The Diplomat | Author
Mariyam Suleman Anees
Mariyam is a development specialist and a freelance writer from Gwadar. She tweets at @mariyamsuleman
Mariyam Suleman Anees is a development specialist, freelance writer, and researcher from Gwadar. She completed her masters in Gender and Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex. Her main focus is Gwadar and the Balochistan region, and she writes on politics, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and gender and development issues. Her work has appeared in Dawn, Herald, and Global Editors’ Network Den. She is also a scholar of the British High Commission’s Chevening program.
Follow her on Twitter @mariyamsuleman.
April 30, 2024
Balochistan as a Major Departure Point for Human Smuggling
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
An estimated 80,000-100,000 Pakistanis – those smuggled as well as the trafficked – cross international borders illegally annually.
March 07, 2024
How Many Times Must Gwadar Suffer Flooding for Authorities to Wake Up?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Its port and connectivity infrastructure are impressive. However, drainage systems are unable to withstand even a few days of heavy rain.
February 19, 2024
Public Trust in Ballot Box Politics Could Weaken Further in Balochistan
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The poor performance of Baloch nationalist parties in the recent elections is surprising, as is the victory of candidates who were barely known in their constituencies.
January 24, 2024
Pakistan-Iran Airstrikes: Who is Paying the Price?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
While much of the discussion of the crisis has been about geopolitics, militant groups, and proxy wars, the people living in the border areas are bearing the brunt.
December 26, 2023
Why Do Half of Pakistan’s Voters Stay Away From the Polls?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The country’s youth, women, transgender community and people with disabilities either stay away from voting or their access to the process is restricted.
November 22, 2023
Pakistani Crackdown on Iran Border Trade Sparks Protests in Southern Balochistan
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Informal trade in oil and other goods, which previously provided people in border villages with income, has been halted without putting alternative means of livelihood in place.
October 30, 2023
Bloodletting Continues in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Many of the attacks over the past decade were by religious extremist groups, a major shift for the province.
September 22, 2023
Why Was the US Ambassador’s Visit to Gwadar Important?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
After staying away from Balochistan for over 15 years, the United States is showing increasing interest in the strategic, China-funded and operated port of Gwadar.
August 25, 2023
Religious Intolerance is Burning Pakistan
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The recent mob violence against Christian minorities in Punjab province is just the latest reminder of how deep and wide the roots of religious intolerance have grown.
July 27, 2023
What Do 10 Years of CPEC Mean for Gwadar’s Residents?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Even as governments celebrate the "successes" of CPEC, Gwadar’s residents want to be included in its benefits.
June 08, 2023
Pakistan, Iran Seal Energy Deal to Power Gwadar
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Some Pakistanis are worried about Gwadar’s considerable reliance on Iranian electricity, especially in the context of U.S. opposition to trade with Iran.
May 25, 2023
Where Are the Women in Pakistan’s Politics?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
As the country gears up for fiercely controversial polls in October, what are the prospects for women’s political participation in Pakistan?
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