The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has sounded the alarm: water levels in Tarbela and Mangla dams are rapidly approaching “dead storage.” For a country where agriculture drives livelihoods and hydropower lights homes, this is a five-alarm fire. With a high likelihood of Punjab and Sindh heading towards a 35 per cent shortfall (in line […]
Protocol Politics
Deputy Inspector General Faisal Kamran’s vow that “no one is above the law” gained fleeting credibility last week when Lahore Police invoked the Anti-Terrorism Act to arrest four suspects in the Dharampura Underpass shooting. Yet the grainy cellphone footage of the incident-armed men in a black SUV firing indiscriminately, a guard assaulting a motorcyclist before […]
Breaking the Cycle
It is a story that keeps repeating itself. Pakistani Ahmadis, forced to live in constant fear, have once again found themselves at the mercy of a system that not only fails to protect but, in many instances, becomes an accomplice to their persecution. This past March alone, authorities arrested 22 individuals in Sialkot; over two […]
Soaring Remittances
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s calls to halt remittances-a tactic with an aim to undermine Pakistan’s economy-have proven futile. In February alone, Rs 312 billion were remitted; a striking 40% surge that defies efforts to isolate our financial lifeline. Instead of bowing to divisive rhetoric, overseas Pakistanis have doubled down, sending hard-earned money that not […]
Political Theater
In what should have been a moment of sober introspection after a turbulent parliamentary year, President Asif Zardari’s address to a joint session of the legislature was overrun by partisan theatrics. Instead of delivering a piercing review of our nation’s challenges, the hallowed halls of parliament were besieged by clashing slogans and placards-a calculated disruption […]
Say No to Vani
In Dera Ismail Khan, a father’s anguish culminated in tragedy when he ended his own life after a local panchayat coerced him into surrendering his daughter under the oppressive practice of Vani. This heart-wrenching incident exposes-once again-a brutal tradition used to settle feuds and compensate for alleged crimes. Vani is not a relic confined to […]
Fear, Here, Near
Our every celebration, whether religious, cultural, or national, starts with security preparation. While security preparedness shows the vigilance of the state and the public, the core issue remains: why is terrorism not being culled from Pakistan? The recent suicide attack on a mosque within Darululoom Haqqania in Nowshera has once again triggered alarm bells. In […]
Debt, Rollover, Repeat
Pakistan has once again succeeded in positioning itself on the right side of global conflicts. At a time when the country was struggling to fulfil the IMF conditions, China has rolled over a $2 billion loan to Pakistan. For the country, it was a great challenge to repay China its loan because of the financial […]
On the Edge
Pakistan’s economy today is a study in stark contrasts. Promises of reform and economic turnaround are heralded from the corridors of power, yet the masses face a relentless battle day in and day out. Just earlier this week, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif lauded his cabinet for steering the nation out of dire financial straits-a claim […]
‘Last Warning’
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has escalated into a profound humanitarian disaster, demanding urgent and balanced international attention. Over the past weeks, the U.S. administration’s priorities have become alarmingly clear: a steadfast endorsement of Israel, combined with an uncompromising stance against Hamas. Such a one-sided approach, emphasizing military support while dismissing the humanitarian plight of […]