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 […]
When Titans Clash
In a scene worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump locked horns at the White House, exposing deep fractures in US foreign policy. As a furious Zelenskyy stormed out, allegedly at Trump’s command, the much-anticipated deal over Ukraine’s mineral wealth hung in uncertainty. This dramatic Oval Office […]
What Austerity?
Only one praiseworthy note from last year’s “king’s club” in Islamabad was its commitment to a comparatively leaner team to tackle the nation’s myriad challenges. Yet, the recent expansion of the federal cabinet by 27 new members completely undermines that promise – arriving when every rupee is scrutinized and ordinary citizens are forced to tighten […]
Climate Financing
Floods, droughts, and relentless heatwaves-Mother Nature’s wrath is unforgiving, and Pakistan, ranked as the fifth-most vulnerable country to climate change, finds itself ensnared in a relentless cycle of damage control. Everything from crippling floods that drown entire regions to scorching droughts that wither crops attests to the dire reality that is prompting Islamabad to pursue […]
Abandoned!
What is Pakistan’s cricket story? A disgraceful exit from an event long-awaited, that too, on its home ground? A pinching diktat that we kept missing the stations on too many occassions to the point that there’s no upturn left? Without losing a single wicket on Thursday, Shaheens’ innings ended with a wet whimper; their pride […]
New National Narrative
As the government expands its campaign against armed fighters in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a new battle emerges – not just on the ground but in the realm of narratives or ideas. The government has introduced the National Prevention of Violent Extremism (NPVE) Policy, which is mainly to counter extremism through new tools – education, […]
Punjab’s Prime Peak
The Punjab government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has completed its first year in office, marking a period of ambitious reforms and development projects. From healthcare to infrastructure, social welfare to environmental initiatives, the government has focused on improving the lives of the people. However, while achievements are evident, challenges remain. Healthcare has seen […]
A New Era?
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visit to Baku represents a crucial moment in Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations, marking a renewed commitment to elevating bilateral investment to $2 billion. This visit comes at a time when geopolitical alliances are shifting, presenting both nations with a transformative opportunity. For Pakistan, a country determined to rise above ongoing challenges to its […]
Music Begins…
Another day, another announcement from the PTI to persist in their protests until the release of Imran Khan (this time, from Junaid Akbar Khan, President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter and the newly-minted blue-eyed leader). It’s worth noting that PTI’s advocacy for the right to assemble is rooted in legitimate constitutional provisions. As outlined in Article […]