Author: Maxter ʚïɞ

This author has written 2722 articles

SUMMARY of “Exporting beggars,” Dawn Editorial, October 2nd, 2023:

A recent revelation by the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis has exposed a distressing truth. It has been revealed that 90% of beggars arrested abroad, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and even Japan, are Pakistanis. This raises serious concerns not only about human trafficking but also tarnishes Pakistan’s global image. Misuse of pilgrim visas, even at places of reverence like Masjid al-Haram, adds to the gravity of the issue. To address this problem, Pakistan must not only tackle poverty, which affects 40% of its population, through cash handouts but also provide skills-based education to empower individuals to lift themselves out of poverty. The authorities must investigate human trafficking rings involved in this activity, establish proper exit checks, and focus on creating respectful employment opportunities within the » Read More…

SUMMARY of “Faizabad redux,” Dawn Editorial, October 2nd, 2023:

The memory of the 2017 Faizabad dharna, which propelled the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) into the political mainstream, haunts Pakistan once more. As the Supreme Court reviews petitions against its 2019 verdict related to the dharna, the TLP has resurfaced, this time targeting minority communities. The state has not yet taken steps to curb their disruptive activities, reminiscent of its previous approach to allow the group a free hand. Interestingly, those who filed review pleas against the 2019 verdict, including the PTI, now seek to withdraw them. The situation raises questions about the current political context and the need for accountability. The Faizabad ruling was seen as a call for unelected quarters to respect their oath and check religious extremists, but no one was prosecuted for » Read More…

Detailed SUMMARY of “Brutalising Society,” Dawn Editorial, October 2nd, 2023

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior passed a bill in favor of public hangings of rapists, a move criticized by the PPP and the interior and foreign affairs ministries. This bill seeks to amend certain sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code to legalize public executions. The call for public hangings gained momentum after the 2018 rape and murder of Zainab Ansari, with prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, endorsing the idea. Critics argue that executions do not act as deterrents and that public hangings will further brutalize an already violent society. Instead of focusing on improved funding for the police, better criminal investigations, and officer training in rape cases, public emotions are being exploited to call for executions. » Read More…

Detailed SUMMARY of “Economic Emergency,” Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Dawn, October 1st, 2023

The current economic conditions in Pakistan have led to extreme hardship for the majority of its citizens. Soaring power tariffs and high fuel costs have significantly increased the cost of living, pushing basic necessities beyond the reach of the public. The nation is deeply indebted due to persistent deficit spending, mortgaging the future of generations to come. However, there is a stark contrast between the financial struggles of the general populace and the apparent business-as-usual approach of the government’s top echelons, who continue to embark on foreign trips despite the expenses involved. The writer calls for government-led austerity measures, particularly in the face of economic pressures on the public. The chief justice’s voluntary renunciation of protocol and privileges serves as an example to follow. The government should suspend official foreign trips, utilize online mediums for representation abroad, eliminate free utilities and perks, and consider privatizing or » Read More…

Detailed SUMMARY of “Excluding Party Leaders,” Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Dawn, October 1st, 2023

The recent statement by Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister suggesting that free and fair elections could proceed even if former Prime Minister Imran Khan and some of his party members were incarcerated has sparked controversy. While the prime minister later claimed his words were taken out of context, the reaction to his statement highlights Pakistan’s historical pattern of excluding popular political leaders and parties from the electoral process. This practice dates back to the 1970 election when Sheikh Mujibur Rehman was prevented from forming a government despite winning an outright majority. Subsequent elections were marred by rigging, military takeovers, and the exclusion of popular leaders like Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. The article emphasizes the recurrent nature of these events and their impact on political parties and leaders. » Read More…