustments and cost recovery. Case Study: India's UDAY Scheme – Lessons in Debt Restructuring India faced a similar crisis with state-owned DISCOMs accumulating massive losses and debts due to subsidized tariffs (especially for agriculture), high AT&C (Aggregate Technical & Commercial) losses, and populist pricing. In 2015, the central government launched the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), a voluntary scheme where states took over 75% of DISCOM debts (converted to state bonds), reducing interest costs significantly. Participating states committed to operational reforms: reducing AT&C losses to 15% by 2019, timely tariff hikes, and feeder separation for better theft control. Outcomes were mixed but instructive. UDAY slashed DISCOM debt burdens initially, improving financial viability and enabling infrastructure investments. Losses declined in states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, with some achieving substantial reductions (e.g., Rajasthan by over 50%). Bond issuance lowered borrowing costs, and operational efficiency improved marginally. However, targets were largely missed nationally—AT&C losses remained high, and debts resurfaced post-2020 due to COVID-19 impacts and political reluctance for tariff rationalization. By 2024, DISCOM losses totaled ₹7.08 trillion with ₹7.42 trillion in debt, prompting a successor Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) emphasizing privatization and smart metering. For Pakistan, UDAY highlights the value of state-backed debt takeover for immediate relief but underscores that without sustained political will for loss reduction and tariff reforms, debt can recur. Pakistan's 2025 plan mirrors this by restructuring without new burdens, but must prioritize enforcement to avoid India's partial setbacks. Recommendations for Permanent Elimination To break the cycle sustainably by 2031 and beyond, Pakistan should adopt a multi-pronged, structural approach: Operational Efficiency Overhauls: Accelerate DISCO privatization or corporatization, breaking them into smaller units for accountability. Invest in smart metering, grid upgrades, and anti-theft technology to cut T&D losses below 15%. Enforce strict penalties for theft and aim for 100% bill recovery through digital payments and incentives. IPP Contract Rationalization and Energy Mix Shift: Continue renegotiating outdated agreements, moving to competitive "take-and-pay" models. Prioritize renewables (hydropower, solar, wind) to reduce fuel import dependency and capacity payment loads. Fully implement the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) for market-based pricing. Tariff Reforms and Targeted Subsidies: Automate quarterly adjustments for full cost recovery via NEPRA, while shifting to direct, targeted subsidies for vulnerable consumers (e.g., via Benazir Income Support Programme integration) to minimize fiscal drain and political interference. Governance and Institutional Strengthening: Ensure prompt subsidy releases and zero budgetary shortfalls. Enhance regulatory independence and transparency in CPPA-G operations. Monitor IMF-mandated zero inflows rigorously. Long-Term Sustainability: Integrate climate goals by expanding renewables, fostering public-private partnerships for grid modernization, and building resilience against fuel price volatility. With unwavering implementation, these steps—building on recent financing successes—can transform Pakistan's power sector into a reliable, affordable engine of growth, freeing resources for development and ending the circular debt trap once and for all.1.7sadd concluding para as well. Pakistan's Power Sector Circular Debt

Pakistan’s Power Sector Circular Debt: A Persistent Challenge and Path to Resolution

(By Khalid Masood) Background and Origins Pakistan’s power sector circular debt emerged prominently around 2006 as a systemic financial malaise rooted in structural inefficiencies and policy distortions. It forms a vicious cycle: distribution companies (DISCOs) incur high transmission and distribution (T&D) losses—often exceeding 20% due to outdated infrastructure and technical faults—compounded by rampant electricity theft, poor bill recovery rates (frequently below 90%), and delayed or inadequate

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Son of Judge

When Justice Bends for the Powerful: A Tragedy That Exposed Pakistan’s Two-Tier Legal System

(By Ayesha Mahnoor) On the night of December 1, 2025, Islamabad witnessed a tragedy that should have shaken the conscience of the nation. Two young women—friends, colleagues, daughters of poor households—were crushed to death while riding a scooter home. Their lives ended not because of fate, but because of reckless power unchecked by law. According to widely reported accounts, a luxury Land Cruiser, allegedly driven at

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Bollywood

Bollywood’s Faces Gulf Backlash: The Historic Ban on ‘Dhurandhar’ Signals a Turning Tide

(By Quratulain Khalid) For decades, Bollywood has been India’s most potent instrument of soft power, beaming its songs, stars, and stories to more than three billion people worldwide. Yet this same industry has systematically weaponised its reach to demonise Pakistan, portraying its people, state, and institutions as the root of all evil on the subcontinent. The latest casualty of this pattern is Dhurandhar (2025), a high-octane

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IAF passing out

The Plight of the Indian Air Force: A Widening Chasm in Pilot Strength and Quality

(By Faraz Ahmed) The Indian Air Force (IAF), long touted as a regional powerhouse, is sinking deeper into a crisis of its own making, with its pilot cadre plagued by shortages, rampant attrition, and a stark decline in recruit quality. Recent Right to Information (RTI) disclosures lay bare the harsh reality: in 2025 alone, 163 IAF officers resigned, the highest on record, with 66 granted No-Objection

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PAF - F-16

Bolstering the Skies: US Approval of $686 Million F-16 Upgrade

(By Khalid Masood) The United States’ recent approval of a $686 million sustainment and upgrade package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets represents a timely affirmation of Islamabad’s strategic resilience. Notified by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress on December 8, 2025, this deal arrives at a pivotal moment, reinforcing the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) amid escalating regional tensions and persistent counter-terrorism challenges. Valued

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Amit Shah

“Detect, Delete, Deport”: Amit Shah’s Directive and the Mounting Peril for India’s Minorities

(By Ayesha Mahnoor) In the hallowed halls of India’s Lok Sabha on December 10, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a stark proclamation that reverberated far beyond the chamber’s walls: the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s unwavering policy toward “illegal immigrants”—a term often wielded in reference to Muslims and other minorities from neighboring countries—is to “detect, delete, and deport.” Amid a heated debate on electoral

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IAF blunders

Shadows of Reckoning: The Enduring Legacy of Indian Air Force Blunders

(By Quratulain Khalid) As we reflect on the storied yet tarnished history of the Indian Air Force (IAF), a pattern emerges that belies its self-proclaimed mantle of operational excellence. Over the past 50 years—from the cataclysmic blunders of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War to the relentless peacetime debacles that have claimed countless lives and squandered billions—the IAF has repeatedly demonstrated a profound disregard for precision, accountability, and

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Pakistan’s Vision for a Truly United South Asia

Pakistan’s Strategic Pivot: Forging Alliances, Bolstering Defenses, and Revitalizing South Asia

(By Khalid Masood) In a world of shifting alliances and persistent regional challenges, Pakistan emerges as a proactive force for change in South Asia. With a population exceeding 240 million, strategic location bridging Central and South Asia, and a legacy of resilience, Pakistan is not content to let outdated structures define its future. Islamabad is championing innovative diplomacy to overcome the stagnation of the South Asian

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