Introduction From the dawn of civilization, humans have wrestled with the question: Why are we here? Ancient Mesopotamian myths told of humans created to serve the gods; Egyptian beliefs tied purpose to maintaining cosmic order (Ma’at). The Greek philosophers, from Socrates (470/399BC) to Aristotle (428/347BC), sought reason-based foundations for human existence, with Aristotle emphasizing the…
Quos Deus vult perdere, prius dementat. This is Greek for literally, “those whom God wishes to destroy, he first deprives of reason”. In the recent past, this adage was transposed to English literature as “whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad”. In both cases, it is a stark reminder of how social order…
In 1849 the British East India Company (EIC) acquired Punjab and Pushtun lands across the Indus after defeating the Sikh dynasty of late Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Pathan tribesmen straddling key passes agreed to safeguard their territory in return for fixed payment. Adam Khel Afridi tribesmen inhabiting hills between Peshawar and Kohat kept that pass open…
ContextAfghanistan’s strategic outlook is undergoing a dramatic overhaul amid escalating connectivity disputes, geopolitical realignments, and regional conflicts. The combined pressures of India–Pakistan instability, U.S. trade friction with India, Iran-Israel hostilities, and Pakistan’s rising diplomatic leverage are forcing Kabul into a balanced posture— nurturing Indian, Iranian, Chinese, and Pakistani ties while maintaining neutrality in broader conflicts….
There has been a paradigm shift in the Arabian Peninsula’s security calculus since Iran and Israel fought tooth-andnail for a drawdown conflict. The realpolitik intention of Washington and Tel Aviv was to bring Tehran on its knees and, somehow, engineer a regime change, but that did not materialize. Iran has emerged stronger at home, irrespective…
“Education is out from books now – it’s time to work on personalized learning and smart tools” Sadaf Bhatt In today’s fast-moving world, technology is changing the way we live, talk, and most importantly, how we learn. One of the biggest change in education today is Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s not just something for scientists…
In a country like Pakistan where millions of children lack access to quality education, it is easy to feel paralyzed by the degree of the problem. The numbers are daunting, the infrastructure gaps real and the inequality heartbreaking. But sometimes, all it takes is one small act of kindness to begin reshaping the entire system….
Dr Huma Baqai, ModeratorRespected guest, faith leaders, friends, and advocates of peace, a very warm good afternoon. It is a profound honor to welcome you all to the launch of the Pathfinder Interfaith Harmony Initiative. At a time when the world feels increasingly fragmented, we gather here today with a singular purpose. And that purpose…
Sehrish Mustafa Research Executive, KCFR Asalam-o-Alikum and good morning, everyone. This is Sehrish Mustafa from Karachi Council on Foreign Relations. I welcome you all to Amaanibagh for the inauguration of two significant initiatives by the Pathfinder Group. I would like to invite Dr Huma Baqai to the stage. She is the director of Millennium Institute…
Every young heart is filled with radiant dreams of the future, and often these dreams are painted with the colors of courage, determination, and the desire to serve one’s people. Rashid Minhas, born on 17 February 1951 in Karachi, was one such youth whose dreams transcended the ordinary. From childhood, he displayed a natural curiosity…
