Major response needed
WE had 20 million-odd five- to 16-year-olds out of schools even before the Covid pandemic struck. Covid brought with it school closures and major economic disruptions. Children stayed home for…
Monuments of maladaptation
CAN we plan to reduce the cost of climate change to our people and economy? The loss and damage caused by the floods this summer have shaken the foundation of…
Our elite’s bankruptcy
“God gave Noah the rainbow sign, no more water, the fire next time.” AS Pakistan’s difficulties in meeting its external payment obligations deepen, its elitist policymakers, both past and present,…
Promoting AI
THE launch last week of a task force on Artificial Intelligence to spur national development is welcome news. Its goal is to develop a roadmap for AI adoption in governance, healthcare, education…
Poverty and stagflation
THE most noble actions of humankind are quite simple to prescribe but extremely hard to act upon. These are to feed the hungry, cloth the destitute, support the orphan and…
Demographic laggards
THE preliminary results of the 2023 census show that Pakistan has been growing at an inexplicably high intercensal population growth rate since 2017. The country’s demographic statistics present an alarming…
Elite hold on academia
The term ‘elite capture’ is often used when discussing the challenges faced by marginalized or middle-class communities, with the wealthy frequently blamed. However, the real issues are more nuanced, as…
Antimicrobial crisis
THE Covid-19 pandemic has not only exposed health system challenges but also accentuated other public health crises in countries like Pakistan. With the virus spreading to areas of the world…
After education
“THE youth in this country are desperate to work,” said an elderly man who has inspired many a career in his prime. He went on to talk about the hurdles…
Past the point
THOUGH not from a very religious family, I take the 9th and 10th of Muharram pretty seriously. It’s a sombre time — and one that has been observed for generations,…
