Author: Maxter ʚïɞ

This author has written 2722 articles

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…

SUMMARY of the Article “A precarious world in 2024” by Maleeha Lodhi, Published on December 4th, 2023

Maleeha Lodhi’s analysis of the geopolitical landscape for 2024 anticipates a world marked by heightened instability, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, global market volatility, and a multitude of crises. The wars in Gaza and Ukraine, along with the US-China confrontation, have further fragmented the international landscape, contributing to a troubled outlook. A record number of elections across the globe, including the US, adds to the uncertainty. The shift towards a more multipolar world is evident, but multilateral institutions face persistent stress. Key trends include “multipolar disorder,” as predicted by The Economist, and the onset of the “age of polycrisis,” as highlighted by the World Economic Forum. The US-China relationship remains a focal point, characterized by differences on various issues, with potential for continued turbulence. While conflicts persist, East-West tensions may intensify, particularly with the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Palestinian issue, brought to the forefront by Israel’s actions in Gaza, challenges Arab governments and major powers to seek lasting peace and » Read More…

SUMMARY of the article “Promises, promises(COP28 summit),” Editorial, published on December 3rd, 2023

The ongoing COP28 summit in the UAE holds significant importance in the global climate discourse, especially for nations like Pakistan. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar stressed Pakistan’s urgent need for “sufficient, additional, and predictable grant-based climate finance” from developed nations. He called for the immediate execution of the $100 billion goal for climate finance, emphasizing that this should not increase the debt burden of developing states. Mr Kakar urged for a robust framework for global adaptation goals with clear targets, indicators, and progress monitoring, proposing that at least half of climate finance be allocated to adaptation. He highlighted Pakistan’s proactive climate initiatives, including a 60% reduction in projected emissions by 2030 and the introduction of the National Adaptation Plan and Living Indus Initiative. The COP28 summit witnessed the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund to aid poorer countries in coping with climate disasters. However, the fund falls short of the $100 billion sought by developing nations, revealing challenges in securing adequate financial support. Discussions on fossil fuels at COP28 have been contentious, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres advocating for a » Read More…