A Review of the National Judicial Policy (2009) in Pakistan
To bring a semblance of structure and convenience within the judicial sphere of Pakistan, the National Judicial Policy 2009 was framed. The authors, Alyan Waheed, Palwasha Khan, Shaheer Ahmed, and Syed Hassam Ali, discuss the policy’s underpinnings and address its failures and drawbacks.
The Enactment of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act by the US
Signed into law on 23rd December 2021, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act will prevent US businesses and consumers from becoming complicit in human rights violations. The Act will radically reorient the US’s foreign policy with China, as it will presume that goods made wholly or in part in the Xinjiang region are a result of forced labor and hence the onus to disprove that presumption will be on the importer.
The Gruesome Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi
In 2018, the world witnessed the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi – a Saudi-born Washington Post columnist known for his criticism of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman – in the Saudi consulate in Turkey. The author, Palwasha Khan, explains that Saudi Arabia had used an assassination squad to eliminate Khashoggi. Though Saudi Arabia denied its involvement in the murder, America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) affirmed that the journalist was killed on the crown prince’s orders. Moreover, the death of Khashoggi sparked a diplomatic crisis between Saudi Arabia and several of its closest allies, including the US.
The Parliament’s Joint Session in Pakistan: Passing the EVM, Anti-Rape & the ICJ Bills
On November 17th, 33 bills were passed during a joint session of the Parliament of Pakistan. Among the bills passed were the International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Bill, 2021, the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Bill, 2021, and the Elections (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021. The author, Palwasha Khan, notes that the latter, in particular, resulted in the opposition causing quite a bit of commotion during the session. The bill enables the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), allowing overseas Pakistanis to vote in the next elections. As such, it has been a cause of concern for the opposition. Pakistan Muslim League-N’s Shehbaz Sharif called EVMs “evil and vicious machines”, whereas, Pakistan People’s Party’s Sherry Rehman termed the session as a “black day” in the Parliament’s history.
The Alarming Increase of Drugs & Narcotics in Pakistan
Drug abuse is the willful misuse of drugs that disregards the potential negative consequences on a personal and societal level. Pakistan’s drug addicts have increased exponentially from 7 million in 2015 to 9 million in 2021. The author, Palwasha Khan, also reviews the viability of the National Anti-Narcotics Policy 2019. With a growing population, rising unemployment and absence of safety nets, drug abuse will only be inimical to the progress of Pakistan.
History of the Gilgit Baltistan Area — Liberation from the Dogras
Known for its splendid mountains, natural beauty, hospitable people, distinctive culture, and linguistics, Gilgit Baltistan is the talk of the town for welcoming outsiders with open arms. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to the region to spectate its beauty and diversity. However, the beauty of the region was once stained by the Dogra tribe. Gilgit Baltistan was liberated from the Dogra rule on November 1, 1947, and this year marks the 74th independence of the region.
Expo 2020 Dubai: An Ode to Pakistan’s Hidden Treasures
Expo 2020 in Dubai is said to be the “greatest show on Earth” by many. The world’s largest fair was projected to commence in 2020. However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the date of the opening changed to October 1st, 2021. With that being said, the first look of it was worth the wait. Nestled in art, culture, history, landscapes, landmarks, and technological achievements among other things, 192 countries unlocked their untold tales and narrate them to the world with the aid of digital art, installations, live shows, special performances, and music.
Pakistan’s theme at this year’s expo is ‘The Hidden Treasure,’ and true to the theme, the pavilion exhibits the transcendent history and culture of the country.
Lebanon’s Catastrophic Economic Crisis (2021)
Lebanon’s harrowing economic crisis is primarily triggered by corruption and countless debts. To contextualise the gravity of the crisis, one must understand that the country’s debt is equivalent to 150% of its output.
Marred by extended civil wars and sectarian conflicts, Lebanon witnessed the worst recession. Due to this, It wasn’t long before there were major upheavals in the political structure of Lebanon.
To free itself from this predicament, the author, Palwasha Khan, recommends the reformation of Lebanon’s institutions as well as the promotion of private investments.