Growing Illiberalism, human rights and global peace on September 12, 2019The world we live in today has evidently transpired into a more illiberal social order for many countries around the world. No part of the world has been immune to this growing wave of repressive and tyrannical regimes that use curbs on free speech and autocratic disposition to govern. It takes various forms and shapes […]
Collaborating for climate change action on September 2, 2019Climate change concerns are particularly real for the developing world. But do we need apocalyptic rhetoric regarding the changing weather patterns; food production; pollution and health hazard? Or do we need to adopt a more structured, solid, well-planned and multipronged long-term strategy? Human activities are estimated to have espoused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above […]
Underpinnings of federalism on May 28, 2019The recent economic crisis has sparked a heated debate on the significance of fiscal federalism and the effectiveness of the parliamentary system in Pakistan. Although previous governments have been blamed for the crisis there seems to be no tangible strategy to move forward. Hence it is pertinent to assess the efficacy of this debate in […]
Islamophobia and roots of extremism on April 22, 2019The aftermath of the recent terrorist attack in Christ Church, New Zealand, has restored many people’s faith in humanity. For this Prime Minister Jacinda Arden deserves special credit. However, the general public, too, showed admiarable solidarity with the vicitms of the attack and their families. Telecasting the Firday call for prayers the very next week […]
Feminism, empowerment and misogyny on March 21, 2019Women in large numbers, as well as men, participated in this year’s Aurat March held across the country to mark International Women’s Day. This year, the rally was extended to more cities including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Larkana and Hyderabad. The placards held by women at the march carried slogans were considered explicit and embarrassing by […]
War-mongering, peace and regional development in South Asia on March 6, 2019South Asia,a region with a population of around 1.8 billion, with a combined GDP per capita of 1842.3 (2017), agricultural value-addedgrowth as 3.2 % GDP (2017), a labor force of 0.7 billion (2018), where total trade stands as 39.8 % of GDP and with a median age of 26.4 years; today is at a brink […]
The Malaysian miracle: some lessons for Pakistan on December 30, 2018Both Malaysia and Pakistan have had general elections in 2018, with two new governments in place that share a few similarities. Both have a strong anti-corruption rhetoric that contributed to their massive electoral victories. Both countries have a large majority of Muslim populations and are being led by charismatic leaders that enjoy huge public trust […]
Macroeconomic prudence and prospects for economic growth on November 23, 2018The balance of payment crisis has somewhat been averted post assistance from friendly countries and the upcoming IMF loans agreement. Although there is no immediate panic situation, there needs to be a potent macroeconomic management policy to address structural issues of the economy and create financial cushions in future to avoid worrisome situations. Pakistan incurred […]
While Balochistan bleeds on August 16, 2018The pre-election violence in Balochistan and KP signifies how people in some parts of the country still strive to exercise their fundamental political right i.e. to use their power to elect their leaders. The unflinching resolve of the people of Balochistan is certainly commendable in the face of such horrific adversity, especially the Hazara community […]
Rising repression and upcoming 2018 election on July 17, 2018Political repression has been rising across the world without distinction, be it Donald Trump’s unexpected win in the 2016 US presidential elections despite his intolerant rhetoric on migrants, women and various ethnic groups; or be it Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s suppression of free expression; pertaining to shutting down media outlets, shuttering schools and universities, firing thousands […]