Building Ties By: Daily Times on December 20, 2024Away from the public eye and in no mood to let home politics stop him in his tracks, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif seems to be running in a league of his own. Although his long-standing reputation of capability may have gotten lost in turbulent times, his focus on building linkages does represent a model of […]
Renewing the Fight By: Daily Times on December 19, 2024In the last several decades, we have, on numerous occasions, celebrated the last leg of the tunnel, seeing some momentum in the uphill battle against the crippling poliovirus. Our policymakers may take great pride in rolling out campaigns to eradicate the virus. However, a sustained uptick in the numbers are testament to these efforts being […]
Voice for Voiceless By: Daily Times on December 18, 2024To all those doubting the sincerity of pro-Palestine sentiments in Ireland, the recent diplomatic storm brewing in Dublin serves as a strong response. Despite facing backlash and threats, particularly given its financial reliance on overwhelming support from the US, Ireland has remained steadfast in its support, holding on to its moral compass even as tensions […]
Standoff Continues By: Daily Times on December 18, 2024Since the Musharraf era, government after government has repeatedly waved the reform card aimed at modernising or deradicalising religious seminaries, largely due to the prodding of the international community. Nonetheless, whether due to the influence of powerful clerics or their hesitation to stir the hornet’s nest, these governments have failed to implement any significant changes. […]
Beyond Words By: Daily Times on December 17, 2024Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. As if the nauseating horrors of 1971, etched in the memory of every Pakistani as a dark and dreary chapter, were not enough, the APS tragedy added to the scars of our collective consciousness, reminding us of the need to acknowledge these devastating […]
Cricket Compromise By: Daily Times on December 17, 2024A nerve-breaking match being played between India and Pakistan, refereed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) has entered its last moments. The result has yet to be announced but recent Indian media reports suggest a breakthrough in resolving cricket disputes between Pakistan, India and the ICC. It is said that both countries have agreed on […]
Local Governance By: Daily Times on December 16, 2024The Punjab government’s long-standing delay in holding local government elections only shows its poor prioritisation and disregard for grassroots democracy. For years, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, the caretaker government of Mohsin Naqvi and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz governments delayed finalising the Punjab Local Government Act (PLGA) of 2024. The Election Commission of Pakistan pressure did not […]
Lost Lives By: Daily Times on December 16, 2024The country hit international headlines in connection with a sea tragedy, which claimed the dreams of five young Pakistanis seeking greener pastures abroad. The migrant boat capsized off Greece’s southern island of Gavdos bringing into focus the forgotten menace of illegal human trafficking. Despite the government’s several crackdowns on rings, the desperation of the youth […]
Fake Tales By: Daily Times on December 14, 2024In recent days, a widespread crackdown on social media activists has been ongoing. According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), 50 cases were registered in Islamabad alone. Lahore reported 50 cases with 15 arrests, while Multan saw 21 cases and 15 arrests. Karachi registered 16 cases, with two arrests. The arrests were made on alleged […]
Hard Nut By: Daily Times on December 14, 2024Allowing military courts to announce verdicts for civilians being tried for their alleged role in last May’s attacks on army installations, the Supreme Court’s seven-judge bench has breathed new life into the raging debate surrounding military justice. The legal fraternity stands divided, adding to the murkiness, with one half determined to advocate for the independence […]