Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged tenure as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh has become emblematic of the erosion of democratic norms and the entrenchment of authoritarianism within the country. Her administration’s systemic suppression of political opposition, control of media narratives, and intolerance for dissent have drawn sustained criticism, both domestically and internationally. These developments signal not only a breakdown of democratic values but also a deliberate effort to dismantle institutions meant to protect civil liberties and the rule of law. Central to this regime’s oppressive machinery is the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), established in 2004 ostensibly to combat crime. Over the years,…
Author: Web Desk2
The U.S. Embassy recently spoke out about how badly women are being treated in Afghanistan under its current government. Women and girls are being denied basic rights like going to school, working, and getting healthcare. This is not just a problem for Afghanistan it’s a problem for the whole world. Everyone needs to come together and fix this before it gets worse. Women in Afghanistan have faced unfair treatment for a long time, but things have gotten even worse recently. Schools for girls above primary level are closed, and most women are not allowed to work. This doesn’t just harm…
Reliable sources estimate that approximately Rs. 44 billion is embezzled annually in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) health sector alone, which highlights severe governance issues. Similar mismanagement is prevalent in other departments like education. Since PTI came into power in KP, it has failed to initiate any significant mega-projects. Projects like the Sehat Card are often touted as major initiatives, but schemes like the Swat Motorway and Hazara Motorway were originally initiated by previous governments, with the current administration merely taking credit for inaugurating them. The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project was built with loans and now runs on an annual subsidy…
The recent call for a civil disobedience movement by the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has raised serious questions about the party’s priorities and its understanding of economic realities. This campaign, which targets overseas Pakistanis by urging them to stop sending remittances, appears not only reckless but also deeply harmful to the very people it claims to represent. Civil disobedience has historically been a tool for fighting oppression, but its misuse here reveals a dangerous attempt to destabilize Pakistan for political gain. Overseas Pakistanis are one of the biggest contributors to Pakistan’s economy. Remittances sent by expatriates form a critical…
Recent statements by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Ali Amin Gandapur, have caused a lot of concern. According to reliable sources, Gandapur has said things that sound like he wants to separate KP from Pakistan and talk with extremist groups like the Taliban. These kinds of words are dangerous because they hurt the unity of the country. A leader’s job is to work for the peace and progress of the nation, not to say things that create more problems. But Gandapur’s words are not the only problem. For years, the KP government has struggled to fix important issues like education,…
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a big project between China and Pakistan that aims to improve trade, energy, and roads across the country. It started with a lot of excitement, promising to help Pakistan grow economically. But almost 10 years later, it has had both successes and problems. While new roads, power plants, and infrastructure have been built, issues like poor planning, weak leadership, and safety problems have slowed things down. One city, Gwadar, shows exactly why these problems need fixing for CPEC to truly succeed. CPEC began as an idea to connect China’s western region with ports in…
Pakistan recorded 1566 terrorist incidents In the first 10 months of 2024,claiming 924 lives and leaving 2121 injured. During this period, 12,801 intelligence operations were conducted, resulting in the elimination of 341 terrorists. According to official documents, 573 security personnel were martyred and 1353 injured, while 351 civilians lost their lives and 768 were injured. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): KP reported 948 incidents, resulting in 583 deaths and 1375 injuries. These included 437 security personnel killed and 1059 injured, while 146 civilians were killed and 316 injured. Balochistan witnessed 582 incidents, with 307 killed and 644 injured. Among these, 110 security…
Imran Khan’s recent speeches and actions have taken his politics in a dangerous direction. By calling for civil disobedience at a time when Pakistan’s economy is already struggling, he risks making the situation worse. Instead of helping the country move forward, these actions could hurt national unity and create more problems for ordinary people. Civil disobedience can sometimes bring change, but it can also cause harm, especially in weak economies like Pakistan’s. The country is already dealing with high inflation, rising debt, and low investor confidence. Disrupting the government’s work, even for a short time, could make things harder. Businesses…
December 14, 2024: From December 9 to December 13, Pakistan’s security forces executed a series of meticulously planned intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, neutralizing 43 individuals including Khiwarij and members of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). These operations underscore the Pak Army’s ongoing commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring regional stability. The operations focused on dismantling militant strongholds in strategically significant areas. In Lakki Marwat, six militants were eliminated, while 10 were neutralized in Miranshah and nine in Tank. The most substantial engagement occurred in Zhob, Balochistan, where 15 militants were successfully neutralized. Further action in…
Islamabad, December 16, 2024: The Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution (IICR) held an important webinar called “Community and Social Welfare Initiatives: Empowering Local Architects of Change.” It brought together teachers, leaders, and activists from South Asia and the Middle East to talk about how to help communities and make positive changes. Professor Dr. Amna Mehmood from the International Islamic University Islamabad led the event. The speakers included Dr. Song Xihui from Sichuan University in China, Dr. George Cook from the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies in Sri Lanka, Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan from Hunan University in China, and Ms. Anwar…