Electricity, a basic necessity in today’s world, its fundamental right almost everywhere[1], but it has become increasingly unaffordable for the average person in Pakistan. Compared to the sharp rise in electricity prices in Pakistan, neighboring countries offer significantly lower rates – In Afghanistan, electricity costs 2.5 Afghanis (around Rs 3.92) per unit for up to…
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31st has brought Iran and Israel, and the larger Middle East, to the brink of all-out conflict. Non only that, it has also escalated the great power rivalry, which was already simmering over the situation of Ukraine. For the first time, Ukrainian forces have…
IntroductionPakistan has recently witnessed a disturbing increase in suicides among individuals overwhelmed by unpaid electricity bills. The crisis reached its peak in August, resulting from a sharp rise in electricity prices, pushing many to tragic extremes as they struggled to manage their expenses. The already dire situation, aggravated by uncontrollable inflation, was further heightened by…
Sikandar Hayat’s vision for the education sector in Punjab focuses on comprehensive reforms aimed at improving literacy rates, enhancing the quality of education, and ensuring equitable access for all students. Key components of his vision include modernizing the curriculum, integrating technology into classrooms, and strengthening teacher training programs. Additionally, Hayat emphasizes the importance of vocational…
The Unseen and the Visible Everything the Koran says about the world can be considered a description of God’s acts but some statements are more general and some more specific. Some verses refer to many of the acts or all the acts, while others refer only to one or a few. Meditating upon the Koranic…
The Asaan Mobile Account (AMA) scheme is a groundbreaking initiative that allows individuals to open a bank account using their mobile phone, without internet connectivity. It is launched by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Virtual Remittance Gateway (VRG). The AMA platform has been launched under…
Over five years ago – I had written exhaustively on counter insurgency and counter terrorism policies, contextualizing them within the ambit of national security policy, national interests, national purpose and national identity. It was a time of hope and vigour and a sense that maybe something was in the air that will allow us to…
Since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, women are deprived of educational access because of the Taliban perception and their misinterpretation of Islamic principles related to women’s education. The Taliban’s discriminatory policies not only promoted gender inequality and patriarchy but deprived women of their fundamental human right to education. The restrictions on women’s…
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is sensitive in nature for a variety of reasons and for different sects of people across the border. Looking deeper, when late and recent ancient history is reviewed, we find different power poles crossing the Hindukush mountains and invading the subcontinent and this continued throughout the course of regional…
The launch of the 13th, 14th and 15th volumes named ‘Terms of Frustration’, ‘Dreams and the Reality’, and ‘The Kakar Model’ in Ikram Sehgal’s series, “A Personal Chronicle of Pakistan” took place at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on August 9, 2024. The event drew a distinguished gathering, including prominent academicians, businessmen, government officials, military…
