US and Pakistan relations: Past, Present and Future on November 1, 2024The US-Pakistan relationship has been marked by periods of cooperation and complication since it was established. The outcome of the 2024 United States’ presidential elections will have definite implications for the future of the relationship. The US and Pakistan established formal diplomatic relations on August 15, 1947. The US was the second country to recognize […]
Eid ul Adha and the Spirit of Sacrifice on June 15, 2024Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” marks the culmination of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. As Eid ul-Adha approaches, a sense of profound anticipation fills the hearts of Muslims worldwide. This joyous festival commemorates the extraordinary story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his unwavering faith in God. As an Indian-born Muslim entrepreneur residing in […]
The Need and Potential for Solar Energy in Pakistan on May 19, 2024Pakistan faces a substantial challenge in meeting its growing energy demand. According to a report from the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, the country’s energy deficit was around 7000 megawatts during May-August in 2023. This deficit caused frequent power outages, hindered economic activity, and impacted the daily lives of millions of citizens. Traditional energy sources, […]
Invaluable Lessons from the Blessed Ramadan and Eid on April 4, 2024The holy month of Ramadan and the joyous celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr offer us invaluable and enduring lessons. For an entire month, we Muslims have dedicated ourselves to fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, fostering a spirit of compassion and generosity towards others. This introspection and focus on giving create a truly special atmosphere and a […]
Thoughts on the first Female CM in Pakistan on March 4, 2024The recent election of Maryam Nawaz as the first female Chief Minister in Pakistan’s history is a moment of pride and hope, not just for Pakistanis, but for advocates for gender equality around the world. While residing in the US, I have witnessed firsthand the ongoing struggle for women’s empowerment. March, being Women’s History Month […]
New Year Thoughts and Wishes for Pakistan on January 3, 2024As the first whispers of 2024 dance across the Indus plains, I send heartfelt greetings and wishes to the people of Pakistan. Pakistan is a land where the Himalayas sing anthems of resilience, the Indus dance tales of history, and the people wear dreams like vibrant tapestries. This year holds particular significance for the Pakistani […]
Ex-PM Nawaz’s Return on November 9, 2023Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, returned to his homeland after spending nearly four years in exile in London. His return has raised considerable conjecture about what it means for Pakistan’s future. “It appears that we are in another pendulum swing of Pakistani politics – back again to Nawaz Sharif,” Madiha Afzal, a […]
Pakistan’s Democratic Journey Must Go On on August 23, 2023Pakistan has a long and turbulent history with democracy. Since its independence in 1947, the country has experienced military coups, martial law regimes, and abrupt dissolutions of assemblies. Despite these challenges, over the past two decades, Pakistan has made progress on its democratic journey. The country has held four general elections since 2002. Each election […]
Need to Reverse the Decline of Democracy on July 18, 2023Democracy, regarded as the pinnacle of liberty and opportunity for all, is currently confronted with unprecedented challenges. In recent years, there has been a growing concern that democracy is eroding globally. The rise of hate politics, racism, and other forms of intolerance are a few signs of this decline. In many nations around the world, […]
Celebrating Eid with Others in Mind on April 20, 2023Near the beginning of Ramadan, I shared my thoughts on the importance of reflecting, sharing and caring during this blessed month. As the month draws to a close and we Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid, I am blessed to be able to share some additional thoughts on those important topics. Ramadan is the period to […]