Yearly Archives: 2023

SUMMARY of the Article “Climate Action,” by Masood Lohar, Dawn [Published on December 12th, 2023]

COP28, despite initial doubts and criticisms, has proven itself productive and on point, challenging skepticism surrounding its location in the UAE, a major oil-producing country. Dr Sultan Al Jaber’s appointment as the president raised concerns, but the summit has showcased progress, inclusivity, and adaptability. Early consensus on the loss and damage issue set a positive tone. Uncommon occurrences, such as protests in an autocratic state, marked the summit. Notably, protests in solidarity with Palestinians and for the release of pro-democracy activists were deemed historic. Dr Al Jaber highlighted the uniqueness and historic progress of COP28, engaging with various stakeholders and challenging traditional climate diplomacy norms. The summit achieved significant progress, including the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund, a $30 billion private market climate vehicle, and commitments from oil companies and countries for decarbonization and renewable energy. The UAE positions itself as a climate innovator, investing in decarbonization projects and setting ambitious targets. Dubai aims for » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Conflict and climate,” by Huma Yusuf [Published on December 11th, 2023]

The outcome of COP28, while likely to focus on ambiguous terms regarding fossil fuels, invites skepticism due to the absence of concrete targets and deadlines. However, the summit’s positive aspects include the new Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace. This declaration emphasizes collective action for building climate resilience, particularly in vulnerable countries and conflict-affected communities. Notably, seven out of the ten most climate-vulnerable nations are also considered fragile states. COP28 acknowledges the intersection of climate and security challenges, recognizing the vicious circle wherein climate change exacerbates security issues, while state fragility and conflict impede climate adaptation and mitigation. This nexus is relevant to Pakistan, witnessing a surge in militant attacks and security concerns leading to the expulsion of undocumented Afghans. The article explores how climate change contributes to security challenges beyond resource competition, impacting state legitimacy, increasing susceptibility to militant recruitment, fostering illicit activities through climate migration, and causing distractions for security forces engaged in rescue and reconstruction efforts. The author emphasizes the need for a » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Human development on hold,” by Zeba Sathar, Dawn [Published on December 11th, 2023]

As Pakistan approaches the 2024 election, discussions on policy reforms and party manifestos are emerging, primarily focusing on economic revival. However, the neglect of human development over the past two decades is emphasized, with inadequate investments in education, healthcare, and skills development, leading to an acute human capital crisis. The World Bank’s 2023 Human Capital report raises concerns about Pakistan’s failure in human development, particularly regarding child stunting and out-of-school youth. Maternal mortality, high abortion rates, infant mortality, and other indicators reflect policy failures. The article urges a consensus on reducing fertility rates as a crucial policy objective for economic development, citing success stories from other countries like Bangladesh. The National Security Policy 2022 recognizes human development’s importance, linking it to national security. Population planning, seen as a solution to non-traditional threats, is gaining acceptance, emphasizing the need to free state resources from population pressures. The ‘tawazzun’ (balance) narrative endorsed by » Read More…

‘Her eyes were diamond’. (The given sentence is the example of:)
Alliteration
Metaphor
Personification
Simile
Show Answer…
Correct Answer: Metaphor
» Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Pakistan’s Image,” by Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Dawn [Published on December 10th, 2023]

The rapidly changing global and regional geopolitics are significantly influencing Pakistan’s relevance in the world. The country faces challenges in its image, driven by concerns over political instability, economic troubles, weakening rule of law, and inconsistent policies. Pakistan, once a rising star in the 1960s, has lost some of its past glory. The world also perceives Pakistan through the lens of terrorism and extremism, exacerbated by India’s campaign to isolate Pakistan under the pretext of cross-border terrorism. The country’s human resource development, education, health, and overall development indices are lagging. Pakistan’s geopolitical situation with unresolved conflicts, particularly the Kashmir dispute and fragile peace in Afghanistan, adds complexity to its global standing. To improve its image, Pakistan needs to prioritize putting its political and economic affairs in order, address human resource development, leverage its young population, emphasize » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Dump all degrees?” by Pervez Hoodbhoy, Dawn [Published on December 9th, 2023]

Pervez Hoodbhoy delves into the evolving significance of college and university degrees in the context of the rapidly changing hi-tech landscape. While acknowledging the indispensable role of degrees, especially in professions like medicine and engineering, Hoodbhoy points out a paradox. The advent of AI and automation is diminishing the demand for traditional degrees, and influential figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel challenge the conventional value of higher education. Musk emphasizes specific skills and problem-solving abilities over theoretical knowledge, stating that college is primarily for fun and proving one’s ability to perform daily tasks. Thiel goes a step further, offering fellowships for young people to drop out of universities and start their own businesses, claiming real-world experience’s superiority. In the global job market, companies like Apple and Tesla are shifting focus from degrees to skills, learning agility, work ethic, and creativity. Hoodbhoy criticizes Pakistani universities for lacking genuine research output and producing graduates with insufficient skills, particularly in » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “The privatisation agenda” by Miftah Ismail, Dawn [Published on December 7th, 2023

Miftah Ismail criticizes the opposition to the privatisation efforts, particularly the plan to privatise PIA, by the caretaker government and Privatisation Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad. Ismail presents compelling figures, highlighting PIA’s continuous losses, reaching Rs88 billion last year, with accumulated losses over the years amounting to Rs717 billion. He argues that privatisation would be financially prudent for Pakistan, emphasizing that the accumulated losses could have been utilized for significant public welfare projects. The author extends the argument to Pakistan Railways, receiving substantial government subsidies, and suggests that privatising both tracks and trains while defining the ministry’s role as a regulator could enhance efficiency. Ismail also addresses the issue of katchi abadis on railway lands, proposing » Read More…