[Video] The Causes & Solutions of Pakistan’s Economic Crisis
The video breaks down the key factors hindering its long-term growth, including low productivity, high consumption, and weak exports. We discuss Pakistan’s economic challenges and the critical factors affecting its sustainable growth. But fear not! We also explore proven solutions like boosting agricultural yields, revitalising the industrial sector, and upgrading the services sector.
Rawalpindi Commissioner Admits To Rigging Elections
Hafsa Ammar highlights events that took place outside Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 17th February. Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chattha held a press conference where he admitted to playing a part in rigging the general elections and manipulating the final results.
Chattha confessed to fabricating wins for 13 seats and toppling leads of 80,000 votes. He further told the reporters that Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa were also involved in the electoral misconduct.
Many think this was a bold attempt at gaining political fame due to his upcoming retirement, but if so, why did he immediately surrender to the Rawalpindi Police afterward?
Trump’s Ukraine Policy: From Allies to Ambiguity
As US elections loom, people have started to pay closer attention to candidates and their policies regarding pressing global issues.
Sanan Lashari gives his candid opinion as he explains Donald Trump’s stance regarding the war in Ukraine.
Although Trump has publicly wished for the war to end, his sentiments are troubling for the Western world as he stated he would endorse a Russian invasion of Ukraine if the latter did not pay its share of the NATO defense budget.
Kalka Devi Temple: The Legacy of Hindu Temples in Pakistan
Situated near Sukkur, the Kalka Devi Temple embodies the enduring legacy of the past in contemporary times, reflecting Pakistan’s rich history and cultural identity.
Built in the 1920s by Hemraj Kewalramani, the temple’s architecture blends Islamic and Hindu styles, featuring intricate carvings and paintings depicting Hindu mythology.
Despite being an important site for Hindu pilgrims, the temple’s visitors are mostly Muslim tourists. Today, the temple symbolizes unity and interfaith understanding, preserving Pakistan’s diverse heritage amidst environmental threats and commercial pressures.
Artificial Intelligence and National Security: A Way Forward for Pakistan
Noman Ali Kalhoro identifies the loopholes and shortcomings in the draft national AI policy by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, a document that has the potential to shape Pakistan’s roadmap towards a competitive posture in this technological era.
By examining the US’s National Artificial Intelligence Initiative and China’s New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, he showcases their guiding principles, ideology, and implementation methods while investigating the influence of AI in the national security paradigm.
Canada-Philippines Defence Agreement and the South China Sea Dispute
The recent defence agreement signed between Canada and the Philippines is focused on cooperation in military education, information sharing, training exchanges, peacekeeping operations, and disaster responses regulated between the military and defence establishment of both countries.
Although it doesn’t mention a direct aim of safeguarding the claims of the Philippines in the South China Sea, the defence agreement would surely play its role in the ongoing dispute.
The Israeli War in Gaza: Where Climate Change Meets Conflict
The highly anticipated COP28, held in Dubai in December 2023, took place amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine. The authors examine the conference’s agenda and achievements through the lens of the conflict-climate intersection.
They discuss how these two concepts are deeply interconnected and highlight that the COP’s exclusion of the conflict, primarily the Israel-Gaza war, from the agenda makes it challenging to achieve climate goals in the region.
[Video] ICJ’s Decision on South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel
This video delves into the decision of the ICJ in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, highlighting its shortcomings, hurdles in implementation, and the possible solutions to the conflict.
The Fault in Our Stars: Pitfalls in Pakistan’s Economic Development
As Pakistan approaches its 77th anniversary, Aiman Shahid reflects on its journey.
Impacted by political turmoil and a neglect of economic development, Pakistan trails behind other developing nations such as Bangladesh – a state once poorer than Pakistan, now emerging as a success story, overcoming adversity through strategic reforms and empowering its female workforce.
Comparing Pakistan to African developing states, she also highlights valuable insights from Rwanda’s path to progress, which could transform Pakistan’s economy and help the South Asian state achieve its development goals. As the nation stands at a crossroads, it must confront its identity crisis and persevere to shape a brighter future.
Divorce in Pakistan: Re-evaluating Jurisdiction of Union Councils
The rising rates of divorce in Pakistan stress the need for a thorough examination of the role that union councils play in issuing divorce certificates.
This bureaucratic procedure not only prolongs the legal process but also poses significant challenges, particularly for women, in terms of mobility, economic strain, and susceptibility to harassment and corruption.
Mahroosha Saleem suggests that reforming the system to issue divorce certificates immediately upon the finalization of divorce decrees will not only promote gender equality but will also empower women to take the intimidating step.
From Swords to Drones: The Impact of Technology on Warfare
Over time, warfare has evolved from primitive conflicts to complex, organized endeavors, heavily influenced by technological advancements.
From early weaponry like swords to modern innovations such as drones and cyber warfare, technology has continued to shape military strategies and tactics.
The manipulation of the internet and emerging technologies like drones, missile shields, and hacking are shaping modern warfare, emphasizing the importance of technological superiority in military operations.
Women’s Rights in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Huzaifah Sehgal dissects the detrimental impact of AI technologies on women and their rights.
He critically evaluates the various forms of prejudices that may be directed toward women, and the added hurdles in realization of women’s rights due to digital and AI driven technologies.
Additionally, he also evaluates the impact of AI-driven technologies on women who work.
India’s Cultivation of the Khalistan Movement—Past & Present
The Khalistan Movement is an attempt to liberate the Sikhs of India. The separatist movement was started by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and gained momentum in the ’80s.
The recent murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver has rekindled the movement, shedding light on India’s persisting anti-Khalistan sentiments.
India’s distaste for the Sikhs has been seen time and again over the years from Operation Blue Star of 1948, to the unsavory response that the Farmer’s Protests received.
Sarmad Ishfaq summarizes that with the way India keeps targeting Sikhs, the revival of Khalistan seems inevitable, and it’s only a matter of time before it gains momentum again.
National Defence University (NDU): Fortifying Pakistan’s Strategic Eminence
NDU, formally known as National Defence University, was established in 2007, following the status upgrade of the National Defence College (instituted in 1970). The university is located in sector E-9/3 of Islamabad, close to both Air and Bahria. Both military personnel and private students may enrol in the different courses provided by the institute.
Anchors Aweigh: Pakistan’s Seaports in the Global Trade Network
The seven major seaports—Karachi Port, Gwadar Port, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Keti Bandar Port, Ormara Port, Pasni Port, and Jiwani Port—play crucial roles in global trade dynamics, development, and security.
Fatimah Naeem argues that challenges like insufficient infrastructure, political instability, security concerns, and socioeconomic pitfalls have hindered the proper utilization of these ports.
Despite this, there is still a chance for the country’s growth and progress if there’s an emphasis on strategic investments.
Regional Dialogue 2024: Advocating Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
At the Regional Dialogue 2024, hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), President Arif Alvi emphasized the imperative role of modern agricultural technology in tackling the climate crisis.
Proposing upgrades to Pakistan’s agriculture sector, he advocated for sophisticated irrigation methods and adherence to international standards and guidelines.
During the three-day dialogue, DG (ISSI) Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, former foreign minister, Inam Ul Haque, the current foreign minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, and Aisha Khan of the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change also addressed the issue.
[Video] A History of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Exploring the history of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), this video dives deep into its remarkable ascent and its tumultuous decline. It offers insight into the challenges it faced and the initiatives implemented to propel it back into the skies.