In every constitutional democracy, the legitimacy of legislation depends not only on the will of the majority but also on strict adherence to the Constitution, parliamentary rules, and the rule of law. No legislature, regardless of its numerical strength, is above the Constitution. When the legislative process itself is alleged to have violated constitutional and…
Punjab’s public healthcare system is in freefall. What was once a model of reform offering near-universal coverage through the Sehat Sahulat Card to 29.3 million families has been systematically dismantled. Between 2018 and 2022, the province boasted a 98% satisfaction rate, immunisation coverage of 92%, and a COVID-19 response that drew global praise. Today, those…
In a bustling classroom in the heart of Karachi, twelve-year-old Ayesha stares at a blank page. The prompt on the chalkboard is deceptively simple: “Write a story about anything you want.” An hour later, the page remains empty. It is not for a lack of imagination Ayesha dreams of talking moons and hidden valleys but…
Few personalities have exerted such a lasting influence on Pakistan’s political history as the woman widely regarded as an icon of democracy. One woman, unwavering in the face of adversity, devoted her life to the ideals of democratic governance, equality, and the empowerment of the people, earning this distinction in a league of her own….
The fragrance of the soil is free from the boundaries of borders. When this fragrance takes the form of words and scatters in a foreign land, even unfamiliar streets begin to feel like one’s own. Across the seven seas, where towering skyscrapers can distance individuals from their roots, the gathering of a few literary connoisseurs…
Benazir Bhutto remains one of the most defining figures in Pakistan’s political history far beyond the boundaries of politics itself. She represents an era, a movement, and a dream that continued to survive despite repeated trials. Her life stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unwavering commitment to democracy. Born into the legacy of…
Every year, as the crescent of Muharram appears over Pakistan’s skies, the nation undergoes a profound transformation. Streets are draped in black, rhythmic chants echo through narrow alleys, and millions gather to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala. Yet, for too long, the tragedy of 680 AD has been imprisoned within sectarian…
By Sana Shoaib Every June, the same debate resurfaces when Pakistan’s budget is unveiled: why does interest on debt get trillions while education gets billions? Budget 2026-27 is no different. Social media is flooded with one comparison: Rs8.2 trillion for interest payments versus Rs46 billion for federal education. The outrage is understandable. The numbers, however,…
There is a profound, almost morbid irony in listening to government ministers and state bureaucrats label Pakistan’s federal budget as “pro-poor” and “growth oriented.” To call a document that squeezes the last drops of sweat and blood from the destitute while showering the ruling elite with concessions “public-friendly” is not just a political lie; it…
By Farrukh BaseerSocial media (X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and WhatsApp) have become the most powerful means of communication in today’s world. They are not only an instant source of information but are also profoundly changing public opinion, social attitudes and economic activities. Like other sectors, social media has fundamentally changed our style of politics…
