Democracy’s missing half
The global movement for gender equality has driven change across many sectors, but political representation remains one of the most formidable challenges. Although women make up nearly half of the…
Gaza in flames
NOTHING seems to make Israel stop its murderous spree and war crimes in Gaza. Besides killing and injuring thousands, Israeli military operations have impeded humanitarian access, pushing Gaza to the…
Self-imposed poverty
AMONG the comity of nations, Sweden stands out for its high standard of living, technological innovations (Spotify, Minecraft, Skype, Saab, Volvo, Ikea), outstanding environmental activists like Greta Thunberg and famous…
Assange is free
JULIAN Assange was already on a flight to Australia by the time the news broke early yesterday of a plea deal with the US, whereby he would plead guilty on…
Emerging technologies for innovation
With a population of over 240 million, more than 60 per cent of which is under the age of 30, Pakistan is at a crucial moment in its developmental journey.…
Hegemonic hypocrisy
THE presumptively fast-tracked Nato membership of Sweden and Finland does not come as a surprise. Until fairly recently, these two Nordic nations proudly relished their long-standing neutrality. Vladimir Putin’s aggression…
Stabilizing the economy
[This is based on a talk by Mueen Afzal, former secretary of general finance, a prominent philanthropist and chairman of several national institutions, at the Institute of Strategic Studies in…
Better democracy
PAKISTAN’S electoral history is a tale of evolving political consciousness, as evidenced by voter turnout oscillations. The dismally low 44 per cent turnout in 2008, a manifestation of public scepticism,…
Ecocide in the Indus basin
ON Sept 19, 1960, a treaty was signed between India and Pakistan on water sharing. The decisions taken effectively meant that the three rivers of the Indus River basin —…
Falling rates offer scant shelter from property storm
Global property markets, rattled by the steepest rise in interest rates in a generation, will get little relief from the gradual easing of borrowing costs, with scant hope of a…
