The article highlights the severe educational challenges in Balochistan, where disparities in access and standards place it consistently at the bottom of development rankings. The District Education Performance Index (DEPIx) illustrates stark differences across regions, with unrealistic expectations for Balochistan’s schools to match those in more developed areas like Islamabad and Lahore. Inclusive education is identified as crucial for human development, yet it cannot exist without equity, especially in polarized societies. UNICEF data reveals Balochistan’s staggering 47% out-of-school children rate, far higher than other provinces. Additionally, a significant lack of basic facilities in schools — with only 23% having clean drinking water, 39% with boundary walls, and a mere 15% with electricity — further hinders education. Balochistan’s limited share in the NFC award makes equitable distribution of resources vital, suggesting a 3:1 resource allocation for deprived areas. The article critiques DEPIx for lacking insight into quality pedagogy and assessment methods, instead focusing on superficial indicators like dropout rates. It also notes the inadequate use of digital tools, which are present in schools but largely unused due to restrictive policies. Effective data collection is essential, with a need for valid, context-based information to inform decisions. Addressing out-of-school children (OOSC) rates requires a broader understanding of socioeconomic and sociocultural factors, as child labor and economic insecurity are major » Read More…
The article sheds light on the upcoming climate summit COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the focus will be on setting global climate finance targets essential for addressing the evolving climate challenges. Pakistan’s delegation is confronted with a dual agenda: pursuing significant emissions reduction targets and mobilizing the finances necessary for both mitigating emissions and addressing the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable countries like Pakistan. COP29 has three main goals: establishing a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to set financial targets for post-2025, enhancing national commitments through updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and advancing the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) to compensate affected communities. The NCQG is crucial, as it represents the global financial ambition required to meet climate adaptation and resilience goals, but developed nations have shown reluctance to commit to binding targets. Developing countries, including Pakistan, are advocating for a shift from loan-based finance to grant-based support to ease debt burdens, with calls to balance funding across adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage initiatives. Pakistan has played a key role in operationalizing the LDF, securing $792 million in pledges to assist communities affected by climate-related damages. This has strengthened its position in the » Read More…
In his article, Jawed Naqvi delves into the complexities of the India-Pakistan relationship, emphasizing that efforts to mend ties may be premature given the current political climates in both countries. Since their independence, the two nations have shared a turbulent relationship, often marred by distrust and conflict. Naqvi recounts several instances of goodwill between the countries in past decades, such as Pakistanis traveling to India in the 1960s for cultural reasons, or the welcoming reception Indian cricket fans received in Lahore in 2004. However, he also highlights the shift towards hostility, particularly as India’s political climate has grown increasingly hostile toward Muslims, including those in Pakistan. Mani Shankar Aiyar, a long-time advocate for peace between the countries, recently suggested that the visit of India’s Foreign Minister to Islamabad for the SCO summit hinted at a potential for improved relations, though Naqvi remains skeptical. He argues that genuine peace cannot be achieved if it serves only the interests of tycoons and power elites rather than ordinary citizens. Furthermore, Naqvi criticizes the Indian media’s tendency to sensationalize India-Pakistan tensions, often overshadowing more urgent global issues such as environmental degradation, conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and other geopolitical crises. He illustrates this with anecdotes, such as a journalist focusing on Kashmir during an interview with the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi, despite broader regional turmoil. He also » Read More…
As the world prepares for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the focus will be on enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and establishing the New Collective Quantified Goal to tackle climate change. COP29, termed the “COP of action and ambition,” is expected to align enhanced NDCs with the Global Stocktake (GST) outcomes from COP28. A significant shift is needed from fossil fuels to renewable energy, with member states urged to transition in an equitable and orderly manner. Countries are required to triple global energy capacity and improve energy efficiency by 2030. Eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies is also crucial. However, the challenges remain immense, as 90% of global emissions come from fossil fuels, and governments plan to produce far more fossil fuels than the climate goals allow. By 2050, planned fossil fuel production will be 150% to 350% above safe levels. The COP Troika holds a critical role in ensuring transparency, credibility, and robust monitoring to achieve net zero by 2040 for developed countries and by 2050 for developing ones. It is essential to integrate voluntary climate pledges like the Global Methane Pledge and Forest Declaration into NDCs and ensure alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The key to COP29’s success will be accurately tracking and avoiding double-counting in climate commitments. At the same time, the world faces dire crises: food insecurity is rising, especially in Pakistan where it may affect 60% of the population by 2050. Water demand is exceeding supply globally, and Pakistan’s water scarcity is severe, with per capita » Read More…
The article discusses Bob Woodward’s latest book, War, which offers insights into the decision-making processes during Joe Biden’s presidency, particularly focusing on foreign policy crises like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Woodward, renowned for his insider accounts, contrasts Biden’s handling of these crises with former president Donald Trump’s. Woodward paints Trump as reckless and impulsive, unfit for another term, similar to his portrayal in previous books. The article highlights Biden’s challenges in ending the US military presence in Afghanistan, a mission he considered to have lost its purpose. Biden faced harsh criticism for the chaotic withdrawal, but he stood by his decision, blaming Trump for the initial deal with the Taliban. The intelligence failure leading to the swift fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban damaged the US’s global credibility, evoking parallels with the Vietnam War. In the Gaza conflict, Biden’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is depicted as tense and distrustful. Despite repeated disagreements, including Netanyahu’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, Biden maintained strong support for Israel. Woodward suggests that this failure to prevent escalation reflected America’s waning leverage in the region. The role of Arab states like Jordan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia in supporting Israel’s fight against Hamas is also discussed. In contrast, the war in Ukraine exposed concerns over Russia’s potential use of tactical nuclear weapons, with US intelligence and diplomatic » Read More…