Research Work & Projects

I will break your legs: this threat is widely used in Punjab and is very effective in intimidating the ordinary folks. Breaking legs is a bailable offense but its effects are crippling for ever. Over the years we have been crippled as a nation while the offenders keep getting bail after bails. When the fourth usurper was being tried under Article ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/33D4OjH

Of late, Lars Thorsen, a member of the ‘Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN)’ tried to desecrate the Holy Quran in Norway. The outrageous attempt was foiled by the reaction of a young man who swooped upon the agitator and thereby stopped the act. Thanks to world media that this time the attacker was not wholly blamed as has evermore been ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/33xw96Z

“The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.”–Chinua Achebe, Things Fall ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Y5Qlvj

The State Bank of Pakistan has stated before the parliamentary panel on November 19, 2019, that the non-performing loans (NPL) of the banking sector have increased by more than twenty three percent during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019 from Rs. 623.4 Billion to Rs. 768 Billion with an increase of Rs. 144.4 billion. The SBP team in its ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2OZw3zN

The current government has many detractors. Words like inept and clueless get bandied about all the time. But as this government drives the nation into the ground, and as you get repeatedly pummelled in the face by the nation’s growing economic woes, take solace in the fact that you will more often than not have a smile on your face during your destruction. While the first year or so in office for a new government is usually seen as an opportunity to lay the stage upon which the ruling party will build upon in the coming years, the Pakistan ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2rD3ShW

Soldiering is an experience punctuated with strong emotive factors, comradery, a sense of belonging to a strongly bonded group with an exclusive identity and always putting others ahead of self. This training, dormitory living and bonding forge a collective identity to create a spirit de corps in peace, war and retirement. This hardens soldiers to ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2DsVOmL

In the midst of reforms drive, here comes another one; National Tariff Policy 2019-2024. The spirit of the policy for a paradigm shift in the Tariff Regime may be well thought and appropriate move but its implementation would be a challenge.   Need of structural reforms has been a favorite pep talk with every new economic cycle of boom ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2rHw5nC

“From thee all human actions take their springs, the rise of empires, the fall of kings.”–Samuel Boyse Maharaja Duleep Singh was son of the one-eyed “Lion of Punjab”, the warrior, Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh. When young Duleep was double-talked into signing away his kingdom to the British, he was sent to England, ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Y46WzY

In democracy, the role of political parties is vital and vibrant. No democracy can survive and thrive without potent performance of political parties. With the help of political parties, the people are able to exercise their basic democratic rights. By contesting in elections, the parties offer citizens a choice in governance, and while in ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2q852BM

Pakistan’s cities are ridiculously congested. They often feature a polluted water supply, over flowing garbage and toxic air pollution. As many environmentalists point out, they are gradually becoming unlivable, which is why many of us have welcomed the recent introduction of the Clean Green Pakistan Index. This index aims to encourage competition among Pakistan’s cities on various indicators like access to clean drinking water, safe sanitation, effective solid waste management and tree plantation. The index was launched in Islamabad this week and Prime Minister Imran Khan gave the example of his home-town Lahore which, in his younger days, was ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/34zWDG0

While India has remained ruthless and incessant in perusing her policy on Occupied Kashmir, international opinion has gradually turned against her. Indian domestic opinion has remained divided and partite. The contrast is clearly visible between the Godi(Saffron) media outlets and liberal voices. The Godi media dominated by RSS ideologues and ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2OtZ9YJ

Environmental pollution, unhygienic practices and surroundings, inadequate and inappropriate arrangements for disposal of waste, lack of cleanliness and poor sanitation are the major problems confronting the third world countries including Pakistan which not only affect health of the citizens but also contribute to climatic changes, regarded as ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/33tpWc9

“I am so obsessed with the cars that sometimes I feel like my heart is not a muscle, it’s an engine.”–Amit Kalantri If evolution can be described in a word, one needs to look at Audi R8   In 1909, August Horch formed a car company, later named Audi Automobilewerke. Audi was one of the four carmakers that merged to ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2OtZ9rH

It was in the dying days of the Roman Empire when the Sybil Herophile came to see the last King of Rome, King Lucius Tarquinius. She brought with her a collection of prophecies and named a steep price. The king, ever the wise, refused to pay and demanded a lower price. She burned part of the prophecies and offered the rest at the same price. He ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35KrIXP

The recent tussle between the judiciary and the government has reignited the debate over two distinct systems of justice for the eminent and the poor. In his book the Animal Farm, George Orwell writes,  “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” wrote George Orwell. That would seem to be somewhat true in light of the recent decisions regarding Nawaz Sharif and Pervez Musharaf. Nevertheless, there is another oft-forgotten system of justice that runs parallel to the mainstream court system: the tribal elders’ council of justice. However, this alternative mechanism only comes to the fore when ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2Org6TS

It was sad to learn about the anti-Islamic public gathering and attempted burning of the Holy Quran at a central city square in the southern Norwegian city of Kristiasand last week. The police interfered immediately and stopped the desecration of the holy book. A few members of a small extremist group named SIAN, ‘Stop islamiseringen av ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2qHondr

The word dull can hardly ever be associated with Pakistan’s political machinery. Talk shows, assemblies, cabinet meetings, the PM’s oft-seen attempts at mimicking and slandering opposition leaders, lack of ownership to disastrous governance in some instances are but a few examples of a circus that is perhaps only one of its kind. A ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2Op9xkw

Today’s condition of our colourful TV channels reminded me of the trial of OJ Simpson in USA where the all of America was glued to their TV just like the way we were today. I could see how some of our media houses were not even bothered about the national security yet some unconcerned people were giving views detrimental to the interest of ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2OQ46u1

“No country can build a healthy and growing economy or establish a true democracy if half its people are held back, pushed aside, left behind or beaten up.” –Madeleine Albright   These words speak volumes for themselves, as we see the state of our world today. But at the same time Madeleine Albright, known to be the first ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/33tEuIG

At Smithsonian , Michelle Delgado digs into the history of the beloved crockpot , the staple of potlucks, holiday dinners, and hastily prepared weeknight feasts. If you’ve ever come home from a long day at work to the wonderful smell of dinner waiting in your crockpot, you have Irving Nachumsohn to thank. The Crock Pot’s story began during the 19th century in Vilna, a Jewish neighborhood in the city of Vilnius, Lithuania. Once known as the “Jerusalem of the North,” Vilna attracted a thriving community of writers and academics. There, Jewish families anticipated the Sabbath by preparing a stew of meat, beans and vegetables on Fridays before nightfall. Ingredients in place, people took their crocks to their towns’ bakeries—specifically, to the still-hot ovens that would slowly cool overnight. By morning, the low-and-slow residual heat would result in a stew known as cholent. According to Nachumsohn’s daughter, Lenore, her father’s broad range of inventions is evidence of his curios...

The E-commerce Framework of Pakistan highlights nine different aspects which require the government’s attention. The first one is the e-commerce regulations section. The policy outline for these regulations appear to have been created after much introspection and investigation. However, as someone who has seen e-commerce evolve and flourish in countries such as China, UK and finally Pakistan, I believe that a suitable perspective must be adopted when formulating these regulatory policies. E-commerce in Pakistan is still in its infancy. A McKinsey research states that the lack of funding opportunities in Pakistan is the first major bottleneck in the development of ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/37FhHwQ

The latest monetary policy is out for another two months and it continues to belie all logic: The discount rate has been maintained at 13.25% ostensibly to tackle the menace of (still) a rising inflation. A bit surprising or rather baffling, as one has been told that imports have shrunk significantly (the main driver of inflation post devaluation) ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2qN7MVi

Lord Louis Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India (Feb – Aug 1947). After the passage of the Indian independence act in July 1947 the post of Viceroy ceased to exist after the partition on August 14, 1947. Mountbatten then became Governor General for India while Muhammad Ali Jinnah assumed this mantle in Pakistan. Till 1858 Governors ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2rxfhju

2019 has marked the successful holding of 5th CPEC Media Forum, a most prestigious and responsible platform to sensitize world about transparency, benefits and inclusiveness of China Economic Corridor (CPEC). It has dawned new era of bringing closer China, the US, Pakistan and all global players on CPEC, an emerging focus of world which is ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2OOTbk9

The triumph of economic liberalization has coincided with a sharp increase in income inequality. –Chrystia Freeland   The U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Morgenthau, Jr., addresses the delegates to the Bretton Woods Monetary Conference, July 8, 1944.   The foundations of World Bank (WB) were laid down at Bretton Wood ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2R0Ucbw

Prime Minister Imran Khan can often be heard insisting that he will not let any corrupt politician go scott free and that at no cost will he grant NROs. Sadly, with Nawaz Sharif departing for London this past week, it is apparent that the premier’s claims ring hollow. However, Imran continues to reiterate these assertions with increased vigour. It seems he has lost touch with the political realities that have clearly changed since he took over the reins of the country. Not a single day goes by without Imran constantly complaining about the supposed corruption of his opponents, which he ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/35BVu0R

The English Law as a basis of our legal system puts a great premium on the dispensation of justice in a transparent, just and equitable manner with a right of appeal to the aggrieved person and to raise objections if any. The Land Acquisition Act 1894 and the Rules made thereunder provide a rational basis to acquire the property of an individual ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/33l2GwX

It is evident that USA and India have been propagating against China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from the day one hence, this latest negative statement on CPEC should not be a surprise rather we should expect some more adverse moves from them on this economic corridor. India propagates that this project is against the Indian interests that ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2QOj4mP

Pakistan’s economy is a classic example of a country which for decades has been living far beyond its means. This addiction to excessive expenditure is the fundamental reason for current account deficits and the nation’s dependence on foreign loans and assistance for meeting its economic requirements leading to high levels of external ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2XMmVlP

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.” –Martin Luther King Jr.   Martin Luther King’s ‘dream’ for the emancipation of African American’s launched a new era into the world ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/37Cwici

The fourth industrial revolution or 4IR, for short, is altering human development through the advent of rapid-progressive technology. The Internet of Things (IoT), AI powered computers and big data are just some of the manifestations of this technological transformation. In simple terms, the 4IR is the amalgamation of the digital, physical and biological aspects of our daily lives. This was preceded by a digital revolution which primarily involved computers and information technology. What differentiates 4IR from its predecessor is the speed of the relevant technologies and its expansive effects on our day to day lives. Unfortunately, developing economies such as Pakistan ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2DfEMs2

Political promises are like ephemeral realities. Parties who win the hearts and minds of people do so on the back of the promises they make, and its no surprise that heartbreak generally swiftly follows every new regime. Imran Khan’s government is no different. The economic mess has meant that a lot of people who were vying for change are now running away from it. This is due to a couple of reasons. Firstly, Imran appointed Shabbar Zaidi, the man who showed people ways of saving taxation for a living, as the head of Federal Board of Revenue. Secondly, he made deals with ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2Df0vjR

“They weren’t like us and for that reason deserved to be ruled.” -Edward Said   Keeping in mind what India is up to in Kashmir, the parallels with the Zionist state are impossible not to notice. This should be no surprise considering the close collaboration between Israel and India in virtually all domains of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2qGv5QI

In Pakistan, there is a need to add variations and contemporary changes in our education system. The future of Pakistan lies in the hands of youth, but the discrimination and inequality in the system is paralyzing our youth. Those who succeed in gaining education are unable to get jobs. Most of our youth is suffering the atrocities of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35sf6Vd

Culture is a canopy that forms and holds the social behaviour of human societies, encircling the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities and habits of the individuals in humanoid groups. A set of specific standards defined by any culture, in fact, systematises agreeable behaviour in society, so it functions as an implicit instruction ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/33hNEYP

Fiction was invented the day Jonas arrived home and told his wife that he was three days late because he had been swallowed by a whale. –Gabriel Garcia Marquez   Marquez once famously said about Castro that he was addicted to words.   Gabriel Jose de la Concordia Garcia Marquez was a Colombian novelist, short story writer, and ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2QIwLUu

Pakistan is fast transforming into a utopia, in the eyes of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) politicians anyway. The mental gymnastics members of the incumbent government continue to employ in order to delude themselves into believing that every sector in Pakistan has only been rocketing skywards under their watch is so commonplace now that it almost no longer comes across as a cause for concern. Almost. But the public is not naïve enough to buy into this narrative. It is no secret that the Pakistani masses have been burdened with rising prices any many amenities and staple foods are increasingly becoming ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2D8uwBE

Piedmont region drinking wells exceed North Carolina's hexavalent chromium standards Data from nearly 1,400 drinking wells across North Carolina show excessive levels of carcinogen More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299627&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Stalled weather patterns will get bigger due to climate change Study uncovers relationship between jet stream, atmospheric blocking events More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299624&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Environmental change in Africa: Will it lead to a drying Lake Victoria? Researchers develop model to project levels in world's largest tropical lake More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299626&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Health sector is the lifeline for a nation’s wellbeing. It is the sum total of the health of its citizens, communities and settlements in which they live. The Pakistani healthcare sector has emerged as one of the most challenging sectors as well as one of the largest service sector industries in the country. The health care system in ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35sjHH0

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government passed Mineral Sector Governance (Amendment) Bill 2019 the other day. The bill declared all mines and minerals in the newly merged areas as the property of the government.  Section 6 (2A) of the law says…’all mines and minerals shall be and shall always be deemed to have been the property of the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35uOcfw

Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee Johne Donne I quoted this in December 2016 in ‘Pity the Nation’. Like most Pakistanis, my initial hope and excitement were short lived. Come Panama, I was compelled to write that the scandal is ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2rhqmVH

“The people of this country [the United States] are distant from the troubled areas of the earth and it is hard for them to comprehend the plight and consequent reactions of the long-suffering peoples, and the effect of those reactions on their governments in connection with our efforts to promote peace in the world.” –George C. ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2OCRAhl

Using a smartphone to detect norovirus Researchers strike balance between sensitivity and affordability with gut-busting microbe More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299621&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Observing 'black hole symphony' using gravitational wave astronomy Scientists work to capture 4-to-10-year snapshots of intermediate-mass black hole activity More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299622&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Editor-in-Chief Mike Dang , Contributing Editor Danielle Jackson , Culture Columnist Soraya Roberts , and The Believer ’s Deputy and Co-Interview Editor Niela Orr share what they’ve been reading and working on. This week, the editors discuss the gender politics of music criticism, how young womxn drive conversations around cultural figures, a new memoir by Whitney Houston’s best friend, and institutionalized discrimination in sport. Subscribe and listen now everywhere you get your podcasts. 1:31 Longreads’ upcoming Hive music series written by womxn.  5:02 A Song for You: My Life with Whitney Houston by Robyn Crawford 9:30 Loving and Losing Whitney Houston: Robyn Crawford Speaks (November 20, 2019, T alking Red Table Talk Podcast)   16:43 Robyn Crawford Opens up to Lena Waithe About Her Relationship With Whitney Houston (November 12, 2019, Oprah Magazine ) 21:00  The Longreads team’s favourite Whitney Houston songs. 25:19   I Was the Fastest Gi...

Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed that after a gap of four years country’s economy is heading in the right direction as the current account deficit has turned into surplus during October for the first time in four years registering a decrease of 73.5 % as compared to the same period last year. He also revealed that the exports of the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2KI7kyl

When five member bench of judges headed by Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, issued the much anticipated verdict of allotting the 2.77 acres of the Babri Masjid’s land for the construction of Lord Ram’s temple, most Indians rejoiced the judgment. Pro-BJP commentator Swapan Dasgupta said that the temple ordered to be erected at the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/33eZS4w

“In the arena of human life the honours and rewards fall to those who show their good qualities in action.”–Aristotle – 384BC-322BC Hungarian-born American newspaper publisher, Joseph Pulitzer, Hungarian-born American newspaper publisher, Joseph Pulitzer, established the most famous prize in the field of journalism. From ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/37ugQyQ

Lahore has been designated as the ‘City of Literature’ by UNESCO in 2019. This brings us into an international Creative Cities Network, next to cities like Dublin, Barcelona, Melbourne and Seattle. It is an exciting moment for Pakistan in its entirety, not just Lahore. Its nation-wide news dissemination reflected this excitement - ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2qBLnKx

Bio-inspired nano-catalyst guides chiral reactions Researchers build nano-catalyst that could lead to more efficient production of some medicines More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299606&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Predicting the impact of climate change on bridge safety Novel approach combines climatology, hydrology, structural engineering, and risk assessment More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299607&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Images from solar observatory peel away layers of a stellar mystery Scientists discover how energy is transferred to sun's upper atmosphere More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299608&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Urbanization delays spring plant growth in warm regions Multiple factors may influence plant seasonal patterns More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299609&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Soraya Roberts | Longreads | October 2019 |  7 minutes (1,716 words) Part three in a three-part series on the influencer economy. Read part one, “White Lies,” and part two, “Deeper than Beauty.” * * * “I haven’t believed the purity of my own intentions ever since I became my own salesperson.” Imagine PewDiePie — the Swedish influencer who at one point was the most-subscribed user on YouTube for literally just playing video games while spewing alt-right fodder, the guy name-checked by a mass shooter yet little scrutinized by anyone, let alone himself — saying that. “I saw the gap widening between the story we told and the situation on the ground.” Imagine Logan Paul , another YouTuber whose popularity is barely examined perhaps because his Jackass -lite routine suggests there is nothing to him beyond the denigration of all living things from rats to suicide victims, saying that. Those quotes, both published in The Cut , come from women, both of them influencers: the first is...

With the inauguration of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the president of Sri Lanka, a complete cycle of Indian domination of SriLankan politics has been reversed. No wonder the Indian media was crying hoarse and calling Gotabhaya as the ‘Terminator’, even before elections. Mainstream Indian media outlets like NDTV, Channel 18 and host of others ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2O6glmZ

Passion has been in short supply in the land of the pure. Ever since the house of Sharif entered the political arena an effective system of personal profits has been introduced to perfection. Nothing moves unless driven by individual gains. Without passionate efforts there can be no change. While Kaptaan is committed in building ‘Naya ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2OqxBm0

People learn from meeting other people. Yes, we also learn from listen stories, from reading books and newspapers. Today, I shall tell something about Norway’s emigration history, about Norwegian sailors and missionaries, and a bit more. I shall be able to tell much about the nine million overseas Pakistanis, but a bit about the more than ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/332wiPh

“Imperialism has not allowed us to achieve historical normality.” –Octavio Paz; The Labyrinth of Solitude   Capitalism, for many, is a disaster, for a lot, not short of a curse. The greed that capitalism has nurtured in the hearts of those who own the means of production finds easy justification in “Social ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2D3cNf6

Knowing your neighbors may shape U.S. household yard care practices Income, climate, knowing neighbors all considered in assessing yards More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299602&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Saddle-shaped origami enables new microelectronic applications Discovery of geometric structural properties could foster new metasurfaces More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299597&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Urban development reduces flash flooding chances in the arid West Urbanization has opposite effect in the eastern U.S. More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299598&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

On November 20 1989, the ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child’ was adopted by the United Nations, leading to the day coming to signify ‘World Children’s Day’ across the globe. The convention binds together countries and communities, a testament and a promise which states that children have the right to survive, live and develop; should be protected from violence, abuse and exploitation; and reserve the right to fully participate in the community that they are a part of. Yet, after 30 years, there is a dire need to revisit those principles in Pakistan. Despite the fact that Pakistan is a signatory to the ‘Convention on ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/37nibI0

During Imran Khan’s recent outburst, when he mockingly mimicked Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he referred to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman as a man who is not a liberal but is instead “liberally corrupt.” Calling an opponent corrupt is nothing new for Imran, however, being branded a liberal today is almost perceived as an affront. Thus, Bilawal swiftly tweeted and declared that he is not a liberal but a progressive and ideologically inclined individual, in his own words “taraki-pasand aur nazriyati.” This begs the question as to what is the barometre by which one gauges liberalism, and if both these leaders do ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/37m2qAX

In continuation to my last piece which was primarily to create an awareness cum understanding on Pakistan’s case as it stands today with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and on assessing the implications if Pakistan continues to remain in the grey or if it gets relegated to the Black list, this current one now covers on the progress ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/37mvOqT

In the run up to elections 2018, one obvious point of consensus across the political divide was the inevitable need to reform the health sector. All were in agreement that the ailing and outdated healthcare system needed to be reformed, and done so with an urgency. So cometh the hour. A year down the line, much has already been written on these ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2r5WcVa

Kashmir, Ayodhya and Kartarpur will impact Indo-Pak subcontinent’s social-religious-political milieus and bilateral relations between India and Pakistan in emphatic albeit contrasting ways. The colossal paradigm shifts and the ominous precedents being set will henceforth define and determine the future of this region of well over a billion ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/37hALkN

To be protected from violence by the nation-state is to be exposed to the violence wielded by the nation-state, so to rely on the nation-state for protection from violence is precisely to exchange one potential violence for another. –Judith Butler, Frames of War: When Is Life Grievable?   The ratification of Treaty of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Xu8e6L

The race to stay ahead of wildfires Technology spots wildfires before they get out of control More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299586&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

“Qu’ils mangent de la brioche” is a phrase famously attributed to Queen Marie Antoinette supposedly spoken by her during one of the famines that occurred in France during the reign of her husband, Louis XVI. The story goes that upon hearing the suffering of the common French people due to shortage of bread, Queen remarked, ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2r2udpm

Last Tuesday, as I participated in the 550th birthday celebrations ceremony of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib in solidarity with Sikhs around the world, tens of millions of innocent people entered into 100th day of isolated confinement coupled with unabated persecution in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This is perhaps ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2KzAeAP

Enough of lamenting and complaining about the lack of world attention towards Kashmiris’ plight and international conscience not arousing to the expected level etc. Some of the so called friendly countries’ disappointing attitude when it came to supporting Pakistan’s stance as that of against Indian view point, and so on and so ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2XAuJr3

“Art is man’s constant effort to create for himself a different order of reality from that which is given to him.” –Chinua Achebe   Frida made this painting on her return to Mexico once she had separated from Diego Rivera.   The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907, however, she used to call 1910 ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2qoYTRL

Unless warming is slowed, emperor penguins will march toward extinction Emperor penguin population expected to decline by the year 2100 More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299583&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Why are big storms bringing so much more rain? Record-breaking hurricane rainfall trend likely to continue More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299584&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

The former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar was not wrong when he said, “Only the rich have access to healthcare facilities in Pakistan.” Of the innumerable crises Pakistan is facing today, healthcare is probably one of the most serious ones. The right to healthcare is a basic human right of every citizen, enshrined in United Nations 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 12 of 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.  Pakistan is a signatory to both. Yet, it has all but abdicated its responsibility in providing basic, let alone quality, healthcare to its citizens. There ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/32YyDuA

An ideology is a set of beliefs and values that a person, group society or nation has. This expression is particularly employed to define systems of ideas and ideals which form the basis of economic or political theories and resultant policies for any state. Antoine Destutt de Tracy, a French Enlightenment philosopher, coined this term in 1796 as ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2qYzL4e

An “Ordinance” is a piece of legislation the President makes in the case of the federal government and by the Governor in case of the Provincial government. Recently, controversy erupted in the parliament when President Dr Arif Alvi issued more than a half-dozen Ordinances and subsequently PTI government managed to pass the Ordinance ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35eknzI

The recent new political map issued by Indian government has shown Azad Kashmir as a part of newly created union territory of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir while Gilgit Baltistan in the union territory of Ladakh, Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir reorganization order 2019 issued by the president of India include area of district Gilgit, Gilgit ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35fhjmz

Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpeting,  and farewells him with hooting,  only to welcome another with trumpeting again. –Khalil Gibran   Kahlil Gibran was that rare phenomenon, a mystical philosopher, and a mystical philosopher who was also a poet.   Khalil Gibran’s The Garden of the Prophet ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2NSUvTX

This article is the second piece in a two part series which adopts a historical perspective in order to analyse just how closely India’s actions in Kashmir over the years have mirrored Israel’s policies in Palestine. Read part one here.  ~ Attempts to hide occupation, annexation and war crimes behind a shroud of ‘legality’ ‘The British gave us Palestine’ is a common Zionist refrain, citing the Balfour Declaration. Yet another example of brittle Hasbara backed only by powerful Zionist media influence, the 1917 Balfour Declaration held no legal validity since Palestine at the time Lord Balfour made his ‘promise’ to Lord Walter Rothschild ... Read Full Post from The Big Picture – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2KuzmgZ

It is hard to make sense of the political and legal happenings in Pakistan. Especially, as these relate to the ongoing corruption cases against Sharif family, and the Bhutto/Zardari benami empire. The latest episode, in this endless saga of partisan legal battles, involves the controversy concerning allowing Nawaz Sharif to proceed abroad with or ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2OkphnD

Midst the political crisis that looms large, government is also crippled by climate issues. Lahore has suffered the worst as most perilous smog recorded so far this year. It impelled Punjab government to give a break (not to its heedlessness towards climate change but) to school going children. The hazardous smog has become a grave issue and ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2OmjEFs

I feel so proud of the Gambia, a small Muslim country at the world map. The country has made the entire Muslim community proud of its action by making Aung San Suu Kyi face the first legal action over the Rohingya genocide. I hope the International Court of Justice will indict the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a war criminal for his ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2Ku35qb

“I think democracy is on the decline in the West. Ruling parties are the same: neo-liberalism at home and wars abroad.” –Tariq Ali   Tariq Ali is popularly known as the street fighting man of the 60s.   Tariq Ali born in 1943 in Lahore is a British Pakistani public intellectual. His parents Mazhar Ali Khan, an eminent ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2NQuEfk

This article is the first in a two part series which adopts a historical perspective in order to analyse just how closely India’s actions in Kashmir over the years have mirrored Israel’s policies in Palestine.  ~ Merely comparing the human-rights situation hasn’t ever sufficed, so let’s get down to the serious comparisons. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading India is clearly fond of Israel, but India, regardless of its ruling party, has been close to Israel in strategic terms for a long time. From Israeli support to India in wars against Pakistan to India’s status as Israel’s largest weapons market, Indo-Israeli ties are very ... Read Full Post from The Big Picture – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/35apQHo

There is no doubt that the government is making hectic efforts to put the economy back on track. However, the major targets being met are related to IMF Package resulting in a false sense of achievement. Does a clean chit from IMF mean that ‘all is well’ or there are more implications. The biggest concern is whether closing financial ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2XkO3sc

With the surge of the child abuse tragedies in Kasur and Chunian, Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Punjab, a sole body responsible to deal with rights of children in the province, has plunged into deep controversies. Its performance, legitimate ambit and powers are under question. Adding insult to injury, CPWB earned a bad name when its ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2QoRsom

Across-section of the civil society in Canberra condemned human rights violations in the Indian-Held Kashmir (IHK) and warned India that only justice, not brutal force, could restore peace in the disputed territory. It also conveyed to the government of Australia in no uncertain terms that its political positioning on a humanitarian issue had left ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2OgbAWP

Racism is a much more clandestine, much more hidden kind of phenomenon, but at the same time it’s perhaps far more terrible than it’s ever been. –Angela Davis   On August 28, 1963, King, Jr. delivered his most famous and galvanising speech, “I Have a Dream” on the Lincoln Memorial steps.   The “I Have ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2NQwNrl

It has been more than 100 days since India revoked Kashmir’s special status. The Pakistani population, virtually down to every single citizen, is unequivocal about its opinion on the matter and there’s also a section of Indians that have criticised their government’s actions. One of the best examples of this was the manner in which Iltija Mufti (daughter of the former chief minister of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti) recently criticised the clampdown. Iltija, who is a Kashmiri native and considers herself an Indian citizen, quite eloquently outlined, in even more detail than the leadership in Pakistan, exactly ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2Og5RAr

On our November 15, 2019 roundtable episode of the Longreads Podcast , Head of Audience Catherine Cusick , Contributing Editor Aaron Gilbreath , and visiting Nieman Foundation fellow and New York Times Styles Internet culture reporter   Taylor Lorenz share what they’ve been reading and working on. This week, the editors discuss the merits of TikTok, generational warfare, expanding the definition of patriotism, and the intersection of jazz and 60s rock and roll. Subscribe and listen now everywhere you get your podcasts. 1:00 Some musings on TikTok, Vine & Instagram 3:50 ‘OK Boomer’ Marks the End of Friendly Generational Relations ( Taylor Lorenz , October 29, 2019, The New York Times ) 9:30   What Makes a Person Patriotic? ( Jacqui Shine , October 28, 2019, The New York Times Magazine ) 1 9:06 Aaron Gilbreath: Music Nerdology * * * Produced by Longreads and Charts & Leisure .

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The northern part of Pakistan is known for its scenic beauty, tall mountains and cold climate. These very attributes have draw tourists from across the world to the region for more than a century. These visitors include those wishing to get away from the hustle bustle of the city as well as mountaineers and trekkers looking for adventure. Among the various attractions of this area, Baltoro Glacier stands out prominently since, at 62 kilometres, not only is it the longest glacier outside the polar region but it also leads to Concordia, where Baltoro and Godwin Austin glaciers meet and make ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/34ZlmDw

Sarah Trent | Longreads | November 2019 | 22 minutes (4,920 words) Jack Thomas was home in time for dinner, but he wasn’t really home. His head was still in the fire, gnawing on the details of what his strike team had accomplished, hazards they’d found, a care facility they’d partially saved from the flames. For 19 hours of their nine-day deployment, his team had fought to save those 25 senior apartments, which had somehow been spared when the wildfire tore through town. Thomas knew that if they could stop the fire at the building’s central atrium, these homes would stay standing. And they did. Walking through his front door, in a suburban Santa Rosa, California, neighborhood the weekend before Thanksgiving, Thomas still smelled of smoke. He had dinner with his wife, shared photos from the fire, and talked through their holiday plans. Afterward, he unfurled parcel maps across the table while his bags waited, packed, on the couch. After more than a week fighting the most destructive...