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                        <title>Editorial</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Asiad and dismal Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632981/asiad-and-dismal-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632981/asiad-and-dismal-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 26 19:20:10 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[The 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, concluded with a familiar regional hierarchy. China once again dominated the field to top the charts with 169 golds out of a total of 341 medals. Closely following were the hosts, Japan, with 83 golds in a total of 269 medals, and South Korea with 39 golds out of an overall tally of 150 medals.

However, the most compelling storyline of the tournament belonged to the subcontinent, highlighting the contrasting trajectories of Pakistan and India. While India enjoyed a historic outing, finishing 4th on the final standings with 21 golds in an 85-medal haul, Pakistan endured a devastating debacle, finishing a dismal 29th among 45 countries and regions. Pakistan&#39;s medal tally ultimately stalled at 10, without a single gold earned.

India&#39;s high standing was driven by exceptional performances in archery, wrestling and boxing. The Indian contingent put an emphatic stamp on their campaign on the final Saturday by completing &quot;golden doubles&quot; in both hockey and T20 cricket.

For Pakistan, the disappointment cut deep as the Green Shirts collapsed precisely in those disciplines where they were expected to shine i.e. cricket, hockey and javelin throw. Pakistan found themselves on the losing side of cricket and hockey encounters against their arch-rivals. Pakistan&#39;s men advanced to the T20 cricket final but fell 19 runs short of the target against India, settling for silver. The national team suffered a heartbreaking, chaotic semi-final loss to India, ultimately settling for bronze after defeating South Korea in the third-place match. In javelin throw, Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, the nation&#39;s best bet for a top-tier podium finish, surprisingly finished fourth.

This poor performance exposed the profound systemic decay, politicisation and sub-par training facilities plaguing sports management in Pakistan. Left even behind nations like Myanmar, Macau and Mongolia, Pakistan&#39;s empty gold tally stands as an urgent wake-up call. Without aggressive investment, structured athlete development and accountability, the gap between Pakistan and its thriving regional rivals will only continue to widen.]]>
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			<title>Fixed tax failure</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632982/fixed-tax-failure</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632982/fixed-tax-failure#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 26 19:20:10 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[The government&#39;s flagship fixed tax scheme for retailers has collapsed at the starting line. Data from the final day for tax filing - September 30 - shows that just four new shopkeepers filed returns under the 1% fixed tax regime, while 787 returns were submitted in total. For comparison, an estimated 3.7 million retailers operate outside the tax net. The self-assessment scheme depended heavily on business owners acting scrupulously, which is laughable for anyone familiar with how price controls are followed in the country. Instead of willingly paying the nominal one per cent tax to fully legalise company revenues, business owners have instead chosen to go the outlaw route and refuse to willingly comply. Meanwhile, the FBR&#39;s notoriously weak enforcement capabilities mean that most of the offenders will feel no pain for their blatant tax evasion.

What makes things worse is that the scheme was extraordinarily generous, with many critics initially fearing that it was giving businesses a golden opportunity to whiten black money. Instead, it appears that many Pakistanis prefer their money to be black. The tax scheme offers retailers with annual sales up to Rs200 million a nominal 1% tax on revenue, complete exemption from audits, and no requirement to install point-of-sale systems. In return, traders were asked only to register and file. The government consulted trade bodies, launched a simplified Urdu-language application, and extended the filing deadline by fifteen days. Yet only 2,195 retailers registered in the first two months - a compliance rate of less than 0.06%.

Unfortunately, non-compliance often carries hilariously low penalties between Rs10,000 and Rs50,000 - which would probably not serve as a deterrent for most people. In fact, some analysts claim they are keeping the scheme alive on purpose. Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the brainchild of the scheme, has also threatened more punitive measures, including disconnecting utilities and freezing bank balances.]]>
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			<title>Standing with teachers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632983/standing-with-teachers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632983/standing-with-teachers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 26 19:20:10 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[World Teachers&#39; Day arrives this year with a message that deserves to travel beyond ceremonies and expressions of gratitude. The theme &#39;Standing with teachers&#39; marks six decades since the landmark ILO-UNESCO recommendation that set international standards for teachers&#39; rights, training, recruitment and working conditions.

For Pakistan, the occasion should force policymakers to question how well do we stand with those on whom the future of our children depends? Teachers occupy a peculiar place in our society. Their importance is routinely acknowledged, yet the profession itself is often denied the security and support such importance should command. In many public schools, teachers work in overcrowded classrooms with weak infrastructure and limited opportunities for professional development. Others serve in remote communities where staffing shortages mean that a single teacher can be responsible for an entire primary school. Last month, it was reported that more than 800 teaching posts were vacant in girls&#39; schools in Lower Dir. Punjab, meanwhile, has extended the services of around 45,000 school teacher interns until May next year as it continues to deal with shortages through temporary appointments. Such arrangements may plug immediate gaps, but they cannot become a substitute for a stable recruitment system. This matters because an education system cannot consistently outperform the people who run its classrooms. New curricula and ambitious reform plans are of limited value if teachers are under appreciated or overburdened.

Pakistan must make teaching a profession that capable people want to enter and remain in. Recruitment should be based on need and competence rather than short-term administrative expediency. Training must continue throughout a teacher&#39;s career instead of ending with an initial qualification. Teachers also need a meaningful voice in decisions about curriculum and classroom practice. Standing with teachers ultimately means standing with every child whose future begins in their classroom.]]>
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			<title>Mental health commitments</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632812/mental-health-commitments</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632812/mental-health-commitments#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 19:24:27 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan has roughly 0.19 psychiatrists for every 100,000 people]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s Global Mental Health Summit has ended with an ambitious promise to move mental healthcare out of the margins of public policy. The Islamabad Declaration commits the country to better coordination, sustainable financing, community-based care and, importantly, accountable implementation. These are sensible commitments. Their value, however, will depend on what happens after the conference halls have emptied.

The scale of the challenge leaves little room for another policy that exists largely on paper. Around 32.4 million Pakistanis are estimated to require mental-health care, while the treatment gap is about 95%. Pakistan has roughly 0.19 psychiatrists for every 100,000 people. For a population of this size, specialist treatment alone can never provide the answer. This makes the National Mental Health Policy 2026-35, launched at the summit, potentially important. Its emphasis on integrating mental-health services into primary healthcare, schools and communities recognises that people cannot be expected to travel to major urban hospitals every time they require psychological support. Care has to become available much closer to where people reside. The federal government has also asked the provinces and federating areas to endorse the policy within 45 days and has promised a costed, time-bound implementation and monitoring plan within 12 months. This is where the declaration must begin turning into a health-system reform programme. Since healthcare delivery rests substantially with the provinces, national ambition will accomplish little without provincial budgets and measurable targets. Pakistan will need more specialists, but it must also build capacity among general physicians, nurses and community health workers.

The next 12 months must establish who will deliver services, how they will be financed and how progress will be measured. For millions currently outside the mental-health system, implementation is not the final stage of the policy. It is the part that matters most.]]>
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			<title>A surging insurgency</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632811/a-surging-insurgency</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632811/a-surging-insurgency#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 19:24:27 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Epicentre of this deterioration is Balochistan, where fatalities increased over threefold from 265 to 829]]>
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				<![CDATA[A worrying new report on the security situation in the country includes the grim statistic that there was an 83% surge in violence-linked fatalities during the third quarter of 2026, with 1,415 deaths recorded across 385 incidents. This sharp escalation in violence described in the Centre for Research and Security Studies quarterly security report shows that the declining trend witnessed in the first half of the year is a distant memory. In fact, the spike in violence is also the highest quarter-on-quarter increase since 2021.

The epicentre of this deterioration is Balochistan, where fatalities increased over threefold from 265 to 829, accounting for 88% of the national increase. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which has its own torrid history with terrorism, was second-worst, recording 186 violent incidents, which in terms of quantity - ignoring fatalities - represents 48% of all attacks in the country. The TTP, which is behind most of the attacks in K-P, was also the primary threat, being linked with 13 attacks that killed 117 people, while the BLA and Hafiz Gul Bahadur group also caused significant casualties. While almost two-thirds of the casualties were &quot;outlaws&quot;, the raw numbers of civilians and security forces martyred rose by 36% and 79%, respectively, or 54% overall. The year-to-date death toll for security forces has also crossed 1,000, making the first three-quarters of 2026 the deadliest such period ever.

The UNSC has condemned the surge in militant attacks, but no amount of condemnation will stop the violence. What is needed is concrete action targeting the governments of Afghanistan and India - which fund some of the terrorist groups and provide them with logistics and shelter - and material support for our security apparatus. At the same time, the government must do more to address the root causes of separatist sentiments, instead of just blaming outside forces. If young people felt their government was providing opportunities, they would not feel alienated or susceptible to the appeal of anti-Pakistan groups, which may offer them kinship and income.]]>
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			<title>IWT in spotlight</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632810/iwt-in-spotlight</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632810/iwt-in-spotlight#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 19:24:27 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Breach of a major international covenant demands a global response]]>
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				<![CDATA[India finds itself isolated internationally over its handling of transboundary water politics. Legal experts, diplomats and environmentalists have strongly condemned New Delhi&#39;s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). At the ongoing UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, officials have warned that weaponising water threatens the food security and livelihoods of millions across the region. Pakistan, the lower riparian state, bears the brunt of this policy as India attempts to assert regional dominance and bypass global accountability.

The panel at Geneva made vital observations regarding the indispensable reliance of populations dependent on the Indus Basin. By directly linking water governance to human rights, it underscored that transboundary agreements must not become optional when bilateral relations deteriorate. This is a foundational principle of international jurisprudence. Accordingly, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in Pakistan&#39;s favour, holding that the IWT remains fully in force despite India&#39;s unilateral decision to hold it in abeyance. Furthermore, as a procedural guarantor to the landmark 1960 accord, the World Bank has viewed actions altering the treaty framework as ultra vires breach of international law. Thus, weaponising water to this degree amounts to environmental and water terrorism.

This breach of a major international covenant demands a global response, as it is no longer just a bilateral issue for Pakistan. India&#39;s disregard for transboundary water governance violates state-centric norms and forces a lower riparian neighbour into an existential crisis. At a time when environmental degeneration is accelerating, such volatile policies act as a catalyst for climate change, crippling agricultural production and disrupting critical energy grids. India&#39;s determination to construct massive hydroelectric dams in occupied Jammu &amp; Kashmir and its mainland systematically steals Pakistan&#39;s lawful water share. The world must unite to issue a firm dictum against New Delhi, prioritising human life and legal accountability over regional hegemony.]]>
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			<title>Police stations on the move</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632660/police-stations-on-the-move</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632660/police-stations-on-the-move#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:18:29 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Law enforcers are notorious for corruption within the ranks]]>
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				<![CDATA[Punjab&#39;s launch of 33 mobile police stations, including six dedicated &quot;Pink&quot; units for women, seems like a good attempt to make it easier for citizens to approach law enforcement authorities. The initiative offers 14 services, from FIR registration to driving licences, and will visit different neighbourhoods, along with universities and colleges, on fixed schedules. This will be of great benefit for anyone who has to get some work done at a police station, but especially for women, who have long hesitated to enter male-dominated police stations to report harassment or domestic violence and may find women&#39;s police stations too hard to reach. By saving time and travel costs for citizens in remote areas, the scheme could genuinely bridge the public-police divide.

But the biggest problem for the Punjab Police is not accessibility. It is the Punjab Police. The law enforcers are notorious for corruption within the ranks. Almost 85,000 complaints were lodged against the force in the first seven months of this year, with nearly 15,000 centred on corruption and bribery. Surveys consistently rank Punjab Police as Pakistan&#39;s most corrupt provincial department. Mobile stations may make it easier to file a report, but if the underlying culture of impunity - where cases are refused registration and investigations are botched for a price - remains untouched, the vans will merely become new venues for old abuses.

Critics will also question the cost. The 33 units require vehicles, technology and specialised staff, all funded by taxpayers. While the benefits could potentially be huge, that is still an assumption. The expenditure is already a fact. To ensure the taxpayer gets value for money, the exercise needs genuine accountability, with merit-based hiring and staffing and independent oversight.

The mobile police stations could be of great value, but that value can only be realised if provincial leaders in parliament and at the Central Police Office recognise that no fleet of vans can substitute for the difficult work of reforming the institution.]]>
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			<title>Unsafe online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632659/unsafe-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632659/unsafe-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:18:29 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Such spaces offer entertainment and companionship]]>
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				<![CDATA[The internet has become an ordinary part of childhood, but the protections surrounding young users remain anything but ordinary. A new Kaspersky analysis offers a revealing picture of where Pakistani children are spending their time online. During the first eight months of 2026, YouTube accounted for 31.2% of their mobile app activity, followed by Instagram at 18.8% and WhatsApp at 17.4%. Multiplayer games and platforms such as Roblox and Discord also featured prominently in their digital lives.

Such spaces offer entertainment and companionship. The concern is that the same features that make them attractive to young users also make them accessible to people seeking to deceive or exploit them. Multiplayer games allow strangers to communicate directly with children. Phishing links can arrive disguised as offers of free game currency or rewards, while friendships formed online can gradually become vehicles for grooming or blackmail. The scale of the problem in Pakistan is already difficult to dismiss. Research released by UNICEF, ECPAT International and Interpol last month found that nearly one in 16 internet-using Pakistanis between the ages of 12 and 17 had experienced some form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse within a year. That translates into roughly 1.5 million children. The research also found that fear, stigma and possible repercussions within the family often discourage victims from seeking help. AI is making an already difficult problem more complicated. Across an 11-country study, at least 1.2 million children reported having their images manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes during the preceding years.

Children will not retreat from the digital world, nor should they be expected to. The task is to make that world safer for them. As technology becomes better at creating convincing falsehoods and predators become more adept at exploiting trust, Pakistan&#39;s safeguards must evolve just as quickly. Connectivity without protection leaves children carrying risks they are too young to manage alone.]]>
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			<title>Surging Houthis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632658/surging-houthis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632658/surging-houthis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:18:29 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Escalation on the part of the Houthis is uncalled for]]>
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				<![CDATA[Despite hopes for a thaw amid the widening Middle East conflict, the Houthis&#39; surge is acting as a spanner in the works. Reports that the pro-Iran Yemeni militia launched drone attacks on an electricity facility in the holy city of Medina have taken the Muslim world by surprise, pushing the regional security paradigm to the edge. Likewise, unconfirmed reports indicate that American authorities are investigating potential Iranian links to a thwarted midair insider attack on a Flydubai airliner en route to Tel Aviv. This, too, has upped the ante, with US warning of a severe backlash against Iran. Finally, an unannounced, lethal conflict between Yemeni state security forces and the Houthis is hampering navigation across the strategic Bab-el-Mandeb waterway, escalating Saudi Arabia&#39;s security risks to unprecedented heights.

This escalation on the part of the Houthis is uncalled for. The non-state actor is unnecessarily expanding the orbit of war, inviting retribution with dire consequences for the entire region. Loud explosions were also heard in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, which is controlled by Houthi forces. This indicates that the Iranians, too, are engaged in a power struggle, using proxies as leverage for realpolitik. Furthermore, the prospective withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and Syria, paired with Washington&#39;s positioning as an ally of Saudi Arabia, represents a new twist in regional dynamics. Moreover, the US deployment of additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar and the Pentagon signing a massive contract for the production of SM-6 missiles are clear signs of broadening warfare.

The million-dollar question is: where are statecraft and diplomacy? Why do they take a backseat every second day? Why are the Pentagon and the IRGC so obsessed with warmongering while their respective diplomatic echelons strive for a thaw in all sincerity? It is a fact that non-state actors are a reality in the Middle East power dynamics, but the Houthis are going over the brink as spoilers. Tehran has a responsibility to prevail over the Houthis and ensure that Saudi Arabia&#39;s territorial integrity is not breached.]]>
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			<title>Ozone depletion</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632492/ozone-depletion</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632492/ozone-depletion#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 26 19:29:58 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lahore's poisoned air is usually discussed as a winter smog problem; not anymore]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lahore&#39;s poisoned air is usually discussed as a winter smog problem. But now, Lahore has been identified by EU&#39;s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service among Asian cities experiencing &quot;extremely poor&quot; levels of ground-level ozone, an invisible pollutant whose formation is accelerated by heat and sunlight. In other words, the city&#39;s dirty air is increasingly colliding with a warming climate.

Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly. It forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, released largely by vehicles, industry and other combustion sources, react in sunlight. Higher temperatures and stagnant conditions can accelerate these reactions and allow ozone to accumulate. The city has spent years lurching from one smog emergency to another, often responding when visibility collapses and particulate pollution reaches dangerous levels. Ozone poses a different challenge. It cannot necessarily be seen or smelled, yet excessive exposure can cause breathing difficulties, aggravate asthma and reduce lung function. The WHO recommends that the maximum daily eight-hour mean should not exceed 100 micrograms per cubic metre. Pakistan should regard the warning as part of a broader climate threat rather than another entry in Lahore&#39;s long pollution record. Extreme heat is already a serious health risk across the country. Lahore needs reliable monitoring of ozone alongside particulate matter, and stricter vehicle and industrial emission standards.

There is also no escaping the regional dimension. Ozone and its precursor pollutants can travel great distances, while CAMS data show elevated concentrations extending far beyond individual cities. Pakistan and its neighbours therefore have an interest in treating the Indo-Gangetic airshed as a shared environmental system. Cross-border cooperation on emissions data and pollution control should be pursued even when political relations are difficult. Air currents recognise no frontier.]]>
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			<title>Elusive hockey gold</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632491/elusive-hockey-gold</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632491/elusive-hockey-gold#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 26 19:29:58 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan has not won a hockey gold medal at the Asian Games since 2010]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan has not won a hockey gold medal at the Asian Games since 2010, and their 4 / 3 semifinal loss to arch-rivals India yesterday ensures that the drought will persist through the ongoing Nagoya Games. The Green Shirts put up a spirited fight after conceding three goals in the first 23 minutes. They leveled the score by the 49th minute, raising hopes of a comeback or at least pushing the game into a penalty shootout. While the match remained finely balanced for the next 10 minutes, it ultimately tilted in India&#39;s favour with just seconds left before the final hooter.

To add to the embarrassment, the result extended India&#39;s unbeaten run against Pakistan to 21 matches. With a spot in the final gone, the Green Shirts are now left fighting South Korea (who were defeated by Malaysia in the other semifinal) for the bronze medal - a podium position they have miserably failed to secure at the Asian Games since the 2006 Doha Games. This current slump stands in stark contrast to the country&#39;s glorious past. A total of 14 Asiad medals &ndash; 8 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze &ndash; still makes Pakistan the most successful men&#39;s field hockey nation in the tournament&#39;s history.

Pakistan&#39;s decades-long slump remains a frustrating enigma. A nation that ruled the sport globally through the 1960s, 70s and mid-80s now routinely struggles to beat lower-ranked teams. Remarkably, this decline has persisted despite the team being guided by some of the greatest legends and elite tactical coaches in hockey history. This proves that the root issue is systemic. To reverse this slide, the PHF must abandon short-term fixes and focus entirely on reviving structural infrastructure. Re-establishing robust grassroots hockey, introducing a commercially sustainable franchise league to provide financial security for players, and building modern sporting facilities at the local level are the ways to pull the national game back from total obscurity.]]>
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			<title>Talks in the shadows?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632490/talks-in-the-shadows</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632490/talks-in-the-shadows#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 26 19:29:58 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Days ahead of the PTI's march on the federal capital, reports of behind-the-scenes talks offer a welcome reprieve]]>
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				<![CDATA[Days ahead of the PTI&#39;s march on the federal capital, reports of behind-the-scenes talks offer a welcome reprieve. PM&#39;s Adviser Rana Sanaullah&#39;s confirmation that &quot;off-the-record&quot; parleys are underway with the opposition has brought a collective sigh of relief. For those prioritising political stability and economic recovery, an immediate breakthrough is vital. The stakes could not be higher: the country is currently battling resurgent terrorism, while disrupted global supply lines have triggered skyrocketing fuel prices and persistent double-digit inflation. At this critical juncture, the last thing Pakistan can afford is institutional infighting and a perpetual standoff between the federation and the provinces. Ultimately, an amicable resolution of this essentially political dispute is entirely possible, provided that wisdom, pragmatism and fair play are allowed to prevail.

The political process, however, remains paralysed by personal egos. The six-party opposition alliance, TTAP, refuses to hold talks at either the Prime Minister&#39;s Office or the Speaker&#39;s Chamber. Moreover, the opposition leadership insists on meeting with Imran Khan in jail before engaging in any meaningful dialogue. Simultaneously, the federal government, wary of the K-P administration&#39;s plans to take to the streets on October 4, is reportedly mulling the imposition of Governor&#39;s rule in the province. Such a drastic step would only push the country deeper into an abyss of political decay and confrontation. Ultimately, sober minds on both sides bear the responsibility to intervene; the only viable way forward is an initial thaw to bridge the divide, paving the way for a structured and sustained dialogue.

An immediate and lawful breakthrough could be achieved by implementing the August 18 Supreme Court order. Granting the opposition its legitimate political space and engaging them in long-term dialogue on constitutional reforms - including restructuring an autonomous Election Commission, repealing recent legislation that is ultra vires to the Constitution and releasing political prisoners - presents a genuine win-win scenario for both sides.]]>
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			<title>Sindh's rabies crisis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632308/sindhs-rabies-crisis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632308/sindhs-rabies-crisis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 26 19:35:24 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Government's response has focused on expanding treatment infrastructure]]>
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				<![CDATA[World Rabies Day passed earlier this week, and Sindh&#39;s official figures tell the story of a province being chewed up by a completely preventable disease. At least 35 people have died of rabies in the first nine months of 2026, while dog-bite cases across Sindh have surged past 200,000, including more than 40,000 in Karachi alone. These numbers are objectively terrible and reflect the failure of provincial- and city-level policies to address rabies or stray dog populations.

The government&#39;s response has focused on expanding treatment infrastructure. Authorities point to 278 upgraded anti-rabies units, 138,000 vaccine doses administered, and a 30% increase in treatment capacity compared to last year. To their credit, officials have also gone out of their way to urge people to get treated after even a minor interaction with a stray animal, but that is the problem - these worthwhile efforts are reactive, not preemptive or preventive. The lack of effective prevention has let the problem balloon to its current level. Last year, Sindh recorded over 285,000 dog-bite cases, and 85,891 were documented in the first four months of 2026 alone. With more than 700 attacks occurring daily, hospitals cannot treat their way out of this epidemic.

Despite some efforts, including a drive by Sindh&#39;s Rabies Control Programme to sterilise over 25,500 dogs and vaccinate more than 36,900 across 20 districts, stray dog populations continue to grow. The WHO recommends vaccinating at least 70% of a dog population to break transmission cycles, and at the current pace, Sindh will likely never come close to that number. If the government wants to make prevention efforts more meaningful, it must greatly increase mass dog vaccination and sterilisation efforts, and realign public awareness campaigns to reach the worst-affected communities, including children and daily-wage workers. The government must also be honest with the people, as covering up the extent of the dog-bite epidemic has done more harm than good.]]>
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			<title>Failed rescue mission</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632307/failed-rescue-mission</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632307/failed-rescue-mission#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 26 19:35:24 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632307</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Pirates carry responsibility for the killings]]>
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				<![CDATA[The recovery of the MT Honour 25 from Somali pirates should have brought relief after more than five months of captivity. Instead, it has ended in bereavement for the families of three Pakistani sailors. Of the total 17 hostages, including 10 Pakistanis, five were killed and four wounded before Puntland forces secured the tanker. For those who had waited since April for their loved ones to return home, the vessel&#39;s recovery is no substitute for the lives that were lost.

The pirates carry responsibility for the killings. What remains unclear, however, is precisely how an operation intended to free the hostages culminated in their deaths. Survivors have said the captors opened fire on the crew when security forces closed in and the pirates began retreating. Puntland authorities have offered a different sequence, saying the five sailors were killed before the operation began. This discrepancy cannot be left unresolved. An authoritative account is now needed of the intelligence available beforehand and the circumstances in which force was authorised. Pakistan, too, has questions to answer since whatever diplomatic activity took place, it did not produce the outcome that mattered most. Islamabad must seek a detailed account from the Somali and Puntland authorities and establish whether Pakistan was informed of the planned operation and what safeguards were contemplated for the hostages. The families of the dead and injured are entitled to know why, after months of waiting, the final attempt to end their ordeal turned fatal.

The surviving sailors have finally been freed. That is welcome. But three Pakistani families will receive coffins. The recovery of the ship cannot be allowed to close the matter. The circumstances of the deaths must be established and responsibility fixed where warranted.]]>
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			<title>The seven-day gesture</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632306/the-seven-day-gesture</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632306/the-seven-day-gesture#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 26 19:35:24 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz]]>
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				<![CDATA[Behind-the-scenes diplomacy has made some headway. The reported willingness of the US to consider a &quot;seven-day proposal&quot; for tranquility presented by Iran is a welcome development. Washington had earlier rejected the proposal and imposed its own conditions. The fact that Qatar has reached out to Tehran with a nod from the White House - and that this is now being discussed to broker a formal understanding - must graduate into a thaw. There is no room for returning to the theater of war; the region is on edge, and disrupted supply lines are pushing the global economy toward a plausible recession.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, enabling the smooth passage of maritime traffic in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade and unfreezing Iranian assets. In other words, this means returning to the Islamabad MoU, which had seen life return to normalcy and oil prices slump to $80 a barrel for more than two weeks following the agreement in June. The additional benefit offered by Iran this time around is the inclusion of the nuclear issue in the talks to sort out a permanent modus operandi for peace in the region and beyond. This would not have been possible without the proactive, selfless mediatory roles played by Pakistan, Qatar, T&uuml;rkiye and Egypt, as all stakeholders sought a thaw, especially during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Now is the time to restart parleys and bring the war to a permanent end. High-stakes rhetoric from President Trump and Iran&#39;s military brass, meant largely for public consumption, has taken a heavy toll and no longer serves any purpose. Fortunately, China acted as a stabilising force by persuading both the warring sides, as well as the Arab states, to step back from the brink. The silencing of guns by Tehran and Washington would have a resounding impact, compelling the Houthis and Israelis to halt their regional jingoism. This rare consensus, achieved through painstaking diplomatic maneuvers, stands as a crucial reality check of their true sincerity.]]>
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			<title>School van safety</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632117/school-van-safety</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632117/school-van-safety#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 26 19:31:59 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan needs to move towards a much stricter school-transport regime]]>
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				<![CDATA[The sight of a school van reduced to a burnt-out shell in Murree should be enough to dispel any illusion that Pakistan&#39;s existing approach to school transport is working. Children travelling to a school on Tuesday suffered burns after their van left the road and caught fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle was carrying more passengers than its designated capacity and did not have a fire extinguisher.

The incident raises a basic question. Why are vehicles carrying children still allowed onto the road without the safeguards that could mean the difference between an accident and a catastrophe? This is hardly an unidentified danger. In Lahore only last month, traffic police announced a crackdown on overloaded school vans and prohibited LPG cylinders in vehicles transporting children. In Rawalpindi, previous directives have required school vans to be roadworthy, properly registered and equipped with fire extinguishers and first-aid kits. Drivers are supposed to possess valid licences and vehicles should have fitness certificates. The instructions exist. What is missing is the assurance that a child entering a school van every morning is entering a vehicle that actually complies with them. Notifications issued from government offices cannot provide that assurance.

Pakistan needs to move towards a much stricter school-transport regime in which vehicles carrying children are treated differently from ordinary passenger vans. A Suzuki Bolan or similar vehicles pressed into school duty should not qualify merely because it can accommodate several passengers. School transport should meet a prescribed safety specification before it is permitted to operate. Passenger limits must correspond to the vehicle&#39;s actual capacity rather than the number of children who can be squeezed inside. Where modifications have been made, particularly to fuel systems, they must be inspected rather than accepted as an informal feature of commercial transport.]]>
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			<title>Eight years for injustice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632116/eight-years-for-injustice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632116/eight-years-for-injustice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 26 19:31:59 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Case was also the catalyst for the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM)]]>
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				<![CDATA[Naqeebullah Mehsud, the 27-year-old aspiring model from Waziristan whose murder in Karachi led to nationwide protests, will not receive justice. An anti-terrorism court in Karachi has acquitted the last seven suspects in the case, which has been running since a few weeks after his murder in January 2018. The latest round of acquittals brings the number of suspects walking free to 25, with the court citing &quot;insufficient evidence&quot; because not a single suspect came forward to say the encounter was staged. The only one that did - a head constable - later recanted, claiming he was pressured to identify the men and actually did not know who any of them were.

This was despite the fact that most of Pakistan already knew who at least some of the men were, including Rao Anwar, the disgraced and disgraceful &quot;encounter specialist&quot; alleged to maintain deep underworld connections. We also question how nobody was able to dig up any evidence against police officer Sheikh Muhammad Shoaib, whose nickname was &quot;Shooter&quot;, allegedly due to his notoriety as an encounter specialist.

Anwar, the principal accused, was among 18 officers acquitted in January 2023, despite a joint investigation team holding him responsible. All of the acquittals have also again raised questions about whether law enforcement is incompetent, laws are poorly written, or the judiciary&#39;s expectations are too unrealistic, because when seemingly straightforward cases linger for years and the final decision still defies expectations, it is clear that something, somewhere, went very wrong.

The case was also the catalyst for the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), which reached national stature due to its protests against extrajudicial killings after starting as a localised rights movement following military operations in Waziristan. Despite its wayward and controversial history, PTM pressure may have been the only reason the case was ever taken up. Now, it appears there is no one left to demand a reexamination of the case.]]>
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			<title>US withdrawal from Iraq</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632115/us-withdrawal-from-iraq</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632115/us-withdrawal-from-iraq#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 26 19:31:59 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial.]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Voluntary withdrawal comes as an opportunity for the US to reflect on its obsessive overseas deployments]]>
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				<![CDATA[The security landscape of the Middle East is in a state of flux. The footprints of the lone superpower, the United States, are shrinking, and new characters are about to fill the vacuum. The scheduled withdrawal of American forces from Iraq could be a game-changer, and the prime beneficiary, of course, will be Iran, which has established its military superiority over its Arab neighbours as a result of its ongoing war with the US and Israel. Though the retreat of the Blue Stripes was ordained under the Biden administration, President Trump is keeping his word, as he believes in lessening America&#39;s overseas presence across the globe.

This is going to be the second major US withdrawal from the region following its 2021 departure from Afghanistan. Since Washington was unable to prevail over the Taliban regime in Kabul or enforce the 2020 Doha Accord, Afghanistan is sliding into anarchy and has become a terror hub. Iraq is unlikely to be any different; the resulting void is feared to be filled by pro-Iran Shia militias, as well as remnants of the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

The fact that Syria has broken away and is no longer under Tehran&#39;s influence could be an added factor of instability. Multiple militant organisations operating freely in the Levant could turn Iraq into a bastion for their nefarious activities. Last but not least, with the Houthis on the rampage, the regional security dynamic is bound to become more complex as Iran attempts to make up for the loss of Hezbollah by funding and galvanising the Islamic resistance in Iraq.

The voluntary withdrawal comes as an opportunity for the US to reflect on its obsessive overseas deployments. Having lost around 4,500 troops in Iraq over the last two decades, the heavy price Washington paid - particularly as its military bases were repeatedly targeted by Iran - serves as a moment for strategic recalculation. The US can be a great partner in institution-building and furthering peace, rather than balkanising the region into military alliances.]]>
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			<title>BRT deadline fatigue</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631935/brt-deadline-fatigue</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631935/brt-deadline-fatigue#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 26 19:35:41 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Government must now ensure that the latest two-month commitment is the last one]]>
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				<![CDATA[For Karachi&#39;s commuters, University Road has become less a development project than an endurance test. The latest assurance from Sindh&#39;s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon is that the road will now be completed within two months. That promise comes barely weeks after his earlier deadline to make the entire artery &quot;100% motorable&quot; by September 15 passed without the promised result.

Yet, these two are merely the latest among countless deadlines to have slipped. In January, Mr Memon said the main Red Line corridor along University Road would be completed by March. In June, commuters were told the road would reopen by the end of July. In August came the September commitment. Now, towards the end of September, Karachiites have been handed yet another two-month wait. At some point, repeated deadlines cease to inspire confidence. University Road is one of the city&#39;s busiest arteries. Work that drags on here affects a vast section of Karachi and turns an ordinary commute into a daily ordeal and a civic punishment. The government may point to progress on the Red Line and the opening of the Mosamiyat Flyover. That progress is welcome. It does not, however, answer the more important question of why the road itself has remained unfinished for so long despite repeated commitments. The problem is made worse by the enormous public investment involved. The Red Line project has already suffered construction stoppages, contractual difficulties and cost pressures. They point towards weaknesses in execution that deserve scrutiny when citizens have been forced to bear the consequences for years.

The government must now ensure that the latest two-month commitment is the last one. The remaining work should be pursued on a clearly defined schedule, with progress made public and responsibility fixed wherever targets are missed.]]>
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			<title>Taking away taxman's bias</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631934/taking-away-taxmans-bias</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631934/taking-away-taxmans-bias#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 26 19:35:41 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2631934</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Under new model, cases will be selected through computerised, risk-based algorithm rather than by individual officers]]>
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				<![CDATA[The establishment of the National Faceless Centre (NFC) in Islamabad by the Federal Board of Revenue marks a significant shift in Pakistan&#39;s tax administration. By eliminating direct contact between taxpayers and tax officials, the initiative aims to curb corruption, reduce discretionary powers and enhance transparency in audit and assessment processes. The reform is also not as radical as opponents would claim - similar models have been employed for many years in countries such as the UK, Australia, and even India.

Under the new model, cases will be selected through a computerised, risk-based algorithm rather than by individual officers, and each case will pass through three separate hands - audit, assessment, and quality control. The initial focus will be on third-party data that shows visible wealth discrepancies, including air travel, luxury vehicles and lavish properties. This would help ensure that anyone facing a full audit already has some explaining to do, rather than being randomly called in. Also, given that almost all of Pakistan&#39;s ultra-rich underreport their incomes, third-party data alone will provide enough data to keep the FBR busy for several months.

However, legitimate concerns remain. The Finance Bill 2026 provides that NFC orders cannot be challenged on jurisdictional grounds alone. In effect, this means that the faceless adjudicators may well be shielded from procedural accountability. Smaller taxpayers with limited legal capacity may also face pressure to accept algorithmic settlement offers without meaningful paths to appeal. In a positive development, the National Assembly Standing Committee has flagged the need for safeguards against algorithmic manipulation, data tampering and privacy breaches. Hopefully, legislation and competent leadership will ensure that the tax authority does not fall victim to the impunity of its own officers, and citizens can begin to see tax season as a minor inconvenience, rather than a horror story.]]>
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			<title>Failing foreign guests</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631933/failing-foreign-guests</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631933/failing-foreign-guests#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 26 19:35:41 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2631933</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Recurring pattern severely damages Pakistan's international reputation]]>
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				<![CDATA[The horrific allegations of a gang-rape involving a 20-year-old Azerbaijani business traveler in Lahore highlight a deeply concerning issue, reinforcing why our justice system must maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward such violence. The survivor&#39;s courage in recording a formal statement before a magistrate is commendable, challenging the societal stigmas that often silence victims. This legal step provides a pathway for authorities to implement robust damage-control and preventative strategies against such severe crimes. To foster a safer environment, all segments of society must support survivors and advocate for the strict punishment of offenders.

This is the second horrific assault on a foreign national in the last four months, exposing a deeply unsettling trend. In June, two women from the Netherlands and Venezuela were abducted from Islamabad and later sexually assaulted in Lahore, reportedly after they refused to pay extortion money. This recurring pattern severely damages Pakistan&#39;s international reputation, entirely undermining ambitious assertions of the country becoming a preferred destination for global tourism and foreign investment. Such heinous acts bring shame to a proud and resilient nation. The absolute minimum required now is a stringent, unyielding national policy where culprits are never spared and cases are prosecuted on an expedited, high-priority basis. Luring foreigners into fraudulent business deals to harm them is entirely unacceptable and must be crushed firmly.

It is high time to overhaul our surveillance and intelligence-gathering systems to ensure that criminal activity is intercepted before it can occur. Likewise, police and magistrates must be fully empowered to go above and beyond in prosecuting and sentencing culprits within an exemplary timeframe. Fast-track courts, statutory time limits and sweeping technological reforms must be legally mandated to ensure swift, undeniable justice. Reviving the largely dormant Safe City initiatives and boosting community involvement are indispensable steps to maintaining a strict vigil on unscrupulous elements.]]>
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			<title>Asiad: dismal Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631732/asiad-dismal-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631732/asiad-dismal-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 26 19:41:04 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Authorities must resist the familiar temptation to treat isolated achievements as evidence of wider progress]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s campaign at the Asian Games is exposing the widening gulf between the country&#39;s sporting ambitions and its ability to compete consistently at the continental level. Two bronze medals in squash offer some consolation, but the reversals suffered across several disciplines on Saturday have raised familiar questions about the state of national sport. Individual determination remains evident. What is less apparent is the institutional support needed to translate that determination into sustained success.

At the close of Saturday&#39;s competitions, China had amassed 176 medals, including 107 golds, while Japan had secured 129 and South Korea 73. India had collected 30 medals, including four golds. Countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have already secured eight gold medals apiece. Pakistan, meanwhile, had secured bronze in women&#39;s cricket and was assured of another medal in men&#39;s singles squash, with Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan due to contest the third-place play-off. The defeat against Malaysia in hockey was particularly disappointing. Pakistan surrendered a 4-3 advantage to lose 5-4 despite Sufyan Khan scoring all four goals. With the tournament still underway, the national team has an opportunity to recover. It is clear that the successes of individual competitors are too often celebrated without sufficient attention to the circumstances in which they have been achieved.

The Asian Games are not yet over, and Pakistan&#39;s remaining athletes deserve every opportunity to improve the country&#39;s medal tally. But whatever the final standings, the authorities must resist the familiar temptation to treat isolated achievements as evidence of wider progress. A country with Pakistan&#39;s sporting history should be capable of producing competitive athletes across a broader range of disciplines. The task is to build institutions that make such performances possible with greater regularity.]]>
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			<title>Cockroaches on a roll</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631731/cockroaches-on-a-roll</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631731/cockroaches-on-a-roll#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 26 19:41:04 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[India's CJP has transformed into a formidable pressure group capable of altering the regional governance landscape]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Cockroach Janata Party of India has rapidly transitioned into a formidable pressure group capable of altering the regional governance landscape. Fresh from their victory in securing the resignation of the education minister, the group has successfully flexed its political muscle once more by forcing the Election Commission of India onto the backfoot. Following a sharp warning of imminent protests from the party&#39;s leadership, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar hastily directed a comprehensive review of the electoral rolls which, according to Indian media reports, were manipulated to benefit the ruling BJP. This surrender by a high-ranking official not only underscores the growing leverage of the Cockroach Party but also signals a profound shift in how grassroots agitation dictates institutional accountability. However, the Chief Election Commissioner still faces the looming threat of dismissal, as he has stopped short of the full resignation demanded by the Cockroach Party.

Ultimately, this standoff serves as a stark reminder about the necessity of an objective, neutral election commission led by an unbiased leader in a functioning democracy. Without absolute neutrality at the helm, the promise of free and fair elections remains entirely hollow. However, achieving this ideal has proven remarkably difficult across the region, including Pakistan. Allegations against the chief of the election watchdog have historically been a common feature of the political landscape in Pakistan. This persistent skepticism stems largely from the reality that the position has almost always functioned as a political appointment. Despite a constitutional safeguard designed to ensure bipartisan agreement, the reality has fallen short. No wonder hardly ever has any election in the country escaped the allegations of rigging. If we want future elections to command public trust, implement rigorous governance standards that guarantee complete independence and transparency in our public institutions.]]>
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			<title>And now DI Khan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631730/and-now-di-khan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631730/and-now-di-khan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 26 19:41:04 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Dera attack came just days after the bleeding at Kohat that led to at least 31 precious lives lost]]>
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				<![CDATA[Another suicide attack on the border of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan is a grim reminder of a thriving terror nexus in the two terrorism-stricken province, in particular. More than 14 civilians were killed and 36 injured as an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed into Aman Mela police checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan&#39;s Darazinda tehsil. The modus operandi of terrorism this time was full of vengeance as rescue personnel were also targeted subsequently. Two volunteers of 1122 lost their lives on duty as their ambulance was ambushed. The incident was supplemented with heavy aerial firing in an attempt to terrorise the locals.

The Dera attack came just days after the bleeding at Kohat that led to at least 31 precious lives lost, indicating our loosening grip on the security of these insurgency-infected provinces. Immediate measures require heightening vigilance and beefing up intelligence gathering. Moving forward, achieving better coordination among law enforcement agencies - particularly by empowering the police - is vital to demonstrate our resolve against this callous enemy. Furthermore, aligning kinetic military operations with cohesive political responses is indispensable if we are to remain on the same page against this existential threat.

Analysing the changing pattern of these attacks is equally critical. The terror nexus is currently focusing on three distinct targets: security personnel, police and civilians. By attacking these groups, disgruntled elements intend to bleed Pakistan while trying to project a narrative of state failure. This systematic pattern proves the violence is not driven by local grievances, but is rather a foreign plot to weaken the country. It&#39;s no secret that there are troublesome districts that harbour active sleeper cells linked with local abettors and opportunists. This warrants a foolproof domestic counter-terrorism strategy combined with tactful diplomacy to expose their international patrons.]]>
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			<title>SC's dower ruling</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631560/scs-dower-ruling-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631560/scs-dower-ruling-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 26 19:29:56 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Supreme Court's landmark verdict last week brings much-needed clarity to these deeply entrenched issues]]>
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				<![CDATA[For decades, the contractual and financial rights of women in Pakistan have been systematically taken for granted, reduced to mere ceremonial formalities rather than legally binding safeguards. Despite explicit Islamic tenets declaring haq-mahr i.e. dower a mandatory legal right incumbent upon the husband at the very inception of marriage, societal customs have distorted this obligation. In most cases, dower is treated as a delayed liability, only grudgingly conceded, even weaponised in some cases, at the time of a painful divorce.

Similarly, bridal gifts and jewelry - meant to provide lifelong financial security and independence to the wife - are routinely withheld by the husband or his family during a separation, leaving women economically vulnerable. This exploitation is further aggravated by the widespread practice of leaving columns in the nikahnama blank or poorly filled. By treating this official contract with negligence, society has effectively stripped women of their documented protections before their marital life even begins.

However, the Supreme Court&#39;s landmark verdict last week brings much-needed clarity to these deeply entrenched issues. In a decisive ruling, the apex court affirmed that haq-mahr is an unconditional legal right, not a &quot;price&quot; for the wife or leverage for marital disputes. Concurrently, the top court clarified that wedding gifts remain the exclusive, absolute property of the bride, protecting them from predatory reclamation by in-laws. Furthermore, the court issued strict directives for nikah registrars to ensure every column of the marriage contract is meticulously completed.

This judicial clarity deserves immense appreciation. By legally anchoring the true essence of Islamic jurisprudence and enforcing accountability on registrars, the Supreme Court has taken a monumental step toward truly empowering women. It ensures that a woman&#39;s dignity, financial security and contractual rights are no longer treated as an afterthought.]]>
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			<title>PM at UNGA</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631559/pm-at-unga-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631559/pm-at-unga-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 26 19:29:55 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[UN General Assembly offers leaders an opportunity to place their country's position before the world]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&#39;s address to the UN General Assembly on Friday was wide-ranging, touching upon nearly every major challenge confronting Pakistan&#39;s foreign policy, from the troubled relationship with India and the Kashmir dispute to the Indus Waters Treaty and instability in the wider region. Yet the recurring theme was peace, and Pakistan&#39;s argument that even the most intractable disputes must eventually find their way back to the negotiating table. It was a message worth delivering.

The UN General Assembly offers leaders an opportunity to place their country&#39;s position before the world. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did so without ambiguity. The international environment has hardly been hospitable to diplomacy. Conflicts have multiplied, international law has frequently appeared subordinate to power, and institutions established to prevent confrontation have struggled to exercise meaningful influence. Against this backdrop, the PM&#39;s insistence that dialogue must retain primacy is both prudent and consistent with Pakistan&#39;s own interests. Nowhere is this more relevant than in South Asia. The PM&#39;s warning over the IWT was understandably firm: Pakistan cannot be expected to treat lightly any move that threatens a river system on which its agriculture and food security heavily depend. But the more important point was that these concerns were presented alongside an appeal for dialogue rather than as an argument for perpetual confrontation.

There is no weakness in defending national interests while seeking peaceful means to secure them. Pakistan must continue to speak firmly where its vital interests are threatened, but it should also remain prepared to engage whenever meaningful diplomacy becomes possible. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&#39;s message at the UN was therefore a sound one. The challenge now is to ensure that the preference for dialogue expressed in New York remains the basis of Pakistan&#39;s regional diplomacy long after the speeches have ended.]]>
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			<title>Time to pursue a thaw</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631558/time-to-pursue-a-thaw</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631558/time-to-pursue-a-thaw#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 26 19:29:55 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[PTI's demands primarily centre on legal and procedural rights]]>
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				<![CDATA[The PTI&#39;s decision to delay its long march is a welcome development that could help defuse the prevailing political instability. It hands the government a prime opportunity to initiate talks with the broader opposition alliance, TTAP, and resolve lingering friction points. Even though the PTI aims to launch the protest from Peshawar on October 4, sincerity from both sides can still yield a compromise. A meaningful political thaw is urgently needed to restore daily life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where heavy security blockades have severely disrupted the twin cities.

The PTI&#39;s demands primarily centre on legal and procedural rights. These include implementing the August 18 Supreme Court directive to transfer Imran Khan to a private hospital and restoring his access to family, counsel and doctors. Since these rights are already guaranteed by the jail manual, it would be politically and legally ill-advised for the government to defy them. Similarly, the party&#39;s push to expedite Khan&#39;s court hearings and its advocacy for judicial independence and constitutional supremacy ought to strike a chord with the ruling parties in the larger national interest of democracy and the rule of law.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&#39;s invitation to Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai for direct talks is a welcome step toward easing Pakistan&#39;s political deadlock. However, these discussions must yield concrete outcomes to rescue the nation from economic woes, systemic parochialism and deep-seated political division. A successful national reconciliation hinges on granting the opposition its rightful political space and legal recourse. To establish long-term stability, both sides must collaborate on a new social contract that addresses key public demands, including administrative devolution and the creation of new provinces.

Decades of confrontation have severely damaged the state; today, surging terrorism, financial instability and public unrest present immediate national security threats that require collective attention. The PTI&#39;s tactical retreat in delaying its protest offers a crucial window for dialogue that the government should acknowledge and reciprocate.]]>
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			<title>Rising seas threat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631422/rising-seas-threat</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631422/rising-seas-threat#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 26 21:32:53 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Global sea level rose by almost six millimetres in 2024]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sea levels are rising, and their consequences will be anything but gradual. A unanimous UN General Assembly declaration calling for stronger global action has brought renewed urgency to a threat that has long been treated as a distant consequence of climate change. For small island states, it raises the extraordinary prospect of territories disappearing beneath the ocean. For countries such as Pakistan, the danger may be less dramatic in appearance, but it is already creeping onto the coastline.

There is little room for complacency. Global sea level rose by almost six millimetres in 2024, the largest annual increase on record, while the pace of the rise has accelerated considerably over recent decades. What is measured globally in millimetres eventually translates into flooded settlements and eroding coastlines. Pakistan has particular reason to pay attention. Its coastline stretches more than 1,000 kilometres along Sindh and Balochistan and includes the densely populated metropolis of Karachi as well as the ecologically fragile Indus Delta. Low-lying areas along the Sindh coast are especially vulnerable to the combined effects of sea-level rise, coastal erosion, storm surges and saltwater intrusion. What is often discussed as a future climate threat is, for communities in the delta, already an unfolding reality.

Sea-level projections must become part of decisions being made today. Authorities must identify areas most vulnerable to inundation and erosion, and prevent further development from creating populations and assets that will become increasingly expensive, or impossible, to protect. Natural defences also deserve far greater attention. Mangrove forests along the Sindh coast and Indus Delta provide an important buffer against waves. Pakistan has made considerable efforts to expand mangrove cover, but plantation drives in isolation aren&#39;t enough.]]>
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			<title>PSM - dead but bleeding</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631421/psm-dead-but-bleeding</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631421/psm-dead-but-bleeding#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 26 21:32:53 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Closed mill haemorrhaged Rs79.3 billion over the past three fiscal years alone]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) has been dead since June 2015, when the furnaces closed after gas was shut off due to non-payment of dues. Yet, 11 years later, the state remains in denial and refuses to give the mill a dignified funeral. In its life, the mill was the epitome of a white elephant - apart from a few years in the mid-2000s, the mill lost money every year of its five-decade operational history. But even in death, it continues to burn taxpayer money.

According to the Ministry of Industries, the closed mill haemorrhaged Rs79.3 billion over the past three fiscal years alone, with Rs24 billion lost in FY26. About 72% of the losses since FY24 were interest payments on legacy debt, which will continue to accumulate since the government is unwilling to pay to clear it, and buyers are not particularly interested in operating the mill. The finance ministry has also not helped the situation, as it has failed to follow its own internal advice to restructure PSM&#39;s debt through swaps and write-downs. Meanwhile, &#39;running&#39; costs also painfully hit the exchequer, including salaries, utilities and pensions.

Part of the problem is that the governments in Islamabad and Karachi continue to live in a fool&#39;s paradise, believing that PSM can be revived into a profitable entity. The fact is that the cost of modernising and reactivating the mill while covering running and historical expenses makes this proposal a non-starter for most reputable investors. Even the current proposals, including one from Russia, are problematic due to Western sanctions. Public-private partnerships also risk sticking the government with the bill when they invariably fail. And even at its peak, PSM never produced a superior product - it relied on tariffs to make imported steel expensive and keep its own uncompetitive products profitable.

The best-case scenario at this point is thus not revival, but liquidation. Part-selling the real estate and scrapping the mill could probably cover most liabilities and still leave the government with a small profit. Maintaining the status quo, however, is just an insult to everyone.]]>
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			<title>Returning to MoU</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631420/returning-to-mou</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631420/returning-to-mou#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 26 21:32:53 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Need of the hour is to ensure that de-escalation takes place instantly]]>
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				<![CDATA[Mediatory efforts received a shot in the arm as the warring sides in the ongoing Middle East conflict surprisingly toned down their confrontational rhetoric. Much transpired on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session, where officials from the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan collaborated to break the stalemate in talks. Their primary focus was on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, normalising the global supply chain and bringing down oil prices.

The nod from Tehran, which is devising a plan with Oman to reopen the strategic water channel in the Persian Gulf within the next seven days, is a promising development. Likewise, Qatar reaching out to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the consensus on brokering another ceasefire are momentous achievements. Pakistan pushed the envelope further by making both the US and Iran realise that going back to the Islamabad MoU is the way forward. This aspect has been squarely endorsed and appreciated by the UN secretary-general, too.

The need of the hour is to ensure that de-escalation takes place instantly. Reports that a format is being worked out for resuming parleys are encouraging; incidentally, these reports emerged after a huddle in the Oval Office between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. Pezeshkian demonstrated leadership when he told Fox News that his country is not interested in continuing the war and that the ball is in Washington&#39;s court. This needs to be read closely with reports that Tehran has hinted at reopening the Strait in exchange for the lifting of the US naval blockade and the unfreezing of its assets.

This impasse is already taking a toll on global economics. The suspension of shipping through the Red Sea&#39;s Bab El-Mandeb - as the Houthis have triggered another conflagration - is unnerving. Any broadening of the conflict across Yemen and its spillover into the wider region would be catastrophic. A one-point move can help address all eventualities: Iran and the US must return to the understanding reached in Islamabad. Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, has convincingly floated that idea as the way forward.]]>
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			<title>AI and the arms race</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631240/ai-and-the-arms-race</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631240/ai-and-the-arms-race#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 26 19:29:20 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[AI-assisted surveillance and automated threat detection could alter how future crises unfold]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s warning at a recent UNSC briefing against artificial intelligence becoming another dimension of the global arms race deserves serious attention. The technology is advancing at a pace that threatens to outstrip the institutions responsible for controlling its use, particularly in matters of international security.

AI-assisted surveillance and automated threat detection could alter how future crises unfold. An erroneous assessment of hostile intent or a false warning could trigger a response before the information has been independently verified. The danger lies in human operators becoming increasingly dependent on systems whose conclusions they may have insufficient time to question. Moreover, AI can facilitate sophisticated cyberattacks and expose critical infrastructure to new vulnerabilities. Its ability to generate convincing false information could also complicate diplomatic efforts during periods of heightened tension. There is, however, a fundamental contradiction at the heart of the global debate. The countries and corporations developing the most advanced AI systems are also competing for economic and strategic advantage. Their willingness to accept restrictions is consequently constrained by the fear of falling behind their rivals.

Pakistan&#39;s insistence on inclusive governance raises an equally important concern. Measures introduced in the name of safety must not become a means of consolidating technological power in a handful of countries or denying developing nations access to its benefits. Pakistan, for its part, must ensure that its international position is reflected in its domestic preparedness. Its national security institutions need clearly defined protocols governing the deployment of AI in sensitive operations, while civilian authorities must strengthen their capacity to identify and respond to emerging cyber threats. The country must also invest in the expertise required to participate meaningfully in international rule-making rather than remaining a passive recipient of standards developed elsewhere.]]>
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			<title>A fragile recovery</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631239/a-fragile-recovery</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631239/a-fragile-recovery#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 26 19:29:20 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Navigating this treacherous path without a misstep is Pakistan's greatest challenge]]>
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				<![CDATA[Though economic indicators are moving in the right direction, Pakistan&#39;s economy is still in a very fragile shape, according to the latest Asian Development Bank report. The Asian Development Outlook warns that even though the economy has stabilised, it is still perilously vulnerable to shocks beyond its control. According to the report, GDP growth accelerated to 3.7% in FY26, up from 3.2% the previous year. Gains were largely due to a rebound in manufacturing, which grew 6.6%. Resilient services grew 4.1%, and agricultural recovery grew steadily at 2.9%. Private investment rose 8.6% in real terms, and sovereign credit rating upgrades from S&amp;P and Moody&#39;s signaled renewed investor confidence.

But these indicators are not enough to offset the fact that inflation is still concerning - it was 7.1% in FY26 and is projected to climb to 8.3% in FY27, well above the SBP&#39;s 5% to 7% target range. While external shocks - such as the conflict involving Iran and its impact on global trade and energy prices - have played an outsized role in raising prices, our economy could have absorbed these shocks more easily if it were not already on shaky ground. The government has also not done itself any favours by choosing to increase spending in several non-revenue areas - meaning that these spending increases will not increase government revenue at all. With interest payments eating up the majority of the budget and defence spending rising 16%, it will be impossible to raise revenue growth to the target of 17.6%. And with household consumption growing by less than 1% and a projected sharp drop in remittances from the Middle East, even more problems could be around the corner.

Navigating this treacherous path without a misstep is Pakistan&#39;s greatest challenge. Ironically, the IMF programme conditions that successfully stabilised the economy are now the primary obstacle to reallocating funds for long-term resilience.]]>
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			<title>Xi at White House</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631238/xi-at-white-house</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631238/xi-at-white-house#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 26 19:29:20 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Xi's landmark welcome says it all]]>
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				<![CDATA[A mother of summits in the White House could act as a precursor for a thaw on global affairs. President Xi Jinping and his host Doanld Trump have an immense responsibility to chart out a roadmap for congeniality not only in the military context, but also in the realms of trade and technology. Xi&#39;s first visit to Washington in a decade is taking place at a time when the Middle East is on the edge, and the ensuing controversy over AI supremacy has pitched the two great powers in nexus of controversy. Likewise, the trade and tariffs duel are literally keeping them in a nervous zone, implying a deeper impact on international economics.

The three-day visit, however, is an opportunity to make a new start and do away with their perplexed positions. China has already called for a thaw in the Strait of Hormuz by trying to persuade Iran to get back from the brink. That influence is of immense value to Washington as its military might is on a retreat in the region, and the sole superpower has not been able to cow down a state under sanctions for the last four decades. Likewise, Xi is expected to do some plain-talking on Taiwan, exaggerated US tariffs on its products, and the AI row. To what extent a deal is brokered is hard to guess. It is a given that Xi will be talking to Trump from a position of strength as its trade and diplomatic muscles are well-established over 120 nation-states.

Xi&#39;s landmark welcome says it all. A military flyover as the guest is received at the Oval Office, combined with a rare tarmac greeting at Joint Base Andrews, marks a new high in their once-checkered bilateral relationship. Having weathered Trump&#39;s trade tariffs, China is well-placed to negotiate from a position of strength - securing a new deal regarding technological supremacy while extending the trade truce on favorable terms. At the very least, the desired breakthrough is to agree on a new modus operandi for cooperation and help bring the volatile conflict in the Middle East to an end.]]>
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			<title>The Afghan enigma</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631042/the-afghan-enigma</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631042/the-afghan-enigma#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 26 19:25:53 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Afghan transgression across the western frontier is becoming the order of the day. It is an open-and-shut case of interference and a violation of Pakistan&#39;s sovereignty. The plot thickens with the patronage that the terror nexus, including the outlawed TTP, enjoys from the Taliban rulers. In a daredevil attack, eight drones were flown from Kabul. However, they were successfully shot down by Pakistan&#39;s security forces. The incursion was from across the Torkham border into Kohat city.

It is worth recalling that Kohat was a theatre of a massacre a few days ago when insurgents from Afghanistan targeted the Police Lines area, killing and maiming more than 36 policemen and civilians. Kabul had the audacity to strike deep inside Pakistan with drones, even at a time when the country was at war with India. Back then, the drones targeted Peshawar and Rawalpindi, confirming an inevitable criminal collusion with India to bleed Pakistan.

The recent spike needs to be viewed within the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics. Pakistan is being pushed into a security dilemma on both its eastern and western fronts. Harbouring sleeper cells and terror abettors is part of the game plan. Thus, Islamabad was well within its rights to fly sorties over terror hideouts last week, reportedly killing over two-dozen terrorists. Pakistan had categorically informed the UNSC that it has the right to self-defence and that no violation of its territorial integrity will be tolerated. This brinkmanship from Kabul, apparently at the behest of Delhi, demands the attention of the global community, and its urgency cannot be set aside.

The least Afghanistan should do is learn the ethics of interstate relations. It has no choice but to act against terror hideouts and stop taking on Pakistan for the sake of point-scoring. The UN, regional states, and even the SCO have indicted Kabul for inaction in turning its landmass into a hub for terrorists. It cannot absolve itself by resorting to the gimmick of flying drones.]]>
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			<title>El Niño's health threat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631044/el-ninos-health-threat</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631044/el-ninos-health-threat#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 26 19:25:53 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[El Niño is a reminder that the world remains woefully unprepared for the public health consequences of extreme weather]]>
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				<![CDATA[The impending El Ni&ntilde;o is a reminder that the world remains woefully unprepared for the public health consequences of extreme weather. The World Health Organisation has warned that the climate phenomenon poses a significant threat to global health, with its effects likely to be felt well into 2027. As global temperatures continue to rise, extreme weather events are becoming an increasingly serious challenge to public health systems that are already struggling to meet routine healthcare needs.

For millions living in poverty, the distinction between a climate emergency and a health emergency is becoming increasingly meaningless. There is a disturbing inequity at the heart of this crisis. Countries with limited healthcare resources and inadequate sanitation are often the least capable of protecting their populations from climate-related diseases. WHO has cautioned that the effects of El Ni&ntilde;o will be particularly severe where climate shocks intersect with food insecurity, displacement and weak health systems. Yet international climate responses continue to place insufficient emphasis on the protection of public health. The international community must recognise that climate adaptation is as much about protecting human health as it is about safeguarding infrastructure and economic activity.

Pakistan is particularly exposed to this predicament. The catastrophic floods of 2022 demonstrated how a natural disaster can develop into a prolonged public health emergency when healthcare facilities and access to safe drinking water are compromised. The country&#39;s vulnerability is further compounded by the limited reach of preventive healthcare and the persistent neglect of basic sanitation. The government must recognise that the country&#39;s vulnerability is not simply a consequence of its geography. It is also a reflection of the persistent failure to invest adequately in preventive healthcare and climate-resilient infrastructure. International assistance will remain important, but it cannot compensate for the absence of sustained domestic planning.]]>
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			<title>Scam centres</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631043/scam-centres</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631043/scam-centres#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 26 19:25:53 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Call centres in Karachi alone had facilitated international fraud worth approximately $60 million]]>
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				<![CDATA[The arrest of 212 individuals in Islamabad this week on suspicion of running international fraud operations is the latest example of why Pakistan is now widely associated with phone- and internet-based financial scams in wealthy countries. Apart from the arrests, raids by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on three call centres also yielded hundreds of computers and mobile phones, which helped underscore how the largely unregulated call centre industry has evolved into a sprawling infrastructure for committing financial fraud abroad.

The Sindh home minister recently revealed that call centres in Karachi alone had facilitated international fraud worth approximately $60 million, with proceeds laundered through Bitcoin and US dollars. Investigators describe networks impersonating Google representatives, running &quot;love-dating&quot; schemes and using private material to extort victims abroad. And while most Pakistani businesses are struggling to attract foreign investment, fraud centres have brought in both investment and expertise.

Foreign experts have noted that Pakistan stands out as a fraud call centre hub because its internet and telephone infrastructure is far behind other notorious countries, but laws regulating the sector are weak and criminal penalties are nominal. Regulatory gaps are most obvious. The PTA has explicitly stated it does not regulate call centres or software houses, while the PSEB has registered over 7,400 call centres but doesn&#39;t actually monitor them for illegal conduct. Meanwhile, NCCIA is one of the few agencies with the mandate and capability to act against call centres, but its own staffers are on the take - several months back, NCCIA officers were busted running an extortion racket that collected nearly Rs300 million from illegal call centres in exchange for monthly &quot;protection fees&quot;.

The government&#39;s recent licensing requirement for call centres is a good step, and only 25 years too late. Still, if we ensure that monitoring and prosecution of call centres will now be up to the mark, we may shed yet another ignominious international title.]]>
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			<title>Saving our sharks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630848/saving-our-sharks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630848/saving-our-sharks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 26 19:32:28 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[According to a 2021 assessment by WWF-Pakistan, shark landings in the country fell by more than 85% over five decades]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan has announced its first national action plan for shark conservation, marking a long-overdue effort to protect its declining marine biodiversity. The 10-year initiative, unveiled by Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, seeks to restore the declining shark populations. With an estimated funding requirement of $3.8 million to $5 million during its first five years, the plan offers a framework for addressing a problem that has received insufficient attention despite its ecological and economic consequences.

According to a 2021 assessment by WWF-Pakistan, shark landings in the country fell by more than 85% over five decades. Although falling catches do not necessarily reflect the precise extent of population loss, they point to a deeply troubling deterioration in Pakistan&#39;s marine resources. Sharks play an important role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, and their disappearance can disrupt food webs and threaten the health of other marine species. Their conservation is essential to safeguarding the long-term productivity of fisheries that support thousands of coastal households. Yet destructive fishing practices and the commercial demand for shark fins continue to place vulnerable species under pressure. Equally important is the involvement of coastal fishing communities, whose livelihoods cannot be ignored in the pursuit of conservation.

The government&#39;s proposed measures are necessary steps towards addressing these threats. However, enforcement must extend beyond regulatory announcements to fishing harbours and commercial operations, where illegal catches and the trade in protected species must be effectively monitored. Federal and provincial authorities will need to coordinate their efforts, while scientific research must inform fishing restrictions and habitat protection. The proposed National Advisory Committee must be empowered to oversee implementation, while annual performance assessments should be made public to ensure accountability.]]>
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			<title>Learning on the ruins</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630847/learning-on-the-ruins</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630847/learning-on-the-ruins#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 26 19:32:28 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[98% of schools in Gaza damaged or destroyed; Unicef reports 660,000 students' education affected by Israeli onslaught]]>
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				<![CDATA[Hundreds of thousands of Gaza&#39;s children are returning to in-person schooling after nearly three years. But while the milestone is significant, it is hardly cause for celebration. Every school in the territory will be missing students who were killed by Israel&#39;s bloodthirsty security forces. About 98% of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, and Unicef reports that some 660,000 students&#39; education has been affected by the Israeli onslaught. Those students are still thankful that their lives have turned out better than the 22,000 students and 770 education workers murdered by Israel.

Then there is the physical reality of the new academic year. With almost all school buildings unusable, students are crammed into tents, tarpaulins and sheet metal structures, with some classrooms furnished with only mattresses and a blackboard. Abject poverty means many parents can&#39;t afford basics such as books, pens or uniforms. Some students who were able to take classes online or on the phone said it is the first time they have met their teachers.

Meanwhile, Unesco said 95% of university campuses in Gaza have been affected, with 22 of the 38 campuses completely destroyed. Over 1,100 university staff and faculty members have been reported killed. Gaza used to have an education rate of 97% before Israel&#39;s bloodlust struck. Now, the Palestinian Ministry of Education has described the dismantling of the schools and universities as &quot;educide&quot;, which is catchy, but takes away from the actual genocide around the schools.

Experts have noted that the assault on education is not just causing pain today or even tomorrow. The damage done by Israel will reverberate for several decades, as Gaza struggles to cope with the loss of hundreds of doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers who could have helped the impoverished territory rise. The poverty rate in Gaza is over 90%. Even if hostilities stopped today, the area lacks the base to sustain its student population through high school, let alone university. The international community could change this, but for that they would have to care.]]>
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			<title>A thought for de-escalation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630846/a-thought-for-de-escalation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630846/a-thought-for-de-escalation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 26 19:32:28 +0500</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2630846</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Secretary of State Marco Rubio hints at a possible meeting between Trump and his Iranian counterpart]]>
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				<![CDATA[There is a breath of fresh air as de-escalation moves onto the agenda of the warring sides. The contention from Tehran that it is willing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, provided Washington eases military pressure and lifts the blockade of Iranian ports, is a welcome development. For many, it is d&eacute;j&agrave; vu. Both the US and Iran had reached a similar understanding following their agreement in Islamabad, and global supply chains was heaving a sigh of relief as oil prices had slumped back to $80 a barrel.

This development has luckily coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinting at a possible meeting between President Trump and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. That, however, is a utopian thought as far as the Islamic Republic is concerned. Iran&#39;s military brass has recently upped the ante by saying it is ready for a long war, and this time around, all American interests in the region would be its targets.

Iran&#39;s demand - that the US should agree on a timeline for how the process will move forward - can be worked out. This demand, incidentally, has come a day after Pakistan&#39;s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with high-ranking Iranian officials in his earnest efforts to iron out a deal to end the stalemate. This makes a perfect case for reverting to diplomacy and picking up where the Islamabad MoU left off. A cooling-off phase is desired during which a ceasefire comes into force and Tehran convinces the Houthis to step back. The warfare deep inside Saudi Arabia, which is under attack from the Yemeni militia, is proving lethal to oil supplies on both sides of the Red Sea.

There is an opportunity amid the disaster for the UN, too, to revive its image. It must play a role in forging a consensus between Iran and the US. This will not only help further prospects for peace in the Middle East and beyond, but also strengthen the weakened muscles of international law. The UNGA needs to return to its Uniting for Peace resolution and broker a thaw without delay.]]>
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			<title>Beyond brick and mortar</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630638/beyond-brick-and-mortar</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630638/beyond-brick-and-mortar#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 26 19:33:09 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Government must recruit qualified teachers, ensure basic facilities like toilets, clean drinking water, electricity]]>
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				<![CDATA[It&#39;s indeed good news. The Sindh government, per the Chief Minister, has almost completed the construction, rehabilitation or upgradation of as many as 838 schools with plans underway to launch a massive enrollment drive targeting 250,000 students. This offers a rare glimmer of hope for the province&#39;s embattled education sector. As the CM himself noted, while brick-and-mortar investments are commendable, the true gauge of educational progress lies not in the concrete poured, but in the children enrolled and retained.

The scale of the challenge ahead cannot be overemphasised: out of Pakistan&#39;s 26.2 million out-of-school children, a staggering 7.4 million reside in Sindh alone. If these new structures are to become beacons of actual learning, the government must ensure an enabling environment for learning. Introducing 250,000 students to these classrooms requires a dual approach: a targeted, urgent enrollment campaign and an aggressive retention strategy. First, the enrollment drive must go straight to the doorstep. The government should partner with local lady health workers, civil society groups and community leaders to find and register out-of-school children. To incentivise poor families, the government must expand targeted conditional cash transfers and provide free school transport. Second, getting children through the door is only half the battle; keeping them there is the real measure of success. The government must recruit qualified teachers and ensure basic facilities like toilets, clean drinking water and electricity.

While this infrastructure is a vital first step, much more remains to be done. Only by cultivating community trust, offering financial incentives and ensuring strict institutional accountability can Sindh hope to bring 250,000 children back to school.]]>
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			<title>Online predators</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630637/online-predators</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630637/online-predators#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 26 19:33:09 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan must therefore avoid the temptation to substitute prohibition for protection]]>
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				<![CDATA[The internet has become another hunting ground for sexual predators, and Pakistan&#39;s children are paying a heavy price for the failure to protect them. A recent Unicef report estimates that 1.5 million children in the country experienced online sexual abuse in a single year. More disturbing is the finding that 71% of victims never disclosed their ordeal, while none of the children surveyed who experienced abuse approached formal reporting channels.

Children are being exploited in an environment where perpetrators can operate with relative impunity, while victims are silenced by the fear of social condemnation. Nearly three-quarters of children aged between 12 and 17 now use the internet, and methods employed by predators are becoming increasingly sophisticated. What begins as an innocent conversation or an interaction on a gaming platform can develop into months of calculated manipulation, culminating in sexual extortion and blackmail. Yet, the greater tragedy is that children often have more to fear from the reaction to their abuse than from reporting the crime itself. Girls, in particular, risk being withdrawn from school or subjected to restrictions on their freedom if their ordeal becomes public. Such attitudes punish the victim while allowing the offender to escape scrutiny. The growing menace has prompted governments across the world to reconsider children&#39;s access to social media. However, a blanket ban is neither a comprehensive solution nor a substitute for effective regulation.

Pakistan must therefore avoid the temptation to substitute prohibition for protection. The responsibility for ensuring children&#39;s safety cannot rest solely with parents or young internet users. Technology companies must be compelled to introduce stronger safeguards against predatory contact and age-appropriate protections. At the same time, the state must ensure that such measures do not become a pretext for indiscriminate surveillance or restrictions on legitimate digital access.]]>
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			<title>The capital at a standstill</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630636/the-capital-at-a-standstill</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630636/the-capital-at-a-standstill#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 26 19:33:09 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Compounding these tensions, the federal government says it is mulling Governor's rule in K-P]]>
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				<![CDATA[The political stakes are hitting a fever pitch as the government and the opposition engage in a fierce war of narratives. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has issued a stern warning against letting the PTI besiege the federal capital - a stance backed up by the preemptive arrest of Imran Khan&#39;s three sisters in Lahore under the MPO Ordinance. The upcoming September 27 march has triggered a massive security clampdown. Entry routes to Islamabad are heavily sealed, while security forces have been placed on high alert with 22,000 additional personnel requested from Punjab, AJK and Sindh.

Compounding these tensions, the federal government says it is mulling Governor&#39;s rule in K-P. Such a drastic measure will undoubtedly invite further trouble, pushing political instability to a new high. It is also a given that political parties on the fringes - and even some within the ruling coalition, including the PPP - will take exception to it, forcing the government into a challenging new zone of discomfort.

Outlawing the PTI is an equally unworkable option for a party that has already been pushed to the wall and is operating in full agitating mode. The crisis necessitates a middle ground, where the PTI can display political foresight by stepping back from the brink. Postponing the protest in favour of a meaningful dialogue represents the only viable way forward. Crucially, TTAP, the six-party opposition alliance, already holds a mandate from the PTI chief to negotiate with the power wielders. This opens a window to strike a deal centred on restructuring the governance framework and resolving constitutional lacunas in the larger national interest.

The residents of twin cities find themselves in a nail-biting predicament, waiting to see how three overlapping protest campaigns - by Jamaat-e-Islami, farmers and the PTI - will unfold within the span of a single week. This prolonged standstill is dealing a severe blow to the local economy, as recurring threats to hold the federal capital hostage fly in the face of acceptable norms for the freedom of association.]]>
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			<title>Asiad opens</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630411/asiad-opens</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630411/asiad-opens#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 26 19:19:58 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan has entered 23 disciplines as athletes from 45 countries and regions gather for competition across 43 sports]]>
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				<![CDATA[For Pakistan, the 20th Asian Games have begun with expectations that are considerably more modest than the size of the contingent might suggest. As athletes from 45 countries and regions gather in Nagoya, Japan, for competition across 43 sports, Pakistan has entered 23 disciplines. Yet after years of declining results, we must ask where the country can realistically challenge for medals.

All eyes, inevitably, will be on Arshad Nadeem. The Olympic champion remains Pakistan&#39;s biggest individual sporting name, and the javelin remains the clearest opportunity for a gold medal. But expectations must be tempered by his recent form. Arshad finished fifth at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship last week with 81.49 metres, while Sri Lanka&#39;s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won with a remarkable 91.09m. The two are expected to renew their contest in Nagoya, with the javelin final scheduled for September 28. Squash may offer another meaningful opportunity. Noor Zaman, one of Pakistan&#39;s flag-bearers, enters the men&#39;s singles as the third seed and has already won the Under-23 World Championship. He and Ashab Irfan represent a younger generation trying to restore a sporting glory. Hockey remains another traditional medal prospect, although Pakistan&#39;s 11th-place finish at the recent World Cup is disappointing. The team has nevertheless targeted a place in the Asian Games final. Cricket has already delivered one disappointment. Pakistan&#39;s women defeated Thailand in the quarter-final but were eliminated by Sri Lanka in Sunday&#39;s semi-final. The green caps will now play the bronze-medal match on September 22.

At Hangzhou in 2023, Pakistan won only three medals, compared with four in 2018 and a far richer haul in earlier editions. Funding, preparation, coaching, facilities and international exposure remain recurring weaknesses. Even for these Games, reports have highlighted concerns over delayed preparations and questions about financial support for athletes. That is perhaps the most useful way to view these Games.]]>
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			<title>Fight against polio</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630412/fight-against-polio-3</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630412/fight-against-polio-3#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 26 19:19:58 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2630412</guid>
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				<![CDATA[The K-P government's anti-polio campaign, involving 35,000 personnel, needs strong support]]>
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				<![CDATA[The K-P government&#39;s anti-polio campaign, involving 35,000 personnel, needs strong support. The week-long drive, set to begin today, aims to reach 7.3 million children to administer polio drops. The focus, however, remains on merged districts and areas deeply impacted by lawlessness. Paramedics and volunteers must be respected and supported in their work, as their goal is to free society and newborns from the permanent disability caused by the virus. Peers, religious scholars - especially those in mosques - and teachers have a vital role to play by extending their support to immunisation campaigns and not being swayed by illogical assumptions.

Pakistan has been deeply engaged in the fight against poliovirus since the 1970s. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, launched in 1994 with the WHO on board, boasts a sizeable team of 339,521 trained and dedicated frontline workers, making it the largest network of its kind in the world. This new drive comes on the heels of three special campaigns conducted over the past three months in Upper South Waziristan, Lower South Waziristan, North Waziristan and Bannu. It is highly commendable that the provincial government, despite its limited resources, has successfully recruited and deployed 2,400 doctors across 72 remote hospitals to provide free medical coverage, which includes routine immunisation.

Yet, it remains a matter of grave concern that despite these utmost efforts and extensive international assistance, Pakistan is one of only two countries, alongside Afghanistan, where the virus remains endemic. In 2026, four polio cases have been reported so far, primarily from the vulnerable districts of K-P. It is deeply worrisome that a section of society still views the vaccine as a conspiracy against their children, remaining trapped in unfounded misconceptions and keeping their wards away from compulsory vaccination. This alarming situation necessitates a complete policy overhaul to ensure healthcare workers can safely reach every child and that immunisation campaigns are free from societal resistance.]]>
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			<title>Closing the gender gap</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630413/closing-the-gender-gap-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630413/closing-the-gender-gap-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 26 19:19:58 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Female literacy stands at 47% against 68% for men]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sindh&#39;s first Gender Parity Report is useful precisely because it makes the province&#39;s gender divide difficult to obscure. Female literacy stands at 47% against 68% for men, falling to just 27% among rural women. More than 4.08 million girls between five and 16 are out of school. Women constitute only 4.34% of the police force, 18.3% of prosecutors and 13.7% of judges. The report also records 3,085 cases of gender-based violence in 2024.

There has been progress, particularly in maternal health and political participation. Maternal mortality has fallen from 314 to 224 deaths per 100,000 live births, while the number of women contesting general elections increased from 23 in 2018 to 53 in 2024. These improvements deserve recognition. But they also demonstrate why the government must resist the temptation to regard isolated gains as evidence that the broader problem is being solved. A girl who never enters school is less likely to acquire skills, enter formal employment, control an income or participate in public life. The World Bank has similarly identified rural girls as particularly vulnerable to dropping out and argues that improving their enrolment and retention requires interventions addressing several barriers at once. This is why simply announcing more schemes will not be enough. The government needs to make the gender report an accountability instrument. Every department should be given measurable targets. Education should receive the immediate focus. The millions of girls outside school cannot be reached through conventional enrolment drives alone.

The government must also stop treating women&#39;s economic participation simply as a matter of employment numbers. Access to skills and essential services determines whether women can enter better-paid and more secure work. Sindh already knows where the gaps are. What is required now is the political and administrative discipline.]]>
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			<title>Cricket crisis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630234/cricket-crisis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630234/cricket-crisis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 26 19:26:48 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[The PCB cannot afford to operate behind closed doors while the national team's reputation crumbles]]>
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				<![CDATA[The PCB currently finds itself in a state of absolute disarray following a disastrous 3-0 Test series whitewash against England. Marking Pakistan&#39;s worst-ever Test performance on English soil, the catastrophic defeat has triggered an unprecedented, chaotic fallout that leaves more questions than answers.

In an aggressive purge, seven players were abruptly sent home mid-tour. The axe also fell heavily on the management, with head coach Sarfraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul both being summarily sacked. While a squad overhaul is understandable after such a humiliation, the sheer scale and suddenness of these dismissals point to a deeper systemic collapse within the dressing room rather than a standard cricketing rebuild.

Adding fuel to the fire are disturbing reports regarding top cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. Both players were reportedly questioned by officials during the tour, and are currently going through cybercrime investigation at home. While the exact reasoning behind this interrogation remains unconfirmed, a rampant media landscape has filled the vacuum with damaging rumours, including unsubstantiated whispers of match-fixing. While these extreme allegations currently seem to lack substance, their mere existence in the public domain severely damages the integrity of Pakistan cricket.

In moments of crisis, silence is a liability. The PCB cannot afford to operate behind closed doors while the national team&#39;s reputation crumbles. Speculation will continue to morph into perceived truth unless definitive facts are presented. The board must immediately come forward with total clarity, explicitly stating the precise reasons behind the management sackings, the player repatriations, and the nature of the player questioning. Only transparent communication can halt the toxic rumour mill and begin the painful process of rebuilding trust.]]>
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			<title>Environment paradox</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630233/environment-paradox</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630233/environment-paradox#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 26 19:26:48 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[New report says our score is below the South Asian regional average, our performance on air quality is appalling]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan has made a remarkable improvement in the biennial Environmental Performance Index, rising 22 spots since coming in third from the bottom in the 2024 rankings. But despite the improvement, the report - a collaboration between the World Economic Forum, Yale University and Columbia University - says our score is still below the South Asian regional average, and our performance on air quality is simply appalling.

Pakistan ranked 157th out of 177 countries ranked, with a score of 29.03, compared to the South Asian average of 31.81. Pakistan also did well on the forest Indicator, ranking 14th in the world. But we ranked near the bottom for environmental health, 175th, with an air quality score of 7.54. The low ranking is not surprising. Lahore&#39;s annual average PM2.5 concentration remains 22 times higher than WHO guidelines and cuts life expectancy by an average of seven years. Still, it is embarrassing considering the frequency with which the government and NGOs highlight Pakistan&#39;s small climate change footprint relative to the impacts we bear. Being the worst at something requires substantial malfeasance on our own part. And it is not just air. Pakistan also ranks low in heavy metal exposure, and is just 140th in the sanitation and drinking water score.

While the government does deserve some credit for moving the country in the right direction, it must not mistake a modest improvement for a job well done. Environmental issues take decades to address, and losing focus for even a little while can be the difference between success and failure. And though environmental initiatives are indeed expensive, it has also been estimated that the economy loses about one per cent every year due to climate change-related events. If we invested even a fraction of that in climate change mitigation and environmental uplift, the benefits would be immeasurable.]]>
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			<title>A tense calm</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630232/a-tense-calm</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630232/a-tense-calm#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 26 19:26:48 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[The only path forward is dialogue with the opposition, driven by a sincere intent to address their core grievances]]>
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				<![CDATA[A tense standstill has gripped Rawalpindi and Islamabad as the twin cities brace themselves for major protest demonstrations. Jamaat-e-Islami, farmers&#39; groups and PTI plan to demonstrate inside the capital, respectively demanding the removal of the petroleum development levy, agricultural relief, and the release of Imran Khan from jail. Labeling the moves as an attempt to incite lawlessness, the government has warned of a stern crackdown. The Interior Minister, referencing an Islamabad High Court order, has made it loud and clear that no entry or disruption will be tolerated. Security forces are on a high alert to strictly maintain law and order.

Escalating political friction between the government and the opposition signals further instability. The six-party opposition alliance &ndash; TTAP &ndash; has proposed an All Parties&#39; Conference, though its timing relative to PTI&#39;s September 27th protest remains undecided. The ruling coalition has arguably missed vital opportunities to de-escalate by squeezing the opposition&#39;s political space. Complying with the Supreme Court&#39;s August 18th order to transfer Imran Khan to a private hospital and resume regular meetings would have been a beneficial confidence building measure. By opting to challenge the court&#39;s directives instead, the government has inadvertently motivated the opposition to double down on its aggressive stance.

The only viable path forward is a meaningful dialogue with the opposition, driven by a sincere intent to address their core grievances. The PTI-TTAP wish-list centres on securing lawful relief for political prisoners, repealing legislative measures that undermine the spirit of the Constitution and establishing a clear roadmap to empower state institutions, including the Election Commission. These objectives should logically serve as a common denominator with the government, making unconditional parleys the most constructive way forward. Ultimately, both the ruling coalition and the opposition must budge from their rigid positions and compromise in the supreme national interest.]]>
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			<title>Sudden disappearances</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630099/sudden-disappearances</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630099/sudden-disappearances#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 26 20:51:51 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Question is why so many people can disappear in a city that has invested heavily in surveillance and policing]]>
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				<![CDATA[A dozen kidnapping cases registered in Islamabad in a single day should alarm the capital&#39;s police authorities. The incidents involve a newborn taken from PIMS Hospital, a teenage boy allegedly abducted from his home, several young women who disappeared, and two drivers who went missing along with vehicles. Whether every case ultimately proves to be an abduction is for investigators to establish. What cannot be ignored is the sheer number of families who turned to the police on the same day.

The question is why so many people can disappear in a city that has invested heavily in surveillance and policing. Islamabad has a dense network of cameras and a police force that regularly highlights improvements in its crime-fighting capabilities. Yet technology is of little value if it does not translate into rapid intervention. In cases involving children, every hour matters. There are several possible explanations for the apparent rise in such reports. Some disappearances may involve family disputes, voluntary departures, elopement or other circumstances that are initially reported as kidnapping. Others may involve genuine abductions, criminal exploitation or attempts to obtain ransom. The police must establish these distinctions through proper investigation rather than allowing all missing-person cases to be treated alike. But neither should an abduction be prematurely reduced to a domestic matter simply because the circumstances are unclear.

Islamabad Police needs to tell citizens what is happening. A single day&#39;s cases may eventually prove to be unrelated. But when so many families report disappearances at once, the burden is on the authorities to establish whether there is a wider pattern. Residents of the capital should not have to wonder whether their police force is discovering crimes after they happen or preventing them before they do. Security is ultimately measured by how quickly the state responds when someone disappears.]]>
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			<title>Gender gap at crisis level</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630098/gender-gap-at-crisis-level</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630098/gender-gap-at-crisis-level#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 26 20:51:51 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[One area where Pakistan is objectively doing well in the gender gap ranking]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan continues to be ranked near the bottom of the table in terms of its gender gap, with the WEF&#39;s Global Gender Gap Report 2026 ranking only two nations lower than us - Iran and Chad. While spin doctors may try to highlight the ranking this year as an improvement, that is only true because we ranked dead last in 2025. Most of the structural problems that earned us last place are still there, and no government has been able to take substantive measures to address them. In fact, we have been so bad in recent years that this year&#39;s improvement - the one that took us from last place to third from the bottom - is also our biggest gain ever in the rankings.

The headline figures are terrible, and even then, they do not tell the whole story, because allocating reserved seats for women in parliament and government offices skews the numbers higher - at least some of these women would not have gotten their jobs in a competitive situation. Parliament is the most egregious example, as familial ties to any relatively prominent male politician are usually the only qualification required. The handful of women who do win direct elections, or who can genuinely be considered technocrats, end up having their reputations hurt by scores of unqualified reserved-seat holders. Despite the reserved jobs, female labour force participation remains astoundingly low, at a mere 28.2% against 81.5% for men, and barely 6% of all senior officials and managers are women.

Meanwhile, the one area where Pakistan is objectively doing well in the gender gap ranking - education - is also an area where Pakistan has consistently been among the worst across gender lines. Although we now have some of the highest tertiary enrolment rates for women, our overall literacy rate is among the worst in the world. Experts also say that having many people with higher education is unhelpful because a lack of economic opportunities will lead them to migrate to developed nations. Developing economies should instead focus on primary and secondary education, develop a productive workforce and let demand for skilled workers grow organically.]]>
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