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.
Foreshadowing: Venezuela and Guyana Conflict
Venezuela and Guyana, countries situated in Latin America, may encounter the probable escalation of a land dispute into a military confrontation. Venezuela claims the Essequibo region that currently lies within the boundaries of Guyana.
In 1841, Venezuela disputed British control of the Essequibo region, objecting to the Schomburgk Line. The conflict arose over territorial boundaries and escalated with British claims fueled by a gold discovery. The dispute resurfaced again but as both countries are committed to asserting national sovereignty over the disputed territory, the lack of military action indicates their reluctance to intervene.
US Support to Israel: Fueling the Palestinian Tragedy
George Salhab denounces the influence of the pro-Israel lobby on the decision-making of the United States. In a war where thousands have lost their lives to Israeli attacks, American support for the Zionist state is a clear indicator of where its loyalties lie.
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.
Paradigm Shift’s Magazine: December 2023 Edition
The December 2023 edition of the Paradigm Shift magazine contains 12 handpicked pieces.
The last edition of 2023 covers everything important that has happened in the last year.
From Israel’s war on Gaza to the military coups in Africa, 2023 has been characterised by instability and genocides.
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.
What to Expect from the 2024 Taiwan Elections?
China’s growing influence around the world and its emergence as the rising superpower of the globe has inflicted fear in the people of Taiwan who have presidential elections on 13th January.
The major presidential contenders, along with an increasing majority of Taiwan’s population, reject the idea of Chinese governance. However, distinct differences among these parties may result in significantly diverse political landscapes.
On Palestine by Noam Chomsky & Ilan Pappé
The book ‘On Palestine’ is a conversation between two renowned professors Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappe which includes talks, interviews, and lectures. Both eminent personalities discuss various aspects of the Israel-Palestine conflict which gives the reader a new insight and perspective on the illegal occupation and land grab by Israel.
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.
[Video] Summary of the Battle of Panipat
An in-depth analysis of the strategies employed by both sides in the First Battle of Panipat reveals a fascinating interplay of traditional methods and groundbreaking innovations, forever altering the course of military history in the region.
Is Essay Analysis in CSS Exams Overly Strict?
As the nation’s awareness grew, so did its reliance on social media platforms for information. Given the diversity of academic backgrounds, the aspirants, in their final month to finalize the preparation, occasionally find information from social media about the rigid lens of CSS essay evaluation as an impedance. In this article, Fiza Bibi Ameen explores whether this fixation is inherent to the CSS exam or is inbuilt into the essence of an essay while analyzing the essay competition held by HEC for the year 2022 and the critique presented by the essay judges. Furthermore, the author goes on to explain the expert-recommended method for categorizing an essay topic.
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.
Narco-Terrorism: Exploring Hezbollah’s Drug Trafficking Rings
Hezbollah stands out as one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations, funded significantly by drug trafficking. The partnership between drug smuggling criminals and terrorists poses a growing threat to global security.
The interconnected nature of these challenges requires a united effort to address the complex issue of drug smuggling and its implications for international security.