The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established on December 8, 1985, with the signing of the SAARC Charter by the heads of state or government of its original seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan joined as the eighth member in 2007. In its early years, SAARC…
A LEGACY OF MISCALCULATION AND NEGLECT Drug abuse is a universal social issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide, including Pakistan. The country struggles with drug trafficking and consumption, leading to severe social, economic, and health issues. Amidst these challenges, women in Pakistani society possess substantial capability to serve as moral deterrent against drug prevalence….
Introduction Women are increasingly playing a defining role in designing gender-sensitive policies and promoting women’s rights in the global political arena. These female lawmakers are essential in making sure that the legislative processes are inclusive and sensitive to the different demands of people of different genders. Their impact, which goes beyond the walls of parliament,…
For a moment, consider this estimated yet appetising list of deposits and resources. Gold: 5.9 million ounces. Copper: 412 million tons. Coal: 19.5 billion tons. Natural Gas: 34 trillion cubic feet. This is not all, there are others as well! A conservative estimate puts the valuation of these vast reserves over $1 trillion! One would…
I often eulogize and wish to refer to the phrase, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ to the beauty and bounties of Kashmir. The phrase incidentally is also part of a couplet of British singer Robert Plant’s song. That is how one can mesmerize God’s territory on Earth, as it is referred to! But when it turns to…
Ikram Sehgal I will begin by addressing our membership in the World Economic Forum. If you examine the crucible of this forum, you can discern the dynamics of the relationship between Pakistan and India. In one instance, there were nearly 100 prominent Indian businessmen present, while we had about five representatives from Pakistan. This setting…
Ikram Sehgal I want to start with Pakistan’s location as geography plays an important role in the development process. We cannot choose our neighbours. We are unfortunate; we have India on one side and one of the most ungrateful nations on this Earth on the other side, Afghanistan, our policy on Afghanistan is incalculable and,…
Dr Amjad Saqib founded Akhuwat in 2001, transitioning from a historical and philosophical discourse to a practical approach to poverty alleviation. Previously serving in Pakistan’s Civil Services and witnessing the devastating effects of poverty as the General Manager of the Punjab Rural Support Program (PRSP), Dr Saqib was compelled to dedicate his life to helping…
An Exclusive Interview of Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar 1. What initial goals and aspirations motivated you to enter politics? My motivation to enter politics stemmed from a deep desire to serve my country and contribute to its development. My initial goals and aspirations were to bring about positive change, address the issues faced by the…
“O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and relinquish what remains (due) from Riba (usury), if you are believers. (2:278) But if you do (it) not, then be apprised of war from Allah and His Apostle; and if you desist, repent, then you shall have your capital; neither shall you oppress nor…
