Category: Editorial
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What’s the point of helping them now?
This week started off with the commemoration of Pakistan’s 76th year of Independence. Despite the current political uncertainty and economic instability, the flag was hoisted high by the president; the national anthem was recited; and as per tradition, the lit roads were taken over by youth dressed in green and white. And while passionate speeches…
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The Weight of a Life
In the last week alone, the world has been witness to two immense tragedies that played out at sea. Tragic as both events were, the public seems to be divided on which party to extend their empathy and/or sympathy toward: the 300+ Pakistani migrants that drowned after a trawler capsized off the south coast of…
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Budget 2023-24: Silent Budget, Fading Democracy
Amidst endless political turmoil, with inflation standing at 38 per cent in May and the country teetering on the brink of default, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented the budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 on Friday. There was no Opposition present in parliament to suggest amendments. The budget was presented without the chaos we usually…
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No, divorces are not rising because of Aurat March, but because women are recognising their right to live
On Saturday, actress Nazish Jahangir set social media ablaze when during a podcast with controversial YouTuber Nadir Ali, the model turned actor claimed that she did not identify as a feminist, because apparently “not all crying women are truthful.” “…l believe in equality, and I still confidently say that not all crying women are truthful.…
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Dear ‘Tere Bin’ writer, marital rape is rape
To Nooran Makhdoom, the writer of the drama ‘Tere Bin’. How you chose to write your script is your own business. But to say that a heinous act like marital rape is justified and needed for the script is completely wrong and horrifying, as well as an insight into how the Pakistani entertainment industry keeps…
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PDM be warned: allow Army Act trials and some day military laws might be used against you too
A Special Corps Commander Conference held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) and presided by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has decided that the planners, instigators, abettors and perpetrators of the attacks on military installations and buildings during the protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters will be tried under relevant Pakistani laws, including…
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It’s time to close the zoos in Pakistan
Noor Jehan, an elephant in Karachi Zoo, is critically ill after the 17-year-old fell in a pond in a small enclosure. She has since been lying visibly weak with limited motion on a mound of sand, propped up against the only tree inside the enclosure. Noor Jehan’s condition is a reminder that we have imprisoned…
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Pakistan is the cradle of rape culture and sexism: are you surprised?
The shocking rape of a 14-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by her father and brother, has once again proven that there is no safe space for women in Pakistan. The girl, a resident of Azad Kashmir, was taken to a hospital by her mother after she complained of stomachache. Doctors discovered that the girl…
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Resham, you might not be depressed but 75 per cent of Pakistanis are
In a recent interview on PTV Home, veteran actor Resham claimed that depression “does not exist”, which is an incredibly insensitive and illogical statement for a person in her position to say. Depression is not trivial; it is a genuine health condition. And it very much exists in Pakistan — more than most countries in the…
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Political arrests show our politicians have learnt nothing
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) social media head Azhar Mashwani went missing outside his house on Thursday when he was taking a cab to Zaman Park. His brother has lodged an FIR of his kidnapping. PTI has alleged that Azhar has been illegally abducted by the authorities. It is indeed quite alarming that three days have passed…