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                        <title>Editorial</title>
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			<title>Rise in oral cancer</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624999/rise-in-oral-cancer</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624999/rise-in-oral-cancer#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 05:44:11 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Karachi Cancer Registry recorded nearly 66,000 mouth cancer cases in Sindh between 2017 and 2021 alone]]>
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				<![CDATA[Oral cancer cases in Sindh have risen by roughly 25% over the past five years, and doctors treating the disease describe a pattern of younger patients that did not exist a decade ago. Clinicians have consistent explained the core reason. Gutka, mawa, paan, chhalia, mainpuri and naswar remain in daily use across large parts of the province.

WHO has recorded Pakistan&#39;s oral cancer rate among men as the highest in South Asia. In Karachi specifically, doctors have put the local rate as high as 30% of all cancers diagnosed in the city, against a national figure closer to 4%. The Karachi Cancer Registry recorded nearly 66,000 mouth cancer cases in the province between 2017 and 2021 alone. What makes this rise difficult to accept is that Sindh already legislated against the substance most consistently linked to it. The Sindh Assembly passed the Gutka and Mainpuri Act in 2019, banning the manufacture, storage, sale and use of both products, with prison terms of one to three years for violators. The Sindh High Court has since ordered repeated crackdowns and demanded reports on police officers allegedly protecting the trade. None of this has translated into a functioning ban. Part of the problem is also that Sindh lacks the treatment infrastructure that would make early detection meaningful. There is no dedicated cancer hospital, and that radiation therapy cannot meet current demand.

Public information campaigns have a role to play, and health workers deserve credit for continuing to run them despite years of limited results. But the record makes clear that awareness alone has not moved the underlying numbers, because the products driving the disease remain freely available and the law meant to remove them has not been enforced. Sindh has spent five years demonstrating what happens when a law exists on paper without being enforced on the ground.]]>
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			<title>Horrible hockey show</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624998/horrible-hockey-show</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624998/horrible-hockey-show#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 05:44:11 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Many blame the Pakistan Hockey Federation for failing to build a system that nurtures talent]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s disastrous run at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup was capped off with a 5-3 defeat to arch-rivals India, in which the boys in green were thoroughly outplayed. The Pakistan team was knocked out with just a solitary point to show - from a draw against Wales. While nobody seriously expected Pakistan to seriously challenge for the trophy, as the most successful team in World Cup history, there was still hope that the team would hold its own. Instead, the latest disappointment extends an inglorious period in the national hockey team&#39;s history, failing to make the podium in 32 years since winning the 1994 World Cup. The national hockey team&#39;s early successes are why it earned the status of our national sport, while the last 30 years of failure are why many young people are dumbfounded when they learn cricket is not the official national sport.

For anyone under 30, the national hockey team is not made up of world beaters. It is a team that failed to even qualify for two of the last four World Cups, and the limited success it has had at lesser events has been tainted by extreme inconsistency. Amazingly, the World Cup performance is still an improvement over what happened during the FIH Pro League earlier this year, when Pakistan lost all 16 matches and had an astounding net goal difference of -57.

Many former players and commentators have blamed the Pakistan Hockey Federation for failing to build a system that nurtures talent and helps develop competitive teams. Making matters worse is the dictatorial manner in which the board treats players - players were forced to cook their own meals and wash dishes at a guest house after the federation failed to fund a proper hotel. When Captain Ammad Butt complained in public, he was suspended, even though the suspension was quickly withdrawn.

However, even with a broken system, we would expect a team of notable talents to still be able to band together and put up some memorable flourishes. Instead, the bottom-of-the-barrel performances suggest the team also lacks raw talent and skills. The nation that once gave the world some of the finest hockey ever played now struggles to field a world-class first eleven.]]>
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			<title>PPP's locus standi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624997/ppps-locus-standi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624997/ppps-locus-standi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 05:44:11 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[PPP is desperate to play on both sides of the wicket]]>
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				<![CDATA[The PPP is thinking out loud, apparently seeking a pound of flesh from its ally at the Centre, the PML-N. Its position on the floor of the house that no legislation will be passed without consensus does not raise eyebrows. But interestingly, it has come at a time when the demand for new provinces is on the table. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the PPP chairman, has tried to take the high moral ground by saying that no decision on new administrative units will be made in contravention of the people&#39;s desire. That squarely means the PPP will resist new delimitations in Sindh, where it commands a majority. That is tantamount to having your cake and eating it too. The Bhutto party, which has ruled the province for nearly two decades at a stretch, seems unbothered by its dilapidated status. Now it is set to obstruct moves by other political forces in the province for its devolution into smaller administrative units.

The federal coalition partner flexed its legislative muscles too, objecting to the tabling of the bills in the parliament, stating it wasn&#39;t taken into confidence. Yet, it voted for the bills, invoking the law of necessity. In other words, the PPP is desperate to play on both sides of the wicket. Its hobnobbing with the PTI after more than three years of estrangement is also a case in point. That, however, is a good omen for political stability, meant to bring the opposition along on proposed new legislation. How that impacts the PML-N is anybody&#39;s guess, as Bilawal&#39;s body language suggests that he is keeping his options open, including potentially going solo or aligning with the PTI.

Bilawal&#39;s new stance does little to alleviate the political instability prevailing in the country; rather, it sets up fresh stumbling blocks against systemic reforms and necessary power-sharing through new administrative units.]]>
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			<title>Not an act of honour</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624797/not-an-act-of-honour</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624797/not-an-act-of-honour#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 19:50:46 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Karo-kari is not an aberration in this province]]>
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				<![CDATA[A young woman named Fatima was shot dead on a Karachi road this week and her husband was left in critical condition with six bullet wounds - all because they had married of their own free will. The most frightening part of this story is that it did not make it to mainstream news, did not reach the public, barely even created a stir. For those who are unfamiliar with such tales, this sounds like a fresh horror. But Sindh has been retelling this same story for decades whilst only changing the names.

Karo-kari is not an aberration in this province; it is almost an anticipated risk whenever two consenting adults choose to take an independent decision about their own lives while going against their family&#39;s desires. Police records show that as many as 769 people, including 510 women, were killed in the name of honour in Sindh between 2014 and 2019 - only five years. This means that almost 13 people were killed every single month for five years straight, all in the name of a socially constructed honour that dissipates after just one generation.

What&#39;s worse is that the conviction rate for these cases stands at roughly two per cent against an acquittal rate near 21 per cent. These statistics are incriminating evidence of the fact that this practice hasn&#39;t been punished enough to fade away. The lack of penalties quite clearly equates to an endorsement. When murderers are able to walk away freely, the legal system has unjustly rid itself of its responsibilities.

Real change needs three things that Sindh has refused to enforce: fast-tracked trials with fixed timelines so that cases cannot be stretched into irrelevance; the prosecution of jirga members who mostly order these killings; and a sustained public campaign in the media, mosques and communities that names karo-kari as murder, not an act of honour.]]>
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			<title>A digital milestone</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624796/a-digital-milestone</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624796/a-digital-milestone#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 19:50:46 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Critics can fairly argue that opening one office does not make a huge difference when reliable high-speed connectivity]]>
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				<![CDATA[Nearly four years after it first registered with the SECP, Google has finally opened its doors in Islamabad. The decision could be a massive boon for Pakistan&#39;s digital economy, as local offices open further avenues for investment and cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the opening of the new office as a &quot;stepping stone&quot; towards a long-term partnership, while Google Vice President Wilson White described it as a &quot;big milestone&quot; in the company&#39;s engagement with the country. That is notable because Google already has a massive footprint in the country: over the past decade, the company has contributed more than Rs3.9 trillion to economic activity in Pakistan, supporting over 960,000 jobs, according to the Google executive. Those numbers can be expected to grow rapidly thanks to the accessibility of a local office.

Among the benefits of a local Google office is that the company can be more deeply engaged with the country&#39;s burgeoning startup ecosystem, directly support local businesses seeking global markets, and also provide the government with input on policymaking based on its abundance of expertise. Google has already pledged to further Pakistan&#39;s $30 billion IT export ambition through investments in people, hardware manufacturing and local enterprises. The company is also offering Pakistani students free one-year subscriptions to its Gemini AI assistant.

Critics can fairly argue that opening one office does not make a huge difference when reliable high-speed connectivity and policy consistency both seem like distant dreams. We must also recall that Microsoft shut down its Pakistan liaison office barely a year ago. But the vote of confidence from Google is sure to restore faith, attract at least some investment and generate economic activity that could help resolve the tech sector&#39;s biggest problems. Even that low bar would represent a massive opportunity that the government and local entrepreneurs would be wise to tap properly.]]>
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			<title>The cost of escalation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624795/the-cost-of-escalation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624795/the-cost-of-escalation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 19:50:46 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[With the 60-day ceasefire framework having lapsed without any breakthrough]]>
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				<![CDATA[The quasi-peace, quasi-conflict scenario in the Middle East is getting nasty. In the absence of some shrewd handling of eventualities from the warring sides, escalation is on the rise. It possesses all the potential to break out into a major conflagration. Noticeable developments over the last few days suggest that there is a serious trust deficit, and unverified reports are driving the theatre of warfare. A case in point is the renewed tensions between the UAE and Iran, as well as an emerging standoff between Iran and NATO.

Allegations that Tehran had fired missiles over Abu Dhabi&#39;s territorial waters swiftly met with a rejoinder from the Emirates in the form of the complete suspension of trade and financial contacts. Though the Islamic Republic has denied any such misadventure on its part, the clarification was too little and too late. Likewise, NATO&#39;s warning that it is prepared to take on Iran and invoke Article 5 of the treaty, if the US or any of the alliance member states is attacked, is a prelude to disaster.

That squarely means there is no medium at work to undertake any damage-control measures. This is where the mediators must come back to work, and the onus is on both Iran and the United States to explicitly make it public that parleys are the way to go, and hold fire forthwith. The minimum that President Trump and Iranian spokespersons, especially the IRGC, could do in the service of peace is to avoid the media platform for airing their reservations and grievances. This is proving to be a trouble-multiplier.

With the 60-day ceasefire framework having lapsed without any breakthrough, there is an urgent need for stock-taking. The good point is that Iran has reiterated its faith in the Islamabad MoU as it called upon the US to abide by it in letter and spirit, if it wants to further any kind of rapprochement. That has, in a way, laid down a blueprint for interaction. Tehran and Washington must rest assured that Islamabad is sincere in getting them off the hook. Let&#39;s give diplomacy a fresh start.]]>
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			<title>Social media limits and privacy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624617/social-media-limits-and-privacy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624617/social-media-limits-and-privacy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 26 19:22:43 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Concern at the heart of the problem is universally the same: protecting kids from the horrors of social media]]>
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				<![CDATA[Despite concern over France&#39;s Constitutional Council decision to block the country&#39;s social media ban for children under 15, the ruling should be seen as a technical setback addressing a structural flaw in the legislation, not a repudiation of the need to protect young people online. Though the court objected to the legislation&#39;s &quot;disproportionate&quot; infringement on expression and its vague privacy safeguards, it did not explicitly rule that age-based restrictions are inherently unconstitutional. Other countries planning similar bans - including the EU and several member states, and also Pakistan - should take note of this and craft their laws in ways that achieve the balance needed to meet these conditions.

The French court&#39;s primary grievance was the lack of clear limits on age-verification data collection - a flaw with a solution that could be implemented in no time - requiring robust privacy-preserving technologies, strict data retention caps and transparent oversight through independent audits. The EU should also feel minimal pain, even if it has to tweak its Digital Services Act, considering the bloc&#39;s long-running reputation for respecting personal rights. The most dangerous thing any country could do is give up on introducing or enforcing restrictions just because it would take legislators a few more hours to make their laws compliant with the relevant privacy and free speech rules.

As for Pakistani legislators, the fact that our privacy and free speech laws are already considered repressive will be an unexpected bonus - many national identity documents are already part of the public record, and the cultural lack of respect or understanding of data privacy means many people willingly offer up information that would require legal intervention in other countries. But while laws surrounding the issue may differ from country to country, the concern at the heart of the problem is universally the same - protecting kids from the horrors of social media. Countries may choose to work together or go their own way, but everyone must agree to bring in much stricter use limits than currently exist.]]>
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			<title>Karachi's foul inheritance</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624616/karachis-foul-inheritance</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624616/karachis-foul-inheritance#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 26 19:22:43 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Recent reports says city's drainage network persistently been in shambles due to administrative hurdles, funding feuds]]>
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				<![CDATA[Areas in Karachi lending the city its allure are few and far between, with the sea being its major site of attraction. Even then, the Sindh government treats it largely like a garbage disposal. According to recent reports, the drainage network of the entire city has persistently been in a shambles due to administrative hurdles and funding feuds, causing the diversion of untreated sewage into waterways and the Arabian Sea. On one hand, most gutter lines in the city are not even connected to the KWSC&#39;s drainage network. On the other hand, none of the sewage treatment plants of KWSC are currently functioning, owing to needless reconstruction.

Karachi is no stranger to construction projects left midway, and KWSC&#39;s sewage treatment plants are no different. The S-III project - also called the Greater Karachi Sewerage Plan - was initially designed in 2007 and approved in 2013, with construction beginning a year later. Shortly after, the project fell victim to the city&#39;s curse of delays, and after an increase of almost Rs28 billion in the estimated cost, the project remains unfinished.

The blame game between the federal government and the Sindh government is a major cause of this hindrance, as both parties agreed to share the initial costs for the project but began quarrelling after cost estimates skyrocketed. Stuck between these two parties are the residents of Karachi who have tried and failed - yet keep trying - to make peace with a consistently foul-smelling city.

Unmistakably, the issue doesn&#39;t cease to exist after you ignore the smell. Karachi&#39;s sewage treatment crisis has caused the rise and endemicity of several diseases that continually claim the lives of a good chunk of the population every year. Delays in this project are not merely an inconvenience; they carry fatal consequences unless the city actively manages its waste.]]>
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			<title>Rightsizing desired</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624615/rightsizing-desired</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624615/rightsizing-desired#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 26 19:22:43 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624615</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Senate subcommittee flags Rs6 trillion annually wasted on irrelevant ministries and state bodies]]>
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				<![CDATA[Downsizing the government and cutting down on expenses are essential for ensuring good governance. It goes without saying that we, as a nation, are living beyond our means, and successive governments have only paid lip service to austerity. A Senate Subcommittee on Devolution has flagged two important aspects: first, around Rs6 trillion annually is being wasted on irrelevant ministries and state bodies; and second, the 18th Constitutional Amendment is not being implemented in letter and spirit. This is more than enough to kick-start a debate on the lacunae inherent in our system and how the financial bleeding can be stopped.

While listing out their recommendations, the panel of senators pointed out that the defunct concurrent list is still in vogue and Article 154 of the Constitution is being undermined - an issue that demands immediate rectification. They also called for reconstituting the CCI &quot;on the basis of equality of provinces&quot;, and barred the federal government from privatising power distribution companies, arguing it is a provincial subject. An interesting observation was that the federation must limit itself to nine ministries with an official budget of Rs3.3 trillion. Likewise, the subjects in the Federal Legislative List Part-II must be decided by the CCI rather than the federal cabinet.

All this entails that Pakistan has burdensome ministries and an unproductive bureaucracy, eating up around Rs8 trillion annually out of a cash-constrained revenue generation apparatus of Rs15 trillion. It is worth noting that our ministries cater to 1.92 million federal employees, apart from a million provincial servants. That is why it had also been recommended earlier that the abolition and relocation of 65 departments would be a first step in the right direction. These observations, incidentally, have come at a time when a debate is underway on creating new provinces. All this necessitates some audacious scrutiny of the system at work, with the implicit understanding that the governance organogram must be remapped. Only then will we be able to alleviate the mounting debt burden and win back the trust of our constituents.]]>
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			<title>Custodial deaths</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624420/custodial-deaths</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624420/custodial-deaths#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 26 19:31:01 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Custodial deaths should automatically trigger an independent investigation]]>
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				<![CDATA[Police custody places an extraordinary responsibility on the state. Once liberty has been taken away, a detainee&#39;s safety becomes a direct responsibility of those holding them. Any death in custody therefore demands credible answers. Amina and Anmol were taken into custody at Lahore&#39;s Township police station on August 4 over allegations of theft. Within roughly two hours, both women were dead. Police initially attributed the deaths to cardiac arrest, but the final postmortem reports are still awaited. Meanwhile, a fact-finding report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has exposed contradictions in the official record that cannot be ignored.

Questions have emerged over when the women died, their ages and whether they were alive when taken to hospital. Their family claims that the bodies showed bruises and dried blood. Official records reportedly contain no mention of external injuries. Concerns have also been raised about the absence of female police officers during their detention and the delay in informing the family. Such contradictions are serious enough to undermine confidence in the existing inquiry. More troubling is the reported extent of police involvement in the postmortem, burial and subsequent access to the graves. An institution accused of wrongdoing should not be in a position to control the evidence needed to establish whether that wrongdoing occurred. HRCP has consequently recommended a judicial tribunal headed by a sitting Lahore High Court judge. Given the circumstances, the recommendation deserves serious consideration, but legality alone cannot restore confidence.

Custodial deaths should automatically trigger an independent investigation. CCTV footage must be secured immediately. Medical and custody records should be preserved outside the control of officers implicated in the incident. Families must be informed without delay. Evidence must be protected before an official narrative has an opportunity to harden. Most importantly, police officers must also be held individually accountable when investigations establish wrongdoing.]]>
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			<title>A new olive branch?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624419/a-new-olive-branch</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624419/a-new-olive-branch#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 26 19:31:01 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The PTI has long been on a seesaw of hope and despair. Recent reports of an offer of talks from the government signal a new prospect for a meaningful dialogue - one that could bail the party out of its miseries and provide a level-playing field. This potential, which hinges on the reported offer, must now see the light of day. The opposition, which has already hinted at a willingness to iron out differences in a proactive manner, should seize this opportunity. Moreover, the fact that PTI founder Imran Khan has unconditionally authorised Mehmood Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas to enter into a t&ecirc;te-&agrave;-t&ecirc;te with all those who matter must now mature into a breakthrough. Arbitrary conditions and backtracking by either side, driven by their respective whims, have already taken a heavy toll on political stability. It is high time this changed for the collective good.

The ball, nonetheless, remains in the government&#39;s court. It must ensure that it is sincere in engaging an opposition that has been literally pushed to the wall. The signs of such a change could manifest as lawful relief from the judiciary, which has been left in limbo since coming under executive influence through rushed amendments to the Constitution. There are early signs of a thaw, as this week&#39;s cause list for the superior judiciary is occupied with cases pertaining to the incarcerated PTI chairman and his spouse. It remains to be seen, however, to what extent justice will be dispensed. Likewise, reports of backchannel contacts are a positive development, coupled with the optimism surrounding K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi rubbing shoulders with the powers-that-be and receiving prominent media coverage.

It is high time for both the government and the opposition to realise that the country cannot withstand this prevailing anxiety. With challenging external environments on both the eastern and western fronts, and global supply chains severely hampered, a united political front is urgently needed to pull the nation out of the abyss of uncertainty.]]>
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			<title>Endorsing violence</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624421/endorsing-violence</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624421/endorsing-violence#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 26 19:31:01 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[In over 10,000 attacks across eight years, almost 5,700 people have lost their lives]]>
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				<![CDATA[Under international humanitarian law, no healthcare facility or personnel, wounded or sick persons, and transport facilities such as ambulances and medical supply vans should be attacked or harmed during an armed conflict. Yet, reality tells a devastatingly different story. The WHO reports that despite these enshrined protections, more than 10,000 attacks on healthcare have been documented since 2018. Most damning of all, however, is the complete lack of accountability - not a single one of these cases has culminated in a just outcome for the victims.

While unfortunate, it is also unsurprising that a majority of these attacks were carried out in Palestine, Ukraine and Lebanon. Regions engaged in conflict often experience greater violence against their healthcare systems and patients, as such attacks are increasingly being seen as viable tactics in a war. A primary reason for this is a lack of accountability that plagues these cases, inadvertently encouraging such heinous acts.

In over 10,000 attacks across eight years, almost 5,700 people have lost their lives, and 8,500 people have sustained injuries. In any legal system of a functioning society, even a single wrongful death is brought to justice, let alone 5,700 deaths that never make it past documentation and towards accountability.

On top of the legal negligence, the consequences of such attacks are far-reaching and never confined within the boundaries of the region that&#39;s attacked. They directly affect the number of outpatient visits the very next day, with disruptions often lingering beyond a month.

In Sudan, more than a third of health facilities are now non-functional. In Gaza, every hospital has sustained damage. These statistics represent collapsing maternal care, disrupted vaccination drives and halted disease surveillance, among other compromised healthcare services. While attacks on healthcare are inherently abhorrent, the complete absence of legal consequences amounts to a silent endorsement by the international community.]]>
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			<title>Maiden youth policy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624244/maiden-youth-policy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624244/maiden-youth-policy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 26 19:25:51 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[All and sundry in high offices have touted Pakistan's demographic dividend as a catalyst for future success]]>
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				<![CDATA[All and sundry in high offices have touted Pakistan&#39;s demographic dividend as a catalyst for future success, but almost every effort to realise this success has gone by the wayside, leaving us instead with a brain drain that threatens to keep us from ever rising beyond a very low ceiling.

This week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally launched the country&#39;s first National Youth Employment Policy, a comprehensive framework which, if implemented with rigour, could finally begin to translate demographic reality into economic opportunity. The policy&#39;s ambition is commendable. A mandatory 35% quota for women in the labour force acknowledges that Pakistan cannot afford to leave half its population on the economic sidelines. Equally noteworthy is the 10% annual quota for young startups, shifting the policy gaze from conventional job-seeking towards entrepreneurship and innovation. These targets represent a structural rethinking of how the domestic labour market must evolve.

But ambition must be matched by execution. The policy sets a target of halving the number of youth not in education, employment or training (NEET) by 2030 &ndash; a goal that is so ambitious that it could be mistaken for a typo. A National Coordination Committee has been established to oversee implementation, but even with perfect coordination between the government, the private sector and international partners, such a massive reduction is unrealistic. Other measures, such as more free laptops for deserving students, AI and IT training, and scholarships to China, are encouraging, but they are parts of a whole. With the lack of jobs waiting for these students when they graduate, the government must set the stage for them to become entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, investment capital is also hard to come by.

While the government deserves credit for coming up with a plan, it must ensure that the &#39;next plan&#39; is ready for implementation sooner rather than later, or we will remain a source of subsidised skilled labour for companies abroad.]]>
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			<title>Disappointing start</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624245/disappointing-start-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624245/disappointing-start-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 26 19:25:51 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The manner of Saturday's defeat to England is difficult to ignore]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s return to the FIH Hockey World Cup after an eight-year absence was supposed to mark the beginning of hope - if not a revival. Instead, the national team&#39;s 4-1 loss to England in the opening game of the tournament in Amstelveen, Netherlands, has dampened hopes and shown just how much ground Pakistan still have to cover before they can again be counted among the sport&#39;s serious contenders.

Losing to England &ndash; a well-organised side with great depth and consistency &ndash; is not a shocker. However, the manner of Saturday&#39;s defeat is difficult to ignore. England scored in every quarter, while Pakistan managed only one goal. More tellingly, England converted two of their six penalty corners, whereas Pakistan failed to make either of their two opportunities count. In a tournament where fine margins and set pieces decide matches, such inefficiency is costly.

Having missed the 2023 World Cup, Pakistan returned to the global stage after an eight-year absence by producing a spirited comeback against Japan in the semi-finals of the qualifying tournament, scoring three times in the final nine minutes to win 4-3. That performance suggested a side capable of fighting back under pressure. That said, the gap between Pakistan and the top contending teams cannot simply be attributed to one bad day. Pakistan hockey has suffered from years of institutional instability and a shortage of the sustained investment required to produce a deep pool of world-class players.

Qualification should, therefore, not be mistaken for recovery; it is merely an opportunity to begin rebuilding. At the same time, it would be premature to write this team off. The World Cup has only just begun, and Pakistan&#39;s next assignment is against Wales on Monday. The tournament format gives the squad ample opportunity to recover, with a match against India still to come in what could prove to be a decisive Pool D encounter.]]>
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			<title>Taliban at five</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624243/taliban-at-five</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624243/taliban-at-five#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 26 19:25:51 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624243</guid>
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				<![CDATA[The administration is struggling to keep its promises of embracing diversity and forming an inclusive government]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Taliban have now been in power for five years. Having established relative peace inside Afghanistan, the administration is struggling to keep its promises of embracing diversity and forming an inclusive government. The sole positive note is that the political landscape in the war-torn country has settled and is now free from external intervention. Yet, clusters of non-state actors holed up inside Afghanistan are not only detrimental to regional peace and security but also pose an existential threat to the Southwest Asian country. This paradox is fraught with serious consequences, inviting the clergy-led leadership to think outside the box.

Unless the terror nexus is rooted out and Kabul cooperates with regional stakeholders to forge a counter-terrorism alliance, geo-economics and prosperity will remain a far cry for the 45 million impoverished citizens. Furthermore, the regime in Kabul has failed to overcome the stigma of the Stone Age. Its decision to ban education for girls and impose an ultra-orthodox civil decorum has crippled the nation&#39;s vibrancy and talent, breeding discontent against the militia that was once seen as a symbol of resistance to foreign intervention.

The challenges ahead include seeking international legitimacy and averting an imminent economic collapse. Afghanistan remains trapped in a vicious circle of instability, diplomatic isolation and international uncertainty - all owing to its self-inflicted adherence to hardline ideology. The leadership must go the extra mile to face reality, which necessitates deep introspection. It is time to stop playing to the gallery and resorting to illogical alliances, such as its newfound courtship with India. Perpetual peace in the region cannot be achieved until Kabul opts for a broad-based, multi-ethnic dispensation, proactively flushes out terrorists, and works consistently to uphold the fundamental rights of its citizens. Achieving this requires a change of heart from the Taliban, which is indispensable for their survival.]]>
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			<title>Open invitation to criminals</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624081/open-invitation-to-criminals</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624081/open-invitation-to-criminals#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 26 19:30:34 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Since the victims of this cybercrime gang were not primarily Pakistanis]]>
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				<![CDATA[Arguably, organised criminal networks operate unhindered in Pakistan not because its citizens have a relentless lawbreaking itch to scratch, but because the system accommodates such networks and makes it easy for them to operate. When law enforcement, documentation and regulation are lax, and red tape is selectively reserved for important procedures, a country automatically - and perhaps willingly - becomes a hub for illegal activities.

Seemingly for this exact reason, 114 foreign nationals from Far East countries were allegedly running a cyber-romance and sextortion network from Islamabad, luring in foreign nationals into conversations that they later exploited. They were recently caught by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and an investigation linked them to financial fraud in relation to such cybercrimes.

While a case has already been registered against them under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, there are now much more urgent questions that the system needs to ponder over. What is it about Pakistan that appealed to these criminals, who chose to conduct their operations from the very capital of the country?

Since the victims of this cybercrime gang were not primarily Pakistanis, their choice of &#39;headquarters&#39; is quite intriguing. And more than intriguing, it is distressing. These criminals were brazenly recording explicit video calls with their so-called clientele to use as blackmail. This is not an overnight trap; it is an extensive plan that even used the name of a registered IT business.

The only clear next step involves a thorough case that leaves no wiggle room for loopholes which would allow the criminals to go unpunished. The NCCIA has announced that further investigation is underway, which must remain untouched by external influence or partiality. A logical conclusion to this case is necessary to prove that Pakistan is not a hub for criminal activity and it is certainly not open for such businesses.]]>
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			<title>Our moon mission</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624080/our-moon-mission</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624080/our-moon-mission#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 26 19:30:34 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Collaborative mission is also a good example of the strength of Pakistan's bilateral relationship with China]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has named the nation&#39;s first lunar rover, selecting the name submitted by a 17-year-old from Bahawalnagar. While hardly original, Jinnah-1 is still a fitting name for the first &#39;made-in-Pakistan&#39; vehicle to traverse the lunar surface. Despite decades of disappointments that betrayed his vision for the country, at least we can be sure Quaid-e-Azam would be proud of this achievement, which is scheduled to take place in 2029. The Pakistani lander will piggyback on China&#39;s Chang&#39;e-8 mission to the Moon&#39;s south pole, which is itself a notable scientific effort.

The collaborative mission is also a good example of the strength of Pakistan&#39;s bilateral relationship with China. If all goes well, the lander will make significant contributions to the world&#39;s understanding of lunar plasma, radiation and surface geology. It will map terrain and test technologies essential for future human presence on the Moon. The 35kg rover is expected to cost around Rs400 million - including research and development - and will be operated by Pakistani specialists. But the mission is not just about building a lander. That is arguably the easy part. Challenges abound, from the sheer technical difficulty of a soft landing to the intense competition from established spacefaring nations.

Beyond the mission itself, the high-level science involved should encourage many young people to pursue careers in science, and to encourage people with science education to stay in Pakistan and work here instead of emigrating at the first available opportunity. Critics may attack the price of the mission, but given the potential upside, there are many worse places we could have allocated that money to.

And if Pakistan can make Jinnah-1 a success, it is sure to generate more interest in our space programme not just from our own students and researchers, but also from other space agencies, who would certainly become more amenable to sharing ideas and working together.]]>
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			<title>A heavy debt</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624079/a-heavy-debt</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624079/a-heavy-debt#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 26 19:30:34 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624079</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Government must do more to make the debt sustainable]]>
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				<![CDATA[The federal government&#39;s debt had surged to Rs83.6 trillion by the end of June, representing an increase of Rs5.8 trillion, or 7.3%, within a single fiscal year. More alarmingly, the SBP&#39;s latest debt bulletin shows that the debt has swelled by 75% over the past four years, adding Rs35.8 trillion to the pile. While debt itself is not necessarily a bad thing, and the debt-to-GDP ratio has actually improved in the last few years, the figure remains worryingly high and a cause of great concern for investors inside and outside the country. This is because almost half of the federal budget is still dedicated to debt-servicing costs, meaning that money desperately needed to improve critical infrastructure and provide essential services such as health and education is instead diverted to pay for the financial mismanagement of decades past. For the current fiscal year, over Rs8 trillion is earmarked solely for interest payments.

It is also notable that the government does not even appear to be trying to meet the legal requirements of the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act, which mandates a reduction of debt by 0.5% to 0.75% of GDP every year until the debt is brought below 50% of GDP. In their quest for silver linings, government supporters have been quick to note that almost all of the new debt added in recent years has been domestic. But while this does mean savings of foreign exchange, it is still a financial burden being placed on the shoulders of taxpayers. Citizens will take a hit regardless of whether loan payments are cashed here or abroad.

The government must do more to make the debt sustainable, instead of trapping future generations in a cycle of indebtedness. Fiscal discipline must transcend IMF programmes and become a matter of national priority. The government must also urgently rationalise expenditure, enforce provincial fiscal responsibility and broaden the tax net with uncompromising rigour. Without such corrective measures, economic self-reliance will remain a distant dream.]]>
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			<title>Shrinking UoP</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623909/shrinking-uop</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623909/shrinking-uop#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 26 19:41:40 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623909</guid>
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				<![CDATA[The loss of specialised studies is huge]]>
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				<![CDATA[As time passes, it is quite common for universities to introduce new departments and courses for their students. However, University of Peshawar is adopting an entirely different approach for the sake of its sustainability as it plans to merge 20 departments with one another. The departments that are about to lose their exclusive status include a mix of both new and traditional programmes, including supply chain management, family studies, history, geology and even statistics.

A large majority of the programmes mentioned often offer no scope with regard to future job prospects or hold no financial merit in the professional world. Some departments have also arguably become redundant. For example, the department of Persian is set to be merged with the department of Urdu, and both will now be taught under one banner.

While it is true that the &#39;redundancy&#39; of some departments is simply a tragic ode to our rising literacy crisis and our growing dependency on well-paying jobs, it is also true that this reality was inevitable in an increasingly capitalistic society. The loss of specialised studies is huge. No matter how low the turnover is for a certain degree, there is always an aspiring student in some corner of the country who dreams of dedicating their life to a specific subject. These mergers ensure that the student loses their chance to study and eventually contribute to a possibly dying field.

But within the parameters of a prickling reality, keeping these disciplines alive is a fiscal burden with little payoff, or even none at times. This is why the number of students showing up for these departments is slowly diminishing and neither the university nor the students are to blame. It is simply a devastating consequence of capitalism and our loss of the value of education for the sake of education.]]>
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			<title>Deadly celebration</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623908/deadly-celebration</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623908/deadly-celebration#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 26 19:41:40 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Flags, lights, fireworks conducted safely, community events and simply celebrating with loved ones]]>
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				<![CDATA[Independence Day is meant to be a celebration of freedom, not a night of mourning. Yet this year around, the country once again witnessed the grim consequences of a reckless practice that authorities have repeatedly banned but failed to eliminate. At least two people were killed and 94 injured in incidents of celebratory firing on the eve of August 14 in Karachi alone, turning what should have been a moment of national pride into a needless public-health and law-and-order crisis.

What makes the latest episode particularly unacceptable is that none of this is unexpected. Aerial firing has become a recurring feature of Independence Day and New Year&#39;s Eve celebrations in Karachi despite repeated prohibitions and warnings. Last year, three people, including a minor girl, were killed and more than 100 wounded in similar incidents. Police subsequently arrested dozens of suspects and recovered weapons, while senior officials acknowledged the persistence of the city&#39;s gun culture. Yet a year later, the same tragedy has returned. This cannot simply be dismissed as the irresponsible behaviour of a few individuals. Firing a weapon into the air is inherently dangerous because a bullet does not cease to be lethal merely because its target is unknown. It eventually comes down somewhere, potentially striking someone. The victims therefore have no opportunity to protect themselves from a threat they cannot see.

Unless the state addresses illegal weapons and irresponsible firearm ownership, periodic crackdowns after such celebrations will remain little more than temporary deterrents. At the same time, enforcement cannot rest entirely on the state. There is a troubling social acceptance of firing guns as a means of expressing happiness. That culture must change. Independence Day offers countless ways to express patriotism without endangering anyone. Flags, lights, fireworks conducted safely, community events and simply celebrating with loved ones are hardly inadequate substitutes for gunfire.]]>
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			<title>The Mideast riddle</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623907/the-mideast-riddle</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623907/the-mideast-riddle#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 26 19:41:40 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Web of challenges can only be addressed through a single approach]]>
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				<![CDATA[With the Middle East in a state of flux and volatility on the rise, there is an urgent need for astute diplomacy. The perplexing positions taken by both Tehran and Washington are quite unnerving and act as a detriment to attaining a lasting solution to the regional crisis. For its part, the Islamic Republic is busy attempting to dominate the Strait of Hormuz, where its plethora of new legislative measures to control the international waterway is brewing uncertainty. More than 20% of global trade navigating the Strait of Hormuz is at a near standstill, frequently disrupted by drone and missile launches.

Likewise, President Trump&#39;s contradictory policy statements - underscoring the need for dialogue at times while vehemently threatening to obliterate Iran at others - send the wrong signals. This approach provides ground for non-state actors, such as the Houthis and other regional militias, to flex their muscles and add a new dimension of warmongering, as evidenced by the evolving turmoil in the Red Sea. Adding to the misery are Israel&#39;s misadventures in Lebanon, including the latest episode of bombardment of Tyre. Last but not least, Gulf littoral states are on the receiving end, facing severe dilemmas in protecting supply chains as oil prices swing wildly.

This web of challenges can only be addressed through a single approach: focusing on a sustained format for dialogue. Encouragingly, regional stalwarts are regrouping for stability, and the trilateral defence understanding reached in Makkah between Saudi Arabia, T&uuml;rkiye and Pakistan is a case in point. Moreover, Iran&#39;s positive response to this regional troika - highlighting the need to shun extra-territorial forces - serves as a sign of regional alignment at a time when unpredictability is the order of the day. Pakistan&#39;s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has rightfully pushed the envelope by unequivocally telling US Charg&eacute; d&#39;Affaires Natalie Baker that implementation of the Islamabad MoU &quot;is the only way forward.&quot; It is time for the doves to outmaneuver the hawks and work toward serenity and a permanent peace accord.]]>
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			<title>FIFA's crisis of trust</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623758/fifas-crisis-of-trust</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623758/fifas-crisis-of-trust#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 19:51:01 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Some of the major global football federations have jointly called on him to resign]]>
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				<![CDATA[Gianni Infantino built his FIFA presidency on the promise of a clean break from the corruption years of Sepp Blatter. That promise has not survived his own instincts for backroom dealing. A month after the 2026 World Cup closed with record revenues, the FIFA president is fighting for his job after a plan to sell a stake in the World Cup&#39;s commercial rights to private investors triggered a global backlash.

Some of the major global football federations have jointly called on him to resign, accusing him of a breach of trust following the collapsed proposal. The plan would have handed a private investor a substantial stake in FIFA&#39;s ticketing and commercial rights before it was shelved amid outcry over the World Cup being effectively put up for sale. A letter from three football confederations in this matter is notable for its restraint. It states that leadership in football is not something to be held or demanded, but a duty of service entrusted by the football family. That reframes the dispute as one over whether FIFA&#39;s president answers to those who elected him. Reports that Infantino summoned a select group of officials to a crisis meeting in Morocco, rather than convening the full committee in Zurich, only reinforced that suspicion. FIFA&#39;s response, warning of a concerted effort to undermine its president, suggests an organisation more focused on managing perception than answering the underlying charge.

FIFA members need an independent forensic review of who conceived the private-investment plan and why the membership was not consulted before terms were negotiated. They need a binding rule requiring confederation and Congress approval for any commercial restructuring above a defined threshold, closing the gap that let one man shop around the World Cup in secret.]]>
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			<title>HIV probe</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623757/hiv-probe</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623757/hiv-probe#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 19:51:01 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sindh High Court has rightly ordered a high-level inquiry to establish how the infections occurred]]>
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				<![CDATA[Children contracting HIV while receiving treatment at a public hospital is a deeply disturbing development that cannot be allowed to pass as another instance of administrative negligence. The allegations emerging from Karachi&#39;s Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital, if established, point to a serious breach of the most basic standards of medical care. A hospital is expected to heal, not become a source of a lifelong infection.

The Sindh High Court has rightly ordered a high-level inquiry to establish how the infections occurred and determine the actual number of those affected. Some reports suggest that more than 10,500 people have reportedly been screened, with 120 testing positive for HIV, while much higher numbers have been cited before the court. The truth must be established without ambiguity, and the families affected deserve nothing less. Of particular concern are allegations that syringes were reused. The Sindh government has taken some steps in response, including screening, treatment and disciplinary action against doctors and staff. A Rs2 billion endowment fund has also been established for affected children and their families. But rather than addressing the consequences of the crisis, the government should answer the question of how it was allowed to happen. The inquiry should not merely identify the person who may have reused a syringe. It must establish whether hospital management maintained proper infection-control procedures and whether supervisory authorities were fulfilling their responsibilities. If negligence is found at more than one level, accountability must follow accordingly. The affected children, meanwhile, must remain the priority. They deserve free and uninterrupted treatment, financial assistance and protection from discrimination. Their privacy must also be safeguarded.

Ultimately, however, there must be accountability. If the inquiry establishes that basic medical safeguards were ignored and that this negligence caused children to contract HIV, those responsible must face strict punishment. A suspension or show-cause notice cannot be considered sufficient where negligence has potentially caused lifelong harm.]]>
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			<title>The resolve to rise</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623756/the-resolve-to-rise</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623756/the-resolve-to-rise#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 19:51:01 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623756</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan's diverse cultural and ethno-lingual mosaic is a source of strength]]>
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				<![CDATA[As Pakistan turns 79 today, the nation reiterates its resolve to live up to the ideals of its founding fathers and build a welfare nation-state. Independence Day reminds us of the bounties of freedom, and comes as an opportunity to recall the selfless sacrifices of those who stood against British colonialism, as well as the hegemony of Hinduism in the Indian Subcontinent.

The identity of Pakistan is, thus, a cherished prize and must be upheld and preserved for generations to come. Though we have come a long way, having started from scratch, much more needs to be done as we go from strength to strength. The promising and most cherished aspect is that Pakistan is invincible, as it has sailed through thick and thin.

Pakistan&#39;s diverse cultural and ethno-lingual mosaic is a source of strength, and despite misgivings at the governance level, it is evolving and scaling new heights of success. These national tangibles call for unison, harmony and co-existence, in order to evolve a polity that is forward looking and pluralistic. That is exactly what the proud nation of 250 million is up to in all resilience and sincerity.

The day is being celebrated with fervour along with the renewed assurance that Pakistan stands tall in the comity of nations. Despite unfriendly frontiers on its east and west, the country has emerged as an icon of peace and security on the global stage. It is a fulcrum for regional mediation. This comes with dividends and an opportunity to zealously work for overcoming economic downturn, and rise as a pivot of geopolitics.

All that is desired is to relentlessly work for national cohesion, harness the youth talent, modernise with the advancement of the day and erect a society that is lawfully ordained for delivering justice and social mobility. That is the only way to defeat terrorism and overcome the sense of parochialism in our midst. It is time to shun differences and collectively work for political stability and economic prosperity under the cherished principles of unity, faith and discipline.

On that note, Happy Independence Day to all!]]>
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			<title>Fatal healthcare</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623549/fatal-healthcare</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623549/fatal-healthcare#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 19:32:39 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Most absurd part of all of this is that the weapon of choice for many people who choose to end their lives]]>
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				<![CDATA[The consequences of a worsening economy and a gradually deteriorating country are not merely fiscal. When in conversation about how Pakistan&#39;s state has affected Pakistanis, people often wander around the topic of how difficult it is to put food on the table and pay for children&#39;s education. But these struggles have equally significant consequences on a person&#39;s mental health - which are currently reflected in the recent rising suicide rates in Faisalabad.

Within just seven months of 2026, as many as 28 lives have been lost to suicide in Faisalabad. These people left behind families, many of whom relied on them for bread and butter, with a lifetime of sizeable grief. Patterns and observations highlight some of the most obvious factors driving this tragic trend: unemployment, domestic discord and family disputes. On one hand, the weight of financial struggles clearly pushes people to the brink. On the other hand, Pakistan lacks all facets of a supportive mental health infrastructure: an understanding society, accessible mental health checkups, subsidised treatments. None of this is available to the common man. The result is, unsurprisingly, a disturbing statistic.

The most absurd part of all of this is that the weapon of choice for many people who choose to end their lives - pesticide tablets - are far easier to acquire than it is to set up an appointment with a mental health specialist. Despite a ban imposed by the Faisalabad commissioner, these poisonous substances remain readily available at retail outlets.

Twenty-eight preventable deaths for a single city is not a number that should be treated lightly. It&#39;s understandable that comprehensive national reforms take time, but the government can still make immediate progress by prioritising mental health infrastructure as a vital component of the country&#39;s healthcare system.]]>
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			<title>Growth at a crossroads</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623548/growth-at-a-crossroads</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623548/growth-at-a-crossroads#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 19:32:39 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[State Bank's biannual monetary policy report says the economy should still grow between 3.5% and 4.5% this year]]>
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				<![CDATA[The government is growing increasingly concerned about the state of the economy due to the impact of the US-Iran war and the stress it is placing on energy prices and international trade. Though official growth targets are not being touched yet, the government has added enough caveats to make them effectively meaningless.

The State Bank&#39;s biannual monetary policy report says the economy should still grow between 3.5% and 4.5% this year, and that inflation should ease and stablise on the higher side of the existing full-year estimate. The current account deficit should be below 1% of GDP, the external account should be stable, and foreign exchange reserves should be over $20 billion at the end of the calendar year. But if even one estimate is off, things will fall apart like a house of cards.

While the government has gone to great lengths to factor in the estimated cost of the US-Iran war, with a strong El Ni&ntilde;o expected to hit the country soon, rain alone could devastate the economy. Neither our farmers nor our government is prepared for yet another &#39;storm-of-the-century&#39;. It is also notable that while the State Bank tries to temper expectations by placing most of the blame on circumstances beyond its control, careful observers know that lax flood preparedness, corruption and waste are all preventable concerns that could easily have been addressed at any point over the past several years. Unfortunately, the government would rather keep the cart moving rather than deviate from flawed plans.

This unwillingness to invest in critical issues such as young doctors while investing heavily in non-essential issues could come back to bite us, as fewer doctors are available in many parts of the country. Riding out the tide will require us not only to craft a prudent monetary policy, but also to undertake genuine structural reforms. Without such intervention, the recovery will remain fragile, at high risk of collapsing under the weight of even the slightest unwelcome economic surprise.]]>
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			<title>Right to justice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623547/right-to-justice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623547/right-to-justice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 19:32:39 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623547</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Let Imran Khan be seen to have received justice]]>
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				<![CDATA[Judicial relief to former Prime Minister Imran Khan is overdue. The government has unnecessarily transgressed by keeping the PTI founder in solitary confinement for over eight months, thereby denying his fundamental rights and overriding the jail manual. The fact that Khan has no access to his family, lawyers and personal physicians, and is suffering from an eye infection, has thickened the plot on his well-being. Thus, the rumour mill on his indisposition is a cause for serious concern to his voters, sympathisers, as well as the party and family. The issue has repeatedly been flagged on the international media by Khan&#39;s sons who have valid reservations about the fact that their incarcerated father is being denied lawful access despite express court orders.

The least that the government can do is to provide clarity on his well-being by granting his aides an audience with him and shifting him to a private hospital for appropriate medical care. That, however, should not be seen as a favour, keeping in view past precedents for political leaders, especially one that is lawfully ordained. Rather, it should come as a goodwill gesture that can help lower the political mercury as PTI gears up for street protests on the completion of Khan&#39;s three years in prison. The crux, nonetheless, lies with the judiciary. It must uphold the law and the Constitution. A plethora of cases and appeals pending before the superior judiciary concerning Imran Khan and his spouse&#39;s relief must see the light of day. The assurance from the apex court registrar that the litigations will be on roll call next week is a positive development, and the court must now walk the talk.

The release of political prisoners and the initiation of a dialogue between the government and the opposition cannot be delayed any further. It is a sine qua non for ushering in political stability at a time when economic miseries are mounting amid an increasingly volatile regional order. Let Imran Khan be seen to have received justice.]]>
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			<title>Assad's sentencing</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623350/assads-sentencing</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623350/assads-sentencing#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 26 19:18:38 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Damascus now under a transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa]]>
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				<![CDATA[The former strongman of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, stands condemned as he was sentenced to death in absentia. The Alawite dynasty scion who ruled Syria for 24 years and fled in a jiff as Damascus fell to rebel forces in 2024 has reportedly sought asylum in Moscow. He was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity for his repression during the civil war. The court also convicted Assad of premeditated murder in Deraa in 2011, the theater of the uprising in the wake of the Arab Spring.

With Damascus now under a transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, this piece of judicial expedition was apparently meant to further the accountability of the fallen dictator. The point is that such an exercise, with little impact on the political horizon of the country, can merely be read as a resolve from a successive regime against its predecessor. The intent, however, remains questionable as it is devoid of the veracity of law, given that the accused could not be provided his right to a defence.

Assad is now in the league of ousted figures whose fate was determined by the law of the land after their contested departure. Some of the high-profile names in recent history are Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, President Fran&ccedil;ois Boziz&eacute; of the former Central African Republic, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia, former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, Congolese President Pascal Lissouba, etc.

It remains to be seen how the fractured and lawless society of Syria will react to this ex-parte dictum. The fact is that no tears were shed for Assad, and there was hardly any pushback from the power-entrenched Alawites and the army. President Sharaa, who seized power in Syria on the pledge of evolving a nationalist decorum, must look beyond Assad and work for regional serenity. The sentence, nonetheless, is a powerful political act and will surely have ramifications. It also comes with the underlining that despots have a timeline to stay put in power, as sooner or later, history sits in judgment.]]>
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			<title>Redirected funds</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623349/redirected-funds</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623349/redirected-funds#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 26 19:18:38 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[119,049 verified and eligible households have been left without identified financing]]>
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				<![CDATA[There is something deeply troubling about a development programme designed to help some of Balochistan&#39;s poorest flood victims becoming the subject of a dispute over whether its funds should be diverted elsewhere. The World Bank&#39;s strong objection to the redirection of housing funds should not be dismissed as donor interference. Nor, however, should the government&#39;s broader development priorities be ignored. The real question is whether the two can be reconciled without making the province&#39;s most vulnerable people pay the price.

The numbers explain why this matters. According to the World Bank, 119,049 verified and eligible households have been left without identified financing after the housing component was capped. These are overwhelmingly poor families as around 84% of eligible beneficiaries are classified as ultra-poor and vulnerable, while many depend on daily wages. That is precisely why the government needs to explain the decision to redirect funds. The World Bank is also right to flag the potential consequences of exclusion. The purpose of resilient reconstruction is not simply to replace a damaged roof with another structure. It is to prevent vulnerable families from being pushed back into the same cycle of deprivation every time a flood, storm, heatwave or any other disaster strikes. However, development in Balochistan cannot be reduced to the construction of physical infrastructure while the people for whom that infrastructure is ostensibly being built remain unable to secure basic shelter. A road can connect a community to a market but it cannot compensate a family living in a damaged house.

The government&#39;s response to allegations of fraud and corruption must likewise be firm but targeted. If there are fraudulent claims, they should be identified and prosecuted. Islamabad should sit down with the World Bank and revisit the allocation rather than allow an avoidable disagreement to undermine an already fragile reconstruction effort.]]>
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			<title>Poison on our plates</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623348/poison-on-our-plates</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623348/poison-on-our-plates#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 26 19:18:38 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Minister's nationwide survey is the right step, but surveys alone are not enough]]>
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				<![CDATA[A disconcerting amount of packaged kitchen staples fail to meet national quality standards. About 48% of all ghee samples analysed by the Ministry of Planning were found to be substandard, along with 75% of refined palm oil, and 44% of packaged milk. Out of 491 samples of different kitchen staples collected from markets across the country, 176 were found non-compliant - an overall failure rate of about 36%.

Despite having decent quality standards in place for decades, the government&#39;s enforcement capabilities have always left much to be desired. Poor quality food has been linked with the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable illnesses, particularly among younger Pakistanis, but the new data shows that the threat may be even larger than previously estimated. For one, the tests only covered &quot;packaged&quot; products - which conventional wisdom says are supposed to be safer, as long as proper safety measures were taken while packing them. Products such as loose milk, unpackaged pulses and meats are notorious for failing hygiene standards and adulteration.

The one bright spot is that most of the failing brands were unknowns, as better-known local and multinational brands seem to have exceeded the minimum standards. This is also proof that the technology and equipment needed to maintain standards are available on the market, and many established companies do go the extra mile to ensure that their reputations are not harmed.

More action needs to be taken against the smaller companies that exploit the system to put profit over safety and comfort. Food safety is not a luxury; it is a basic human right. When 48% of ghee may contribute to heart disease, when more than a third of cooking oil and packaged milk are mis-sold to consumers, this ceases to be merely a consumer protection issue - it becomes a public health emergency. The minister&#39;s nationwide survey is the right step, but surveys alone are not enough. What is needed are penalties severe enough to deter offenders, a thorough overhaul of regulatory institutions, and a price for adulteration that no seller is willing to pay.]]>
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			<title>Murder unanswered</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623147/murder-unanswered</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623147/murder-unanswered#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 26 19:49:38 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[State must recognise why public suspicion has intensified]]>
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				<![CDATA[The death of Mir Raza, the owner of a Karachi-based dessert chain, has now taken a new turn. A kidnapping case that briefly drifted toward a theory of suicide has been reclassified as murder, only after the family forced a court-ordered exhumation and a second post-mortem exposed what the first had missed or chosen not to see. That reversal should trouble us more than it comforts us. A system that requires public pressure and a grieving family&#39;s persistence to arrive at the truth is not a system working as intended.

The crime scene was not preserved, by the home minister&#39;s own admission. The first post-mortem missed injuries that a second medical board found unmistakable, including a rear entry gunshot wound and fractures consistent with torture. Two officers have since been suspended, which is itself an acknowledgment that something went wrong beyond ordinary error. In light of this, collusion becomes a reasonable question rather than an unfair one. The possibility of interference cannot be brushed aside, particularly when the authorities themselves acknowledge shortcomings. There are too many questions that now require answers. Why was the possibility of murder not properly pursued from the outset? Why were basic forensic procedures omitted? Why was the crime scene not preserved according to protocol? In such a situation, a distinction between negligence and collusion must be established through an independent inquiry. It cannot be settled by the police investigating themselves. The Sindh government blew hot and cold on forming a judicial commission for the probe, ultimately deciding against it &ndash; a move that will completely defeat the purpose of uncovering the truth.

Simultaneously, the state must recognise why public suspicion has intensified. Karachi has seen too many cases in which evidence was mishandled and families were left to pursue justice through the courts and the media. In this case, the authorities have an opportunity to demonstrate that this pattern can be broken. An alleged killer remains among us, and the state must find him.]]>
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			<title>111 days and counting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623146/111-days-and-counting</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623146/111-days-and-counting#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 26 19:49:38 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Plea for their recovery gained traction on social media and mainstream media]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan continues to receive praise from the international community for emerging as a central intermediary in the US-Iran war. Its diplomacy and ability to facilitate dialogue are being widely commended. However, standing in stark contrast to this image is the Pakistan government&#39;s attitude toward rescuing the 10 Pakistani citizens aboard a hijacked, Palau-flagged tanker. It has been over 100 days - 111 to be exact - since they had been taken hostage by Somali pirates, yet the government has apparently made no serious effort to secure its people and bring them home.

Like many other pressing issues, the plea for their recovery gained traction on social media and mainstream media, only to eventually fade away without a conclusive resolution. Both the public and the government seem to have forgotten them, leaving their families worried sick. According to a family member, the captives&#39; conditions are worsening due to a lack of proper nutrition, resulting in infections and severe weakness.

A recent distress call - the first made in quite some time - has brought this matter back to the forefront. According to authorities, the kidnapped crew does not fall under the state&#39;s jurisdiction because they were traversing waters designated as &quot;no-go areas&quot;. With this single, simple explanation, the government has entirely abdicated its responsibility to protect its citizens.

If the government fails to claim ownership over Pakistani citizens, no matter where they are in the world, the rest of the world will follow suit. An issue that infringes upon a citizen&#39;s basic right to freedom must be treated with the severity it deserves, regardless of whether a favourable conclusion can be reached immediately. This is both a political and humanitarian emergency, and these hostages deserve to be fought for.]]>
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			<title>Netanyahu's stunt</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623145/netanyahus-stunt</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623145/netanyahus-stunt#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 26 19:49:38 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623145</guid>
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				<![CDATA[This new stunt by Netanyahu is condemnable]]>
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				<![CDATA[Benjamin Netanyahu is undeniably a troublemaker who cannot be relied upon to make peace. He stands accused of war crimes in Gaza - where the ICJ ruled that Palestinians face a plausible risk of genocide - and remains a threat to regional peace and security. That impression stands vindicated once again as the hawkish Israeli Prime Minister has outright rejected the US-backed Gaza peace plan, refusing to withdraw from the besieged enclave while citing a stringent set of preconditions. The demand to disarm and &quot;obliterate&quot; Hamas while Israel retains its occupation of the Gaza Strip is tantamount to throwing a spanner in the works, meant to appease right-wing radicals ahead of elections.

Hamas had walked the talk by dissolving its organisational structure in Gaza and agreeing to surrender its weapons to a nascent Palestinian governing body. The Gaza Peace Plan, backed by President Donald Trump, was widely seen as a precursor to perpetual peace because it outlined autonomous rule for stateless Palestinians. Thus, this new stunt by Netanyahu is condemnable, coming on the heels of the Jewish state&#39;s continued transgressions across Gaza and the West Bank. It is a given that the multibillion-dollar demilitarisation and rebuilding project can only see the light of day if Israel abides by its salient features and stops altering ground realities.

Netanyahu had the audacity to visit the White House and snub the incumbent president by refusing to honour the Gaza Peace Plan. This attitude is an extension of Israel&#39;s policies to bomb Lebanon, intrude in Syria, and conspire to derail the fragile diplomatic balance merely to serve its vested political interests. This cannot be allowed to go on unhampered. The onus is on POTUS to put his foot down and tame his ally if he is serious about ushering in tranquility in the Middle East and beyond. It is also time for regional stakeholders to prevail over Washington to clip Tel Aviv&#39;s wings. It would be futile to expect Hamas to keep its cool while Israel pushes it to the wall.]]>
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			<title>Stalled water project</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622982/stalled-water-project</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622982/stalled-water-project#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 26 18:16:32 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Karachi&#39;s water crisis has become so normal that its abnormality scarcely attracts official urgency anymore. Yet Thursday&#39;s revelation that the estimated cost of K-IV project - the city&#39;s long-promised lifeline - has ballooned more than ten times while its capacity has been slashed to barely a third of what was originally envisaged should jolt policymakers into recognising the sheer negligence.

Envisaged in 2007 at a cost of Rs15.8 billion to supply 650 million gallons of water daily, the project which is also called Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme has now become a Rs172 billion undertaking expected to deliver only 260 million gallons a day. Delayed by well over a decade and still awaiting completion, the project has become a cautionary tale of how poor planning and bureaucratic inertia can undermine even the most essential public infrastructure. The consequences have been measured in the hardships endured daily by Karachi&#39;s nearly 25 million residents. Those hardships are now woven into the fabric of urban life. In countless neighbourhoods, municipal supply is either erratic or virtually nonexistent, forcing households to organise their lives around water deliveries that may or may not arrive. Families routinely spend thousands of rupees each month on private tankers. For those unable to afford tanker water, the alternative is often to install bore wells and draw groundwater from beneath the city. But years of unchecked extraction and seawater intrusion have rendered much of Karachi&#39;s groundwater increasingly saline. Water obtained through boring is frequently unsuitable for drinking and, in many areas, even for washing.

The federal government&#39;s renewed commitment to funding the project is welcome, as is the Planning Minister&#39;s insistence that critical components be completed in tandem. But this cannot become another exercise in optimistic timelines unsupported by effective implementation.]]>
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			<title>Space for women</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622983/space-for-women</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622983/space-for-women#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 26 18:16:32 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Handling legal affairs is already a Herculean task in Pakistan, but when women are added to the mix, it turns into an ordeal made as complex and grueling as possible. Therefore, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi&#39;s announcement that women facilitation centers will be built in courts nationwide deserves praise - albeit cautious praise.

For decades, women navigating Pakistan&#39;s judicial system whether as litigants, lawyers or simply visitors, have had to contend with courtrooms that are designed with no regard for their basic comfort or safety. Women do not have separate entrances, which might be termed a needless frivolity only by someone who has not witnessed the way a woman is stared down in a courtroom. They also have no private waiting spaces, no dedicated washrooms and little in terms of psychosocial support even in instances where they are fleeing abuse, fighting for custody or seeking inheritance rights denied to them for years.

Furthermore, Pakistan&#39;s judiciary has a long history of well-intentioned announcements that bear no fruit at the provincial or district level. A facilitation centre inaugurated with fanfare in one city means little if dozens of other courts, particularly in smaller towns and rural districts, are left waiting years for their turn.

The real test of the CJP&#39;s announcement will come in the face of funding, timelines and follow-through. If implemented seriously, these centres could meaningfully lower the threshold at which women decide if a legal problem is even worth pursuing. If not, they risk becoming another statistic - except for the part where there is no conclusive data on a crime due to women&#39;s hesitation in filing a report. The judiciary must treat this year&#39;s designation as more than a symbolic gesture, instead aiming to be transparent about and achieving its very first deadline.]]>
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			<title>Lifesaving jabs</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622830/lifesaving-jabs-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622830/lifesaving-jabs-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 26 20:11:58 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Vaccine-negligence does exist, but not because of widespread inaccessibility]]>
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				<![CDATA[The death of a child is one of the greatest tragedies a nation can bear. But if that death were preventable, it asks pointed questions and demands accountability. Asking similar questions this year is the news of at least 144 children losing their lives to measles and diphtheria, both of which are easily preventable diseases via vaccinations.

It is true that no parent wants their child to suffer through an illness. But with the Pakistani government&#39;s relentless efforts at distributing and administering vaccines to children across the country, we are forced to wonder: where exactly does the implementation gap exist? Is it a lack of awareness or a lack of urgency?

Halfway across the world, England is facing a similar problem. Their public health experts claim that parents of young children have reduced access to convenient medical treatment and fewer face-to-face contacts with doctors which has led to an epidemic of vaccine-negligence.

But with multiple mobile vans equipped with vaccines, door-to-door immunisation services and walk-in clinics, Pakistan cannot exactly claim a similar reason despite the same problem. Even nomadic families who are not in contact with the healthcare system are sought and treated via Pakistan&#39;s Migrant and Mobile Population (MMP) strategy.

Vaccine-negligence does exist, but not because of widespread inaccessibility. Parents here often do not treat immunisation routines with the importance that they deserve, evading them instead on the pretext of opting for &#39;natural&#39; and &#39;herbal&#39; practices. Moreover, the time between the first symptom and the first doctor&#39;s visit is also needlessly prolonged, sometimes due to financial stringency and other times due to carelessness.

The loss of 144 innocent lives should serve as a wake-up call so loud that there is no space left for second thoughts regarding children&#39;s healthcare. If vaccines were prioritised, 144 souls would possibly still be here - with dreams and aspirations of growing old.]]>
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			<title>Theatre of the absurd</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622829/theatre-of-the-absurd-2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622829/theatre-of-the-absurd-2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 26 20:11:58 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Trump's own approval rating has hit a second-term low of just 36%, with 59% of Americans disapproving his performance]]>
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				<![CDATA[US President Donald Trump signed two new executive orders in yet another attempt to feed his obsession with ending birthright citizenship. This comes just five weeks after the Supreme Court, by a 6-3 vote, rejected his previous order as unconstitutional. The Chief Justice affirmed in the ruling that the 14th Amendment&#39;s protections extend to all children born on American soil. Legal scholars have further clarified that only the children of diplomats or &quot;invading forces&quot; are exempt under the law the former because they are born with diplomatic immunity, and the latter because they are subject to the jurisdiction of their parents&#39; nation.

At 735 words, the 14th Amendment is also the longest amendment, and since the Constitution has no pictures or mention of the Trump name, the president is unlikely to get through any attempt to read, or have it read to him. The only way to challenge the amendment is through an overriding amendment, which would need two-thirds majorities in Congress and three-quarters of the 52 states to pass corresponding legislation, both of which are impossible as things stand. The president is thus only wasting taxpayers&#39; money on litigation that is doomed to fail, making it clear that this is simply a performative exercise to distract from the scandals and corruption dogging his administration.

Trump&#39;s own approval rating has hit a second-term low of just 36%, with 59% of Americans disapproving of his performance. His deeply unpopular war against Iran, which he claimed would last just a few weeks, is now in its sixth month. Economic uncertainty and inflation are worrying millions of Americans. Meanwhile, the Epstein scandal continues to shadow his administration. This is apart from the president&#39;s reckless social media use and unhealthy obsession with ordering ugly and substandard improvements around Washington. Trump could try to correct one of his past wrongs, but since he is incapable of admitting fault, the only way for him to get embarrassing failures out of the news cycle is to fail at something new.]]>
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			<title>Dawn of regional amalgamation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622828/dawn-of-regional-amalgamation-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622828/dawn-of-regional-amalgamation-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 26 20:11:58 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[New defence understanding must now open a new vista of diplomacy]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement testifies to the fact that Pakistan has emerged as a net-security provider in the region. It is a historic development coming at a time when the Middle East is in turmoil, and the conventional security calculus has gone for a toss. With the United States in a mindset of retreat from the region, and a realisation from the Gulf States that they need to evolve a new, self-reliant security paradigm, the defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye is a significant milestone. It also endorses Pakistan&#39;s defence capabilities and exhibits the trust it enjoys in the Muslim world.

The fact that the deal is rooted in self-defence, and is only meant to be invoked in case of aggression against any of the member states, makes it a guarantor of serenity that pushes the envelope of deterrence. Likewise, the intention of the three countries to keep it evolving in times of peace and strive for the enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation is worth appreciating. It effectively addresses modern warfare requirements and fills critical security vacuums.

The trilateral defence pact enjoys the support of the United States, as it comes as a credible element for ensuring regional stability. The positive point is that Iran too has lauded it as a welcome regional amalgamation &quot;meant to keep extra-territorial powers&quot; away from the region. That Kuwait, Egypt, Oman and Jordan too are linked in a trust-calculus with Pakistan and rely on its security shield serves to solidify the security infrastructure for broad-based tranquillity.

The new defence understanding must now open a new vista of diplomacy, allowing all regional irritants to be dealt with in harmony and compassion. Tackling non-state actors, addressing terrorism issues and ensuring that Israel does not throw a spanner in the works are incredible challenges. Apart from this, there is hardly any territorial dispute that could push any of the regional states to go over the brink.]]>
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			<title>ART centres</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622663/art-centres</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622663/art-centres#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 26 19:18:32 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Citizens will demand protection only when they understand the threat they face]]>
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				<![CDATA[HIV outbreaks in hospitals are almost always the result of sheer medical negligence and when such negligence is exercised against children - one of the most vulnerable members of society - there is no room for delayed action. After a recent HIV outbreak at the Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi where 94 innocent children contracted the virus, the Sindh government&#39;s health department made the right call to decide to set up 44 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres across the province.

These centres operate under Sindh&#39;s Communicable Disease Control (CDC) programme and are meant to assist in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDs by making it easier for citizens to access free and reliable treatment for the disease. The centres also have a responsibility to impart awareness and education to the general public which still finds itself steeped in decades-old myths and taboos regarding the spread of the virus.

Two things are important here: first, raising awareness regarding the HIV outbreak that occurred in Valika Hospital; and second, ensuring that these ART centres are functional and overseen by an independent body working in collaboration with the internal administration. The Sindh government&#39;s healthcare landscape largely suffers from a failure to address both of these issues: lack of awareness and accountability. While widespread awareness may initially breed fear among citizens already hesitant to visit hospitals in the country, it remains the sole mechanism capable of driving a collective demand for systemic accountability.

Citizens will demand protection only when they understand the threat they face. These ART centres must be insulated from polarising narratives, generate timely progress reports and accept strict oversight. Surveillance is indeed a monster - except when it serves as the ultimate shield against the careless destruction of young lives.]]>
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			<title>Broken law, broken lives</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622662/broken-law-broken-lives</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622662/broken-law-broken-lives#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 26 19:18:32 +0500</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2622662</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Crisis demands an overhaul of the criminal justice system, with specialised child protection units]]>
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				<![CDATA[At least 1,914 cases of child abuse were reported across the country during the first six months of 2026 alone, a staggering number that should be seen as the nation&#39;s shame. The numbers are also getting worse. More than nine children were abused daily on average in 2025, and the number of cases rose by 8% compared to the previous year. The data compiled by the NGO Sahil also shows that 45% of incidents took place at the victims&#39; own residences, while abusers in 43% of the cases were known to the victims. Girls make up a majority of the victims - 58% - but boys in the 11-15 age bracket are also considered highly vulnerable.

What is really riling up critics is the fact that Pakistan already has strong laws on the books regarding child protection, but we refuse to fully implement or enforce them. The Zainab Alert Act, the Juvenile Justice System Act and provincial child protection policies all exist on paper, but their implementation remains fragmented and reactive. Laws are useless if not evenly invoked. The Islamabad High Court recently noted that key provisions of the Zainab Alert Act remain lifeless due to shoddy implementation. A surfeit of laws means nothing when enforcement is absent. While 89% of cases were registered with police, registration is not justice. The conviction rate remains pitiful, and societal stigma often silences survivors and forces families to withdraw cases.

The crisis demands an overhaul of the criminal justice system, with specialised child protection units, fast-track courts and mandatory child safety education in schools. Law enforcement must be trained to handle cases with sensitivity, and survivors must receive psychological and legal support. Most of all, the government and civil society must eradicate taboos that breed a culture of silence that protects perpetrators and treats abuse as a private matter, rather than a societal failure.]]>
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			<title>Makkah consensus</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622661/makkah-consensus</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622661/makkah-consensus#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 26 19:18:32 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[It is premised on understanding that armed attack on any one state will be treated as aggression against all members]]>
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				<![CDATA[The tripartite defence agreement signed in Makkah between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and T&uuml;rkiye is epoch-making in essence. It is premised on the understanding that an armed attack on any one state will be treated as aggression against all members and shall trigger a collective response. The intention, nonetheless, is one of deterrence - to ward off extra-territorial designs by any sovereign state or non-state entity. With the region in a state of flux due to the US-Iran war, this trilateral defence pact is likely to usher in new signs of stability and drive broader reconciliation efforts among the warring sides.

The raw potential of the accord can be noted from the fact that it brings together an oil-rich state, a pivotal Eurasian power and the Muslim world&#39;s largest standing army equipped with the power of deterrence. The crux is to erect a new security paradigm for perpetual peace in the region - one that is inclusive and forward-looking. To this end, it provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation among the three countries and remains evolving in nature, even in times of peace.

While the current security equation presents a power paradox, one expects this understanding will lead to the assertion of influence and its retention for the collective good. When viewed alongside the bilateral defence pact between Riyadh and Islamabad, this development reinforces a shared commitment to peace, especially as T&uuml;rkiye, Egypt, Oman and Iran remain central to the enriching bilateral and multilateral deals necessary for assuring regional serenity and cooperation.

Also, the Makkah consensus has come against the backdrop of a 14-nation multinational maritime defence coalition meant to safeguard commercial shipping, secure energy routes and maintain freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Furthermore, the breakthrough that Muscat and Tehran have achieved regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz creates a win-win scenario for regional tranquillity. The need of the hour is to evaluate each accord in its proper perspective rather than viewing them as being in conflict with one another.]]>
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			<title>A drought ends</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622472/a-drought-ends</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622472/a-drought-ends#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 26 19:17:40 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Raw talent of the players was the only thing that provided the thinnest of veils]]>
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				<![CDATA[After three long years, the Pakistan cricket team finally outplayed an opponent in an away test match. The run of eight tests without a win began against Australia in Perth - a 360-run evisceration that set the tone for the coming years - and ended halfway around the world at Queen&#39;s Park Oval in Trinidad on Wednesday. The team&#39;s form had been so bad that despite chasing a modest target of 75, more than a few fans were concerned for the initial overs of the chase. But it was fitting that captain Babar Azam was the man to score the winning runs - that too with consecutive sixes - after having been unceremoniously dismissed from the job a few years back, only to get it back after the ineptitude of his successor.

However, it is worth noting that even Babar&#39;s first test back in charge was an embarrassing defeat that should serve as a reminder that this is still arguably the &#39;losingest&#39; team in Pakistan cricket&#39;s history. Pakistan crumbled to a 90-run defeat in Tarouba that exposed the fragile core of the team, and the reason why many long-time Pakistan cricket fans voice constant concern. While there were several stellar performances in the two tests - including by former captain Shan Masood - there were still too many inconsistent, careless and reckless showings. Unfortunately, these are traits that have always been associated with Pakistan cricket. The raw talent of the players was the only thing that provided the thinnest of veils. Even among our greatest generation of players, it is impossible to forget Inzamamul Haq&#39;s running, Shahid Afridi&#39;s impatience or Shoaib Akhtar&#39;s &#39;fitness&#39;, let alone infighting among greats such as Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, or Imran Khan and Javed Miandad.

While it is unrealistic to expect this team to instantly turn into world-beaters, players and management must focus on bringing in discipline and consistency, at least to the extent that there is still honour in defeat. After the win, Babar noted the importance of properly executing the team&#39;s plans. Even if that is all the team does against England, it will mean the beginning of a new era for Pakistan cricket.]]>
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			<title>The unsung frontline</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622471/the-unsung-frontline</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622471/the-unsung-frontline#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 26 19:17:40 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[More than 2,600 police and Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel have laid down their lives in K-P since 1970]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s struggle against terrorism has often been narrated through the lens of military operations, and rightly so. The Pakistan Army has borne the principal responsibility of confronting insurgent groups seeking to challenge the writ of the state. Yet this is only part of the story. That more than 2,600 police and Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel have laid down their lives in K-P since 1970 is a powerful reminder that the fight against terrorism has never been waged by the military alone.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces, police officers and FC personnel have paid an extraordinary price to preserve the writ of the state. Their sacrifices deserve to occupy a far more prominent place in the national consciousness. What is particularly telling is that the deadliest period for police and FC personnel has coincided with the years following the military&#39;s large-scale counterterrorism campaigns. More than 2,400 personnel embraced martyrdom between 2000 and 2026 alone, and 2025 proved to be the bloodiest year on record, claiming 235 lives. Another 150 personnel had already embraced martyrdom by early July this year. Unlike military formations that rotate through operational deployments, police personnel continue to serve within the very communities where terrorist organisations often seek revenge against those who stand in their way. The FC has likewise emerged as an indispensable pillar of Pakistan&#39;s internal security architecture. Operating alongside provincial police and the armed forces, it has shouldered an enormous burden in some of the country&#39;s most volatile districts.

The story of Pakistan&#39;s fight against terrorism is incomplete without acknowledging those who have quietly stood between ordinary citizens and extraordinary violence. Their sacrifices deserve not only remembrance but meaningful recognition through better protection and unwavering national support. A nation that honours its fallen must also fulfil its obligation to those who continue to stand guard.]]>
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			<title>Political path ahead</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622470/political-path-ahead</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622470/political-path-ahead#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 26 19:17:40 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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				<![CDATA[Long list of grievances places the government on the wrong side of the law]]>
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				<![CDATA[The incarceration of Imran Khan, in defiance of the jail manual, is now becoming a source of irritation and embarrassment. The former PM&#39;s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, have once again flagged the issue as they went on to elucidate on international media that their father is being held &quot;incommunicado&quot;, and that the orders of the relevant courts are being thrown to the wind. The PTI chief is allegedly being held in solitary confinement for the last eight months, and has also been denied access to family, lawyers and personal physicians. Moreover, the scions of Khan stated that the express orders allowing them to have telephonic conversation twice a month is also not forthcoming, nor are they being granted a Pakistan visa to see their jailed ailing father. Last but not least, the family&#39;s request to have Imran treated at a private hospital is also not being entertained despite orders from the superior judiciary for abidance as per law.

This long list of grievances places the government on the wrong side of the law. Apart from deepening mistrust with the opposition, it has resulted in furthering political instability. The PTI&#39;s protest campaign on Khan&#39;s completion of his third year in prison is gradually stirring unrest. Just the other day, a rally in Karachi was tear-gassed and scores of workers arrested. Likewise, the momentum that the campaign is gathering in other cities, especially in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa, could turn out to be worrisome for the ruling coalition, which, incidentally, is already on edge because of the economic crisis and a challenging external environment.

All these factors necessitate the desire for setting in some serenity. The way forward is to start dealing with the opposition as per the law, and provide it with its due political space. Time and again, the opposition has expressed its willingness to enter into a national dialogue on the salient features of restoring the spirit of the Constitution, undoing legislations that have usurped the independence of judiciary for chalking out a roadmap for economic turnaround. It&#39;s time for the government to realise that its brinkmanship of cornering the opposition has bred discontent. The path ahead is to reconcile by releasing political prisoners, including Khan, and to collectively work inside the parliament for some instant fence-mending on issues of national interest.]]>
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			<title>Abuse of authority</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622278/abuse-of-authority</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622278/abuse-of-authority#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 26 18:59:08 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Such crimes leave scars that shatter the confidence in the criminal justice system]]>
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				<![CDATA[No woman should ever have to fear the very institution entrusted with protecting her. Yet when the alleged perpetrator is a police officer and the crime is said to have taken place inside a police station, the offence ceases to be an isolated act of depravity. It becomes a devastating indictment of institutional failure. The alleged rape of a mentally challenged young woman inside Lahore&#39;s Ghaziabad Police Station by an assistant sub-inspector is one such case. It is an accusation so morally repugnant and so corrosive to public trust that it demands not only swift justice for the victim but also a fundamental reckoning with police accountability.

Such crimes leave scars that shatter the confidence in the criminal justice system, discourage survivors from reporting abuse and reinforce the dangerous perception that those wielding state authority are themselves beyond accountability. The Punjab Police deserve recognition for moving quickly to arrest the accused officer and suspend the entire staff of the police station over supervisory failures. Yet suspensions alone cannot be mistaken for justice. They are merely the first step. The criminal investigation that follows must be impartial and transparent, insulated from institutional pressures or attempts to shield colleagues. Accountability, however, cannot end with identifying one alleged offender. Supervisory officers must answer for environments where misconduct is allowed to flourish.

This tragedy also exposes the particular vulnerability of persons with mental disabilities. Such individuals are disproportionately at risk of abuse precisely because they are often unable to protect themselves or communicate their trauma effectively. Law enforcement officers should receive specialised training in handling vulnerable individuals with dignity and care. Police stations should have clearly-defined protocols requiring the presence of female officers during interactions with women, particularly those with disabilities.]]>
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			<title>RAW's killing spree</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622277/raws-killing-spree</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622277/raws-killing-spree#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 26 18:59:08 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Several other countries have also chosen to stay quiet instead of poking the bear]]>
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				<![CDATA[UN rights experts are the latest group to sound the alarm over India&#39;s audacious campaign to assassinate prominent dissidents abroad. In a letter, five UN special rapporteurs have urged Canada to take &quot;all feasible measures&quot; to protect Sikh activist Moninder Singh, a Canadian national who has received four &quot;duty to warn&quot; notices from Canadian authorities about credible and imminent threats to his life. The letter says the threats &quot;fall within a broader pattern of transnational repression by Indian authorities against Sikh activists in different countries, including Canada&quot;. But what may make this particular case worse is that the threats against Moninder extended to include his wife and two children. This is a dramatic escalation from other recent assassination attempts where Indian intelligence ties were suspected or proven.

The modus operandi is mostly unchanged from at least 2023, when Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist and friend of Moninder, was gunned down outside a Gurdwara in Western Canada. Nijjar has also received several credible threats and was warned by Canadian authorities. Canada&#39;s then-prime minister publicly accused India of involvement, as did Canadian intelligence officials. Across the border, US prosecutors charged Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi with orchestrating Nijjar&#39;s killing. Bishnoi, who is in jail, has been accused of working with India&#39;s ruling BJP in return for preferential treatment. In another case, an Indian man pleaded guilty to orchestrating a failed assassination plot against a Sikh separatist in New York - a plot US officials say was tied to the Indian government.

But New Delhi continues to deny its role, and the country&#39;s strategic importance to the West as a counterbalance to China gives it enough value to get a virtual clean chit. Indeed, Canada&#39;s new Prime Minister Mark Carney has downplayed Indian terrorism in pursuit of increased trade. Several other countries have also chosen to stay quiet instead of poking the bear. But the world must act now to send India a message that no state is above international law.]]>
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			<title>AJK goes to PML-N</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622276/ajk-goes-to-pml-n</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622276/ajk-goes-to-pml-n#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 26 18:59:08 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Ensuring a good turnout in the remaining 11 constituencies comes as a credibility test too]]>
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				<![CDATA[The PML-N is poised to form its government in AJK as the state awaits the third and final leg of polling on August 10. Following the first two phases of the election, the PPP stands as the runner-up with 10 seats in the 53-member legislature. The PML-N secured 24 seats based on a relentless pro-development campaign, though its victory was marred by claims that state machinery and influence were misused. The polls, however, saw the weakest turnout in the state&#39;s history. This dip came on the heels of an ongoing protest by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is demanding an end to elite governance culture, fundamental rights for citizens, and primarily, the abolition of the 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees inside Pakistan.

The second phase of the polls across the nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad division witnessed a dismal turnout among the electorate. Mirroring the lethargy that marred the polling in Mirpur division in the first phase, voters preferred to stay away on account of law and order concerns, as well as a boycott called by the JAAC and PTI.

The AJK Election Commission, law enforcement agencies and polling staff deserve credit for their commitment, which ensured that polling took place without any major incident. Their efforts upheld Islamabad&#39;s credibility in ensuring an unhindered adult franchise for the people of this strategic region.

The third phase of the polls, scheduled for Monday in Poonch, Bagh and Rawalakot - the theatre of agitations - will present a tough challenge for authorities. An intriguing aspect of this ballot was the rhetoric-laden battle among allies in the federal government &ndash; the PPP and the PML-N. The two sides were locked in a free-for-all blame game, citing pre-poll rigging and rampant electoral irregularities.

Ensuring a good turnout in the remaining 11 constituencies comes as a credibility test too. Once the new government is sworn in, its immediate priority must be addressing public grievances. To build genuine trust, the PML-N needs to lead the charge in engaging both apolitical citizens and civil society leaders.]]>
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			<title>The illegal annexation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622096/the-illegal-annexation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622096/the-illegal-annexation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 26 20:39:21 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[August 5 will always be remembered as a tragic day by Kashmiris, marking the moment their constitutionally guaranteed rights were usurped by the so-called largest democracy in the world. Relying on a brute parliamentary majority, the BJP-RSS dispensation abrogated Articles 370 and 35A on this day in 2019. This act directly contravened the Indian Constitution - which granted special status to Indian-administered Jammu &amp; Kashmir - while also violating international law. Since then, the demographic and socio-political identity of Kashmiris remains systematically altered. Furthermore, India has endangered regional peace and security through aggressive actions against Pakistan and its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

This aggrandisement speaks of New Delhi&#39;s hegemonic mentality, which must be confronted by the comity of nations that believe in civilised norms of coexistence under the nation-state system. The day marks a critical turning point for the people of Kashmir, signifying the loss of regional autonomy and their deeply cherished identity. It delivered a deadly blow to their seven decades of political struggle to attain the right to a plebiscite as enshrined by the United Nations. This extra-constitutional act, unwisely upheld by the Indian Supreme Court, testifies that New Delhi has not been able to come to terms with the legitimacy of the uprising in Kashmir, and its tall claims of restoring normalcy were nothing more than a hoax.

India&#39;s manipulation of ground realities since Aug 5, 2019 is a telling tale of neo-colonialism. These manipulations manifest in the realms of domicile, delimitation and displacement, compounded by an economic toll exceeding $9 billion inflicted upon more than 10 million people under siege. This crisis demands a proactive policy on Kashmir by people on both sides of the LoC, ensuring that the struggle for liberation and self-determination comes full circle. The world must make India realise that it cannot escape accountability for such xenophobic maneuvers; it is high time New Delhi rescinded the August 5 acts in the larger interest of regional tranquility.]]>
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			<title>Gaza's fragile lifeline</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622097/gazas-fragile-lifeline</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622097/gazas-fragile-lifeline#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 26 20:39:21 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Over two-thirds of Gaza&#39;s population, totaling 1.4 million, face food insecurity due to Israel&#39;s criminal militarism. Of these, over 212,000 people are on the verge of famine. Astoundingly, the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report says this is actually an improvement - 1.6 million were considered to be food insecure last year, representing about 77% of the population of the war-torn region. At the same time, experts are warning that completely cutting off aid to Gaza would push the number of people at risk of famine to over 1.9 million. It is only the kindness of strangers that has kept the number down.

Food is arguably the area where Israel&#39;s disgusting contempt for even the most basic human rights is most obvious. While some people may be able to relocate to areas with a lower likelihood of being blown up or shot, everyone needs food. Still, the only way to get it for most people is with permission from the Israeli government. Unfortunately, the government uses flimsy evidence to block many aid trucks, and many necessary non-food items - such as water purifiers - are blocked under claims of being dual-use. Reports show, however, that most Israeli security officials are &quot;reasonable&quot; and do allow such &quot;dual use&quot; items through if given due consideration in the form of bribes. No action is taken against such officials when they are busted, suggesting the bribery network runs deep in the military. Unfortunately, Palestinians can&#39;t even bribe their way to getting help, because 83% of households have no income.

While there are many stop-gap solutions for the plight of Gazans, the only lasting solution is to end military and settler hostilities and restore aid workers&#39; access to the region, followed by investment in infrastructure and public services. But these things take money, and Israel has no interest in even spending to meet its existing obligations, let alone offering the Gazans reparations for the pain and suffering inflicted upon them just to keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in power.]]>
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			<title>Missing athletes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622098/missing-athletes</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622098/missing-athletes#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 26 20:39:21 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistani boxer Qudratullah Khan&#39;s disappearance in Glasgow following the Commonwealth Games should alarm far more than Pakistan&#39;s sporting authorities. It is the latest in a series of incidents that point to a deeper malaise within the country&#39;s sporting system. As of now, the facts remain limited, and until investigations establish what transpired, it would be both unfair and irresponsible to speculate about his motives.

There could be any number of explanations, ranging from a personal emergency to a deliberate decision to remain abroad. The authorities must therefore focus first on establishing the facts before drawing conclusions. That said, this is by no means an isolated occurrence. In recent years, several Pakistani athletes have disappeared during overseas competitions. Two boxers went missing after the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Swimmer Faizan Akbar disappeared in Hungary the same year, while boxer Zohaib Rasheed walked away from Pakistan&#39;s contingent in Italy in 2024, later attributing his decision to financial hardship. Opportunities abroad may appear far more attractive than returning to a system that offers little security. Yet poverty or professional frustration cannot become a blanket justification for abandoning national contingents. Athletes travel abroad on official passports and visas facilitated through state institutions and public resources. Deliberately absconding from an international event undermines Pakistan&#39;s credibility and complicates visa procedures for future delegations.

This is why the response must be measured. If investigations reveal that Qudratullah Khan intentionally violated the conditions, appropriate action should follow in accordance with the law and the regulations governing international competition. Equally, if institutional shortcomings contributed to the situation, those responsible must also be held accountable. Such an exercise should go beyond determining where one athlete went. The objective should not be tighter surveillance alone but a better understanding of why these incidents continue to occur.]]>
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