Asia-Pacific - Annual Research Journal of Far East & South East Asia

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOLUTIONS TO PAKISTAN’S MARITIME SECURITY CHALLENGES: COLLABORATION WITH CHINA

Dr. Muhammad Sadiq — 2025-12-30

Naval modernisation initiatives, increased geostrategic competitiveness, and the expanding usage of cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are the main causes of the Indian Ocean Region's (IOR) quick development. As the interests of China and the US, India, and other regional governments collide, superpowers are transforming crucial IOR Rivers into a conflict. Pakistan has several maritime security issues, including the ongoing presence of foreign forces in the area, growing nuclear and naval threats from India, and new concerns from resource scarcity and climate change. This study examines Pakistan's maritime security issues in the context of the changing IOR while assessing AI-based strategic defence solutions. Through foreign case studies, the research examines defence innovation tactics and environmental monitoring techniques in order to propose a comprehensive maritime security strategy that uses AI technology to defend Pakistan's oceans and coastlines. The cooperation with China, especially the joint efforts in the field of the AI-powered naval forces, surveillance tools, and maritime facilities, comes out as one of the keys to the reinforcement of the maritime security system in Pakistan.

EVOLUTION OF ACCOUNTABILITY LAWS IN PAKISTAN

Dr. Khalil-ur-Rahman Shaikh — 2025-12-30

The British colonial period over the sub-continent of Pakistan and India was based on corruption, favouritism and discrimination. After independence on 14th August 1947, Pakistan inherited corruption, accountability laws and agencies from the colonial era. This study investigates that how the process of making Accountability Laws was further evolved to seize the corruption. It was mainly developed at federal level and almost each Government made their own respective laws with explicit objective that the laws were made to end corruption, corrupt practices and award punishment to the delinquent persons after due process of law. The study discloses that the federating units were also, later on, permitted to make their own respective accountability laws and agencies. The research unearths that the main basis of the accountability laws was the constitutional provisions. The study explores that these laws gave birth to accountability agencies at federal and provincial levels. The study concludes that the accountability laws and agencies failed to keep the country safe from threat of corruption.

THE JOURNEY OF STRUGGLE FROM COLONISATION TO OCCUPATION AND EMANCIPATION: THE CASE OF EAST TIMOR

Ghulam Mustafa Bozdar — 2025-12-30

This paper examines the protracted struggle of the people of East Timor for self-determination, a journey marked by centuries of colonial rule, a brutal 24-year occupation, and a resilient, multifaceted resistance movement. The narrative begins with the end of over four centuries of Portuguese colonisation in 1975. This paper analyses the tri-dimensional nature of the Timorese resistance: the armed struggle led by the Fretilin-backed FALINTIL in the mountains, the clandestine front urban youth movements, and the diplomatic front championed by exiled leaders. The paper argues that despite overwhelming military and political odds, the fusion of these resistance fronts, combined with the unwavering spirit of the Timorese people and the shifting post-Cold War geopolitical landscape, culminated in the 1999 UN-sponsored referendum and the restoration of independence in 2002. By synthesising historical accounts, post-conflict analysis, and scholarly works on resistance and international relations, this article demonstrates the ultimate triumph of East Timorese, which reshaped regional dynamics and provided a significant precedent for the right to selfdetermination.

THE MYSTIC PATH: A SUFI-BUDDHIST INTERPRETATION OF RUDYARD KIPLING’S KIM

Dr. Abdul Waheed Jatoi — 2025-12-30

Rudyard Kipling’s Kim novel (1901) is widely appreciated and recognised as a literary exploration of colonial literature; however, under its geopolitical narrative lies a deep meditation on spiritual growth along with mystical ways and practices. This study explores the novel through the comparative study of Buddhism and Sufism, focusing their shared philosophical thoughts and ideas of detachment, inner purification, and the quest of ultimate truth. By situating the narrative within the Far Eastern context, particularly Pakistan, China, this research examines how Kipling’s portrayal of the Tibetan Lama’s quest sounds together with Sufi traditions, while Kim’s personal journey reflects and mirrors the mystical traveler’s path toward self-realisation. Alongside scholarly analysis and interpretations of Sufi and Buddhist thought drawn on textual evidence, this paper discusses that Rudyard Kipling constructs a trans-regional vision of spiritual universality, connecting Eastern mysticism and Western literary imagination.

PROSPECTS FOR ISLAMABAD-MOSCOW CONNECTIVITY IN A NEW MULTIPOLAR WORLD ORDER

Siraj Ahmed Nizamani — 2025-12-30

Friends and foes keep changing in international relations national interest is the only permanent feature of this system. Hence, the recent developments in international politics also shaping a new global structure in the form of multipolarity that brings new avenues of connectivity and collaboration for both Pakistan and Russia. This paper sheds light on the future of IslamabadMoscow engagement, keeping in view their convergence in energy security, economic assimilation, and international peace and stability. This study explores the underpinnings of significant projects namely the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline (PSGP) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that have the potential for strengthening their bilateral ties. The paper also examines Moscow’s strategic vision vis-à-vis Asian continent by viewing Islamabad’s strategic significance as a door to South Asia, Central Asia, Middle East, and so forth. Furthermore, this research wraps up by giving prominence to the challenges and opportunities for enhancing Islamabad-Moscow diplomatic bonding in a new global order.