Hello and welcome to Asia Stream, where we track, report and analyze the issues and interests of the world's largest region.
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When Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari became Pakistan's youngest foreign minister six months ago, the nuclear-armed country stood on the brink -- of economic default, diplomatic isolation and political chaos.
It still does.
The country of 220 million remains overburdened by loans from its main ally, China; is reeling from the austerity measures forced by its 23rd bailout by the IMF; has been outperformed in most sectors by archrival India; and beset by terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan.
Moreover, it has to make up with the U.S. -- its on-again, off-again partner -- which has cut if off from most assistance.
That last bit won't be easy. Washington still distrusts Pakistan after the loss of Afghanistan. Moreover, the U.S. is blamed by ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan for orchestrating "regime change" -- a charge that has triggered an unprecedented wave of anti-Americanism and protests across the country.
Today, the picture remains bleak for the nuclear-armed Islamic Republic, especially after recent catastrophic flooding -- the worst environmental disaster in the country's history.
These are the challenges facing Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who we've obtained for an exclusive interview in this episode. When I finally caught up with him in Washington, the chairman of the left-leaning Pakistan People's Party, admitted that he's signed up for a brutally difficult gig.
This episode is a must listen if you're curious about international diplomacy.
Also, in our Tokyo Dispatch from Nikkei HQ, we compare the approaches that Asia's central banks are taking to deal with this incredibly difficult economic moment.
Get those headphones on, and get streaming.
Warmly,
Wajahat S. Khan, Digital Editor and Executive Producer
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
Asia Stream is produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and hosted by Wajahat S. Khan.
The Tokyo Dispatch is produced and reported by Alice French, Deputy Editor for The Big Story.
Related to this episode:
Pakistan foreign minister: China debt is price of development, by Wajahat S. Khan
'The country is broken' - Pakistan's climate minister urges justice, by Wajahat S. Khan
The money blizzard: Asia's central banks reckon with the aftermath of COVID-19, by Mitsuru Obe, Kim Jaewon and Francesca Regalado
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