Economy of Pakistan over the Years
With an external debt exceeding 130.1 billion dollars, Pakistan faces precarious debt levels, political instability, and deteriorating economic indicators.
The global economic downturn spurred by Covid-19 hit advanced economies hard and sent the growth rates of developing and underdeveloped states plummeting. The PTI government made modest gains, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. However, deep-seated challenges such as energy crises and regulatory hurdles persisted.
Hamza Shariff concludes that Pakistan must prioritize structural reforms, invest in human capital, and diversify energy sources to unlock the nation’s economic potential.
Who Do We Blame?
The past two weeks have been satiated with staggering bloodshed. An estimated 10,000 Palestinians have lost their lives with over 4000 of them being innocent children.
This is a recalcitrant cycle that often sprouts up in the media every one or two years.
However, who do we blame for this catastrophe that shakes up the Middle East’s stability every now and then?
The Media’s Role in Society: Impartial Reporting or Circulating Fake News?
Internationally, the media has played a significant role in spreading misinformation, fake news, and shaping the public’s opinion to serve a specific interest. The author, Muhammad Hamza Sharif, notes that while the media has helped raise awareness about certain matters, like the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also been the leading actor in bolstering fifth-generation warfare. He explains that since a large population of the world relies on social media for news, it is the most appropriate tool for propagating fake news. Given that Pakistan has 183 million active smartphones, misinformation through messaging applications such as WhatsApp spreads like wildfire. The author provides a few suggestions to counter this misinformation and to help strengthen Pakistan’s media.
Jammu and Kashmir’s History: An Introduction to the Issue
The Kashmir issue remains elusive, and many, if not all, know of the current conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
The author seeks to apprise the readers of the origins of the former princely state. It all began with the East India Company selling Jammu and Kashmir – the second-largest principality during British rule – to Gulab Singh.
Water Shortages in Pakistan: The Urgency for Water Governance
An increasing population, an explosive neighbor, and ill-equipped water management can positively damage Pakistan’s water security.
Mr. Muhammad Hamza Sharif applauds the initiatives of the PTI government and recommends institutions to raise awareness of the water issue. He also hopes for water governance to be given due importance.
The Tourism Potential of the Northern Areas in Pakistan
Pakistan is home to 5 out of the top 14 peaks of the world, including K2 –the second-highest mountain on Earth. The vast and beautiful mountain ranges of Pakistan attract local and foreign tourists to the state. The northern areas of Pakistan, in particular, draw the attention of mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts. The author, Muhammad Hamza Sharif, notes that although the northern areas of Pakistan hold great tourism potential, the state’s tourism industry has failed to recognize it. Where states like Oman, Nepal, Switzerland, and the UAE have utilized their mountain ranges to generate a large amount of revenue, Pakistan has not developed its northern areas enough to take on a massive number of tourists – foreign or local. Keeping in mind the problems faced by Pakistan’s tourism sector, the author suggests ways to not only improve tourism in Pakistan but also to generate revenue from it
The Decline of Sports in Pakistan
The author highlights the significance of sports for a nation, before illustrating the sports landscape in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s internal corruption and the scarcity of resources have not only weakened the sports infrastructure of the country but also dwindled interest in professional sports.
Democracy Is for the People by the People
As the rule of the people, democracy is the political theory that merits itself a place of sanctity among the masses. With so many forms of government around the world, all with varying degrees, democratic norms are at stake. The author also notes how freedom of speech is used as a tool to impair the foundations of a democratic government.
The US Withdrawal from Afghanistan: An Imperative Task
After two decades of war in Afghanistan, the time has finally come for the US to withdraw its forces. While the Doha Agreement paved the way for the US to extricate itself, its implementation will be based on the US interests defined by the Biden administration. Regardless of that, it is necessary for the US to withdraw its forces so that the war-torn state can learn to rely on itself.
Pakistan Air Force vs Indian Air Force: A Perpetual Security Dilemma
The military rivalry of the Pakistan Air Force vs Indian Air Force has generated an ever increasing security dilemma in South Asia. This dilemma has forced the two competitors to pursue 5th generation technology. The author notes that in this race for dominance, acquiring aerial stealth technology can shift the power structure in Pakistan’s favor.
Education System in Pakistan: Marked by Social Class Divisions in Schools
Pakistan’s education system is deeply flawed, with unskilled teachers, and an ever increasing socio-economic class divide within the institutions.