Examining Iran’s Missile Offensive Against Pakistan
Iran conducted missile strikes about 50 Kms deep into Pakistan on 16th January, 2024, striking Panjgur. The news was first broken on social media and then by the international press with a public statement made by Iran. Pakistan then retaliated within 48 hours and undertook a drone attack on Saravan in Iran along with other stand-off weapons and loitering munitions.
Shadows of Lyari Town: A Tale of Street Power and Media
In the shadowy alleys of Lyari Town, a neighborhood in Karachi survives with its history of culture and resilience. Dictated with its stories of gritty street life, identity, and the ubiquitous influences of organized crime. Today the Gangs of Lyari hide in the shadows yet their fear lurks at every corner. The gangs have woven themselves into the multi-colored fabric of the community, depicting the careful portrait of the struggle to survive while balancing the dark intricacies of power.
Privatization of Government Schools in the Suffocating Educational System of Pakistan
Protests over the government’s decision to privatize schools have erupted across Pakistan, a nation already grappling with the world’s second-largest population of out-of-school children.
The interim Punjab government initially dismissed the news as a rumor, but details about the schools slated for privatization had already been released.
This essay explores the prospects of privatizing government schools, highlighting why it may not be the opportune time for Pakistan and suggesting alternative measures until the country is better prepared.
Seeking Rights: The Story of Gilgit Baltistan
Gilgit Baltistan, a region in Pakistan, is celebrated for its natural wonders, including the world’s second-largest non-polar glacier. Despite its strategic significance, the area has faced persistent challenges. The constitutional status of Gilgit Baltistan has been contentious since its inception, with the local population advocating for greater autonomy.
The Origin of Zip Codes & Postal Codes in Pakistan
Sadia Iqbal delves into the significance and history of postal codes. Postal codes, often used interchangeably with zip codes in Pakistan, have evolved significantly since the 19th century. Since the British rule until today, Pakistan’s postal system has continued to modernize, marking the relevance of postal services and codes in an era dominated by digital communication.
Jinnah’s Pakistan: A Professional Approach to Good Governance
What does it take for a country to prosper? Good leadership. It’s unfortunate, however, that competent leadership has always been beyond Pakistan’s reach.
Dr Sadiq Ali states the criteria—one in line with the Quran, the constitution, and the two founders—that he would like the next leader of Pakistan to meet.
Freemasonry’s “Jadoo Ghar” Once Existed in Pakistan
The Freemasons, an enigmatic and often myth-shrouded organization, have sparked curiosity in the people of Pakistan. Unknown to most, Pakistan was home to several Freemasonry lodges, and even though the organization has been banned since 1972, traces of its existence can still be found in the country.
Forced Conversions and Religious Chauvinism in Pakistan
Pakistan remains a country invariably enveloped in religious chauvinism. Sadaf Shabbir analyzes the phenomenon of forced conversions against minorities, and how this has become a weapon for those who want to reiterate their religious supremacy.
Additionally, the plague of forced conversions and forced marriages is not just confined to religious supremacy but has something significant where men’s criminal actions are justified because of the prevalent sense of impunity based on both religion and gender.
Enabling Innovative and Research-Driven Education for All in Pakistan
Duaa Ayaz discusses the need for Pakistan to revamp its education system and adopt a research and outcome-oriented hybrid educational model to bridge the gap between the curriculum and 21st century demands.
The education system in Pakistan is outdated and fails to equip students with the modern requisites, subsequently increasing unemployment.
The state must enable education by fostering public-private partnerships, increasing vocational training, and promoting mental health initiatives at school level.
The Education Crisis in Pakistan
The article is a heartfelt, fact-based, and thought-provoking take on the current education system in Pakistan and how we can reform it.
Aalia Khan draws conclusions from her own experiences as well as the statistics about education and all the factors impacted by education.
Some of the harsh truths that she presents are realities most Pakistanis will find hard to acknowledge. However, the focus is brought on how we must have a thorough understanding of the long-standing problems in order to devise a solution that could truly work.
Transgender Act of 2018: Criticisms and Concerns
The Transgender Act 2018 in Pakistan has been subject to numerous criticisms and shortcomings, revealing several areas where improvements are needed. Ranging from ineffective implementation and inadequate provisions for essential services to the persistent social stigma and discrimination, there are evident flaws in the act. While the debates surrounding the act continue, it is crucial to acknowledge that these issues have significantly impeded its successful implementation.
The Postal Codes in Pakistan
With a vast network of over 13,000 postal offices, Pakistan Post is dedicated to facilitating efficient package delivery both nationally and internationally. Essential for streamlined logistics, postal codes play a crucial role in this process. This article presents a comprehensive list of the postal codes of Pakistan, spanning from cities to remote areas.
Artificial Intelligence & Jobs: What Does the Future Hold?
Noman Waheed discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence, primarily focusing on its impact on global employment. While the rise of AI negatively influences jobs, particularly in routine sectors, it also has the potential to create jobs in tech-based industries. The author encourages skill development to adapt to the evolving job market influenced by AI.
From Grit to Glory: Rebirth of Football in Pakistan
From the southern parts of Sindh to the northern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, football is now the people’s second favorite sport after cricket.
With the rising popularity of football in the country, Muhtasim Afridi sheds light on the sport’s potential and the major developments made by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) in recent years.
6 Free Upskilling Opportunities for Pakistani Youth: Self-paced Learning
A nation that started its journey with a literacy rate of about 14% still has a long way to go before it reaches the literacy rate of other developing countries. However, Pakistani youth has been making progress in leaps and bounds since its independence, and this is in large part due to the wide variety of self-paced courses, freelance jobs, and upskilling opportunities that a multitude of platforms offer. Fiza Bibi Ameen emphasizes the importance of such platforms including EdX, Udemy, Coursera, Digiskills and more.
The Boycott of Israeli Products: A Pakistani Dilemma
In light of the Israeli war on Gaza, many countries have resorted to boycotting Israeli companies and products in protest. Muhammad Hamza Tanvir presents the two contesting opinions on the boycott movement in Pakistan, highlighting the strengths of each.
Choosing Physics as an Optional Subject in the CSS Exams
The appeal of a career as a Civil Services of Pakistan (CSP) officer doesn’t always translate into optimistic outcomes, as many applicants don’t even appear for exams. The choice of subjects is nearly as crucial as the attempt itself. Physics, a subject with a conceptual flow but a probable exam pattern, has proven to be a high-scoring subject in various entrance and academic exams. Does this trend find resonance in CSS results as well? Fiza Bibi Ameen evaluates the merits and demerits of choosing physics and provides research-based tactics to streamline the process, making it less time-consuming.
