As was expected, the BJP, or should one say, Narendra Modi, has won the general election in India. What has proven wrong are assertions like ‘ab ki baar, char sau paar’, which alluded to the BJP’s aspiration to win more than 400 seats in the 543-strong Lok Sabha. Even another interpretation that it meant the … Read more
The Paradox of Digital Connectivity The celebrated poet Ghalib wished for a small visual of his beloved for a few moments in the street window, which made him smile for hours and hours. Similarly, Ahmed Ali in his novel portrays at the same time, zero male access to the women’s quarters in his fascinating tale … Read more
Huqooq-ul-Ibad: The Emphasis on Human Rights in Islam In Islam, Allah Almighty has emphasized the rights our fellow humans have over us. Huqooq-ul-Ibad, the duties we owe to fellow human beings, have preference over Huqooq Allah, the duty we owe to the Creator. Even when we step back and take a look at all the … Read more
A sincere effort was made to highlight the human tragedy because of the Israeli war of genocide that is now targeting refugee camps in Rafah – yes, refugee camps for Palestinians uprooted umpteenth number of times, and with nowhere to go. The politico-diplomatic implications of this conflict and its immediate and recurring cost for the … Read more
NOOR Wali Mehsud, the ameer of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), recently announced that their ‘jihad’ against Pakistan had entered a “decisive phase”. He emphasized the determination to “liberate their lands and enforce the divine laws therein”. Mehsud’s newfound confidence stems from the sanctuary provided by the Afghan Taliban government and the commitment of Afghanistan-based Al … Read more
Declaring an Education Emergency The prime minister recently declared an education emergency, a much-needed and welcome call to action. Our education system is in critical condition, and experts must now step forward to revive it. International donors and NGOs must be watching keenly to see what happens this time. Academics may be expecting invitations, polishing … Read more
In a country without institutionalized social security, how do people of limited means survive in an emergency? A wage earner might lose his job unexpectedly, a young woman with small children may be widowed, or a serious illness might strike. The well-to-do have their savings and insurance to help them tide over the emergency. But … Read more
An Artistic Tribute to the Partition It was a pleasure meeting you in Lahore. I was in awe of your works on the partition since I first encountered them. Mentioning these works in front of a dear professor introduced me to a Karachi-based, Parsi artist and a philanthropist. Let me admit that I was intrigued … Read more
The Global Nature of Climate Change Climate change is a global problem that has no regard for national borders. Much must be done to deal with the causes and consequences of climate-related threats in the global north. Yet, addressing climate challenges is particularly complicated for the global south, due to resource constraints, and other simultaneously … Read more
Call for Hamas to Accept Ceasefire Roadmap BARI (Italy): G7 leaders on Thursday called on Hamas to accept a roadmap towards a ceasefire in Gaza announced by US President Joe Biden in May. The UN Security Council had supported the plan and “now it is important that everyone implements it,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said … Read more