Pakistan’s Current Economic Situation: From the Devastating Floods to the IMF
After being struck by devastating floods, Pakistan’s already struggling economy is expected to further slow down in the next year. Aamina Ikram analyzes Pakistan’s current economic situation, highlighting the Asian Development Bank’s report on the state’s shrinking economy. She argues that in a state affected by political turmoil, economic instability, and environmental catastrophe, the IMF has played a significant role in crisis management.
Manisha Ropeta, Pakistan’s First Hindu Woman DSP
It was a moment of pride and honour for Pakistan when the first Hindu female, Manisha Ropeta, became the Deputy superintendent of police (DSP). She has caused another crack in the glass ceiling in the police service of Pakistan, empowering both women and religious minorities.
Karachi, the City That Was
Mir Adnan Aziz points to the cause of Karachi’s decline: corruption of the ruling parties and mafias. These corrupt practices have battered and ravaged the city that had the potential and resilience.
He views prudent leadership and accountability as the main determinants of Karachi’s revival. Image credits: Mustafa Hussain/The New York Times
Władysław Turowicz: The Polish Legend of Pakistan
Mr Khalid Chishti shares the journey of Władysław Turowicz, a Polish-Pakistani pilot, who served as an exemplary part of the Pakistan Air Force.
Mr Turowicz will always be remembered for the launch of the satellite programme, and the initiation of various missile programmes.
The Woes of Public Transport in Pakistan
Abrish Nayyar discusses some of the main concerns people have with reference to public transport in Pakistan, its current conditions, and future plans.
She bemoans the current public transportation infrastructure: factors like the limited routes and the poorly maintained buses, among others.
Political Polarization in Pakistan and the 2022 Floods
In their attempts to undermine their opponents, Pakistan’s political elite have polarized the citizens of the state. Hamra Tariq notes that this political polarization has prevented the state of Pakistan from reaching an agreement on matters of national security. She takes the case of the 2022 floodings in Pakistan to demonstrate the impact of this divide on the effective management of the crisis, and on the formulation of a climate policy.
Pakistan: A Personal History by Imran Khan
Authored by Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, “Pakistan: A Personal History” offers the readers a look inside the beliefs, ideas, and personal life of the PTI leader. The book explains the history of Pakistan from Imran Khan’s perspective and introduces the people to the experiences that transformed him into who he is today.
The Student Council Investiture Ceremony at the TME One World Campus
The Millennium Education One World Campus held an investiture ceremony for its new student council. The event was graced by the presence of Senator Walid Iqbal and TME Group’s founder and CEO, Dr Faisal Mushtaq.
Pakistan’s Performance in the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games
Every four years, the Islamic Solidarity Games is organised for the athletes of OIC countries, serving the greater purpose of uniting and enabling communication among the OIC states.
The fifth edition of the games was held from 9th to 18th August 2022 in Konya, Turkey. Pakistan’s players participated in the games, winning gold in the men’s javelin throw and a bronze medal in para table tennis.
The Appointment of the COAS: An Unending Controversy
Every three years, the autumn in Pakistan resonates with budding news over the appointment of the next Army Chief.
The appointment remains a rather routine affair among the other two services (Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force) and elsewhere in the world, passing without a murmur or creating much of a ruckus.
It, however, springs out as the most important question in the case of the Pakistan Army Chief, engendering and captivating interest in the public domain.
Freedom of Expression in Pakistan: A Complicated Relationship
Abrish Nayyar contemplates freedom of expression and censorship in Pakistan. She refers to various national laws to explain Pakistan’s stance on freedom of speech. Pakistan has undoubtedly provided this right to its citizens in the 1973 constitution and it even recognizes the right to information as a constitutional right. Yet, like every other state in the world, there’s a limit to this right in Pakistan as well. To what extent censorship is acceptable is still up for debate.
The Role of ICT in Shaping the Future of Women and Achieving SDGs in Pakistan
Information and Communication Technology has revolutionized the globe with its far-reaching implications in every sector. It can provide a unique opportunity to strategically address the sustainability goals and ensure a sustainable, healthy and equitable future.
Sarah Faraz foresees the utility of ICT in not only achieving the SDGs but also raising the standards of living for women in Pakistan. She also discusses the benefits that will be secured by the application of ICT in solving water, sanitation and energy problems, and using the digital space for telemedicine and remote education.
Pakistan’s Varying Political Scenarios
In today’s Pakistan, we are gripped with a politico-economic situation that is increasingly becoming untenable. Brig Syed Mushtaq Ahmed (Retd) believes that the country is abuzz with a lot of speculations, foretelling different scenarios: a downside scenario, an obverse scenario and a prospective scenario. Which one of these will last or emerge depend on the role of the invisibles.
Imran Khan—Challenger of the Status Quo
Former leaders took advantage of the inchoate state, and marred Pakistan by insulating themselves.
Mir Adnan Aziz considers Imran Khan’s political existence, and PTI’s unswerving influence the perfect opportunity for the citizens to resolve the pitiful state of the country themselves.
The Envoy: From Kabul to the White House, My Journey Through a Turbulent World
Zalmay Khalilzad contributed to the reconstruction and peace-building of Afghanistan after the USSR invaded the country – and in the post-Taliban era.
In “The Envoy: From Kabul to the White House, My Journey from a Turbulent World,” Khalilzad details his turbulent journey from a traditional country like Afghanistan to a modern and developed country like the US.
Khalilzad also argues that the world has already moved toward disorder and chaos because of several factors including terrorism, mistrust among allies, unrest in the Middle East, the rise of China, and Russian aggression.
Crown of Blood: The Dark Side of Elizabeth II’s Legacy
The death of Queen Elizabeth II prompted diametrically opposed viewpoints. One group mourns her loss, while the other deems her guilty of the Empire’s crimes. The brutal crimes were marked by colonialist ambitions and a penchant for slavery throughout the years.
Sarmad Ishfaq recounts the Empire’s horrific brutalities against the people of India, Kenya, and Yemen (to name a few) and the Queen’s apathy towards it all.
2022 SCO Summit in Samarkand
The 22nd annual summit of the Council of Heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held on September 15 and 16 against the backdrop of a geopolitical upheaval challenging the world order.
The leaders discussed regional and global challenges and resolved to achieve common goals of climate resilience, connectivity, digital sovereignty, peace, security, and economic development, notwithstanding the conflicts among member countries.
Prospects of multilateral cooperation were discussed at the Samarkand meeting, but of greater interest were the side-line meetings between heads of states, especially between Xi and Putin.