Author: Maxter ʚïɞ

This author has written 2722 articles

SUMMARY of the “The perils of heatwaves,” Ayesha Malik, January 11th, 2024**:

The article discusses the origins and exacerbated impact of heatwaves, emphasizing their catastrophic consequences on the environment, economy, and communities. Born from intricate atmospheric interactions influenced by climate change and natural climatic patterns like El Niño and La Niña, heatwaves pose challenges such as devastated ecosystems, stressed energy systems, and increased health hazards. Historical incidents in Pakistan, like the 2015 heatwave in Sindh claiming over 700 lives and the 2022 heatwaves and subsequent natural disasters, highlight the severity. The article emphasizes the importance of efficient heatwave mitigation and adaptation strategies, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency measures, and the creation of green spaces to mitigate urban heat islands. Policy measures like early warning systems and sustainable urban planning are proposed. Additionally, adaptation strategies involve climate-resilient agriculture, improved emergency response plans, research and monitoring, and health protection measures. The article concludes by stressing the global » Read More…

SUMMARY of the “Education crisis,” Editorial, January 26th, 2024*:

The editorial sheds light on the education crisis in Pakistan, emphasizing figures from the recently released Pakistan Education Statistics 2021-22 report. The report, compiled by the government’s Pakistan Institute of Education, underscores alarming deficiencies in enrolment and educational infrastructure. Notably, over 26 million children are out of school, constituting 39% of the country’s minors. While an improvement from previous years, this percentage remains unacceptably high, jeopardizing the future of a significant portion of Pakistan’s youth. The editorial points out issues in educational infrastructure, such as a lack of electricity in 85% of Balochistan’s schools, inadequate toilets, and a concerning teacher-student ratio of 1:39 in primary schools. The article calls for concrete plans, supported by research, from political parties vying for leadership in Pakistan to address this crisis and transform the education system. It emphasizes the need for » Read More…

SUMMARY of “Barrier to progress (Corruption)” Umar Strath, January 20th, 2024

The article explores the relationship between corruption and economic stagnation in underdeveloped countries, with a focus on Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Corruption is often used as a populist slogan by politicians, creating a narrative that serves as a convenient scapegoat for developmental failures while allowing politicians to evade accountability. The author highlights the nexus of self-interested parties benefiting from normalized and unchecked corruption, including public servants and NGOs funded to combat underdevelopment. The case study of Pakistan’s SOEs, such as PIA, Railways, and Pakistan Steel Mills, reveals a staggering combined loss of Rs200 billion in fiscal year 2022-23. The financial losses are attributed to political patronage and nepotism, where job placements are influenced by political affiliations rather than merit. The article emphasizes that corruption is not only a financial issue but also results in moral and ethical degradation, perpetuating a cycle of corruption within these organizations. Pakistan’s options to compensate for the deficit involve severe repercussions, such as budget cuts or increased taxation, both adversely affecting essential services and economic growth. The article concludes that » Read More…

 SUMMARY of the “External challenges,” Editorial, January 20th, 2024*

The editorial highlights the external challenges facing Pakistan and emphasizes the need for the new administration, post-February elections, to address strained relations with neighboring countries. The complexity of ties with India, in deep freeze since August 2019, presents a significant diplomatic challenge, especially with the upcoming elections in India. While relations with Afghanistan and Iran are lukewarm, recent positive signals, including the National Security Committee meeting and diplomatic engagements, suggest a potential for improvement. The editorial underscores the importance of extending a hand of friendship to India while maintaining Pakistan’s key concerns. Engaging with the Afghan Taliban, addressing administrative disputes with Kabul, and improving trade relations are recommended. Despite recent tensions with Iran, the need for cordial relations is stressed, with a caution against any further infringement of Pakistan’s sovereignty. The editorial » Read More…

SUMMARY of “Pakistan’s Afghan predicament,” Maleeha Lodhi, January 15th, 2024

The article by Maleeha Lodhi discusses the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, primarily fueled by Pakistan’s concerns about the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan territory. Despite warnings and assurances from the Taliban, the TTP’s activities have increased, leading to escalated border tensions and attacks on Pakistani security forces. Efforts, including talks and warnings, to address the issue have yielded no positive outcomes. The situation worsened in 2023 with a surge in terrorist activities, leaving Islamabad frustrated. The article highlights a shift in Pakistan’s approach towards Kabul, adopting a tougher stance by rejecting talks with the TTP, deporting undocumented Afghans, and imposing trade restrictions. A recent visit by an Afghan delegation to Pakistan aimed at defusing tensions showed minimal progress on the core issue of TTP. The article concludes with uncertainties about the Taliban’s intentions and questions Pakistan’s » Read More…

SUMMARY of the “Pak-Iran relations,” Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, January 14th, 2024

The article delves into the historical context and current state of Pakistan-Iran relations, emphasizing the immense potential for cooperation between the two neighboring nations. Iran, with a rich history dating back over 2,500 years, boasts vast natural resources, including significant gas and oil reserves. Despite historical and cultural congruity, the tangible bilateral cooperation has not reached its potential, attributed in part to US sanctions on Iran and perceived lack of political will. The article identifies three critical areas for enhancing cooperation: energy, border management, and trade. The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline agreement (IP) signed in 2012 faced obstacles due to sanctions, and recent developments like the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the Financial Action Task Force blacklisting have further complicated the situation. The border, seen as one of ‘Peace, friendship and love,’ has occasional challenges with cross-border terrorism, necessitating improved coordination. Additionally, bilateral trade has been hindered by the absence of regular banking channels due to US sanctions. The article suggests encouraging border markets and barter trade to overcome economic sanctions. It also highlights the potential of Gwadar and » Read More…