Bahawalpur royal state once thrived under the embrace of the Sutlej River. Today, just a division of Punjab, its vibrancy has dimmed, replaced by a grim tapestry of poverty and disease. This transformation is no natural consequence but the direct outcome of human intervention: the drying up of the Sutlej, a casualty of the Indus […]
How to Bridge Governance Gaps?
The ruling coalition in Pakistan is advancing the 27th Constitutional Amendment with the stated aim of addressing various governance and security issues, as well as responding to pressures within the coalition itself. As details emerge from coalition leadership, it appears that this amendment seeks to address governance gaps left by previous legislative efforts-particularly the controversial […]
Will Climate Change Pull Regional Foes Together?
The distribution of water between India and Pakistan has long been a sensitive and contentious issue, deeply rooted in the historical, political, and environmental contexts of the region. This sensitivity has been starkly highlighted by India’s recent issuance of a fourth notice to its western neighbour within a year for a review of the Indus […]
Restoring Democratic Integrity
The recent Supreme Court (SC) detailed verdict, concerning the allocation of reserved seats to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), marks a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic evolution. The ruling came in response to the government’s legislative manoeuvring aimed at marginalizing the opposition, as well as the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) refusal to allot reserved […]
Breaking Free From Colonial Mindset
While presenting a realistic analysis of the situation, there remains a fear of being guilty of shattering the readers’ dreams. Additionally, there’s concern that exercising the right to freedom of expression might entrap one in colonial laws. However, some questions can be examined from a literary perspective, and answers can be sought within academic frameworks. […]
What is Aurangzeb’s Strategy?
In the midst of growing uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s $7 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed optimism that the executive board of the international lender will take up Pakistan’s case next month. At the heart of bailout uncertainty lies the requirement for approximately $12 billion in debt rollovers […]
How Tyranny Deters Investors
The relationship between political governance and foreign investment is critical in shaping a nation’s economic prospects. When the political landscape is characterized by tyranny, it not only undermines the democratic fabric of society but also serves as a significant deterrent for investors. The elite in many countries often view foreign investment as the singular route […]
Dialogue to Fend Off Looming Anarchy
The current political climate in Pakistan, marked by elite capture, perpetuates laws that suppress liberties and criminalize dissent. These laws, crafted by colonial power, suppress fundamental freedoms and maintain a detrimental status quo, resulting in economic stagnation and widespread suffering from hunger and disease. The criminalization of dissent, coupled with a deficient economy, fuels social […]
Pakistan’s Battle for Dignity
Recent data from NEPRA, covering January 24 to March 24, shows that capacity payments to 40 families owning various IPPs totalled Rs 150 billion per month, with more than half of these plants operating below 10 per cent capacity. Astonishingly, four plants are receiving Rs 10 billion every month without supplying any power. This blatant […]
Budget 2024: Will Dynasts Hold the Ground?
Rejoice in the news that there are no disagreements between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), not even regarding budget matters. Both parties are like passengers in a boat stranded in the middle of a river, with no way to turn back and no thought of returning. They are bound […]