QuaidePakistan

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances” A Call for Justice and Solidarity Every year, on August 30, the world observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. This day is not only a reminder of the countless individuals who have been forcibly taken away by state or state-backed forces, but also a call for solidarity with their families—families who live every day with the anguish of uncertainty, waiting for answers that never come. The Silent Tragedy of Enforced Disappearances Enforced disappearance is one of the gravest human rights violations. It strips a person not only of their freedom but also of their identity, dignity, and legal protection. Victims are often abducted, detained secretly, and denied communication with their loved ones. For families, the suffering is endless: uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones, social stigma, and psychological trauma. This silent crime is not confined to one country. From Latin America t...

India–Pakistan” From Water Rivalry to Shared Responsibility Recent events in South Asia reflect a pressing truth: nature diminishes the value of obstinate isolation, especially when dealing with a shared lifeline like water. Crisis Unfolds This monsoon season, India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty—a water-sharing agreement upheld since 1960—has had devastating consequences on both sides of the border . Torrential rains, cloudbursts, and swollen reservoirs forced India to release massive water flows that, in some cases, damaged its own infrastructure. Notably, four floodgates at India’s Madhopur (Madhopur Headworks) failed—reportedly due to a combination of poor maintenance and overwhelming pressures—triggering floods in downstream areas and exacerbating Pakistan’s crisis . In the Indian state of Punjab, the Ravi River overflowed, inundating villages and damaging embankments as authorities scrambled to evacuate thousands . Meanwhile, landslides and flash floods i...

Floods Cannot Break Us” Pakistan Stands United Today, Pakistan has shown the world that no disaster can weaken a nation that stands together. For the first time in our history, every institution—Army, Police, Rescue 1122, City Administration, and local authorities—have united as one family to fight against the devastating floods. This unity is a ray of hope in difficult times, proving that when Pakistanis join hands, no challenge is too great. One of the most inspiring moments came when Minister Khawaja Asif, standing on the ground himself, rescued around 30 Indian Sikh pilgrims from the Kartarpur Gurdwara along with nearly 1,600 staff members. This was not just a rescue mission—it was a message to the world: Pakistan chooses humanity over hostility. Even in the face of political rivalry, compassion and brotherhood shine brighter. For the first time, members of Parliament, ministers, the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister, the Chief of Army Staff, and heads of key institutions stoo...

Pakistan’s United Front Against Floods” A Model of Humanity and Coordination. For the first time in recent history, the Government of Pakistan—particularly the Punjab Government—deserves high praise for demonstrating remarkable unity in the face of devastating floods. All institutions, including the Army, Police, City Administration, Rescue 1122, and other departments, are working side by side with unprecedented coordination to protect lives and property. A shining example of this unity came when Federal Minister Khawaja Asif personally supervised the safe evacuation of around 30 Indian Sikh pilgrims from the Kartarpur Gurdwara, along with nearly 1,600 local staff members. This act sent a powerful message across the border: Pakistan prioritizes humanity over hostility. It demonstrated that in times of crisis, compassion must prevail over political or historical rivalries. Another noteworthy aspect is the collective involvement of leaders across all levels. For the first time, feder...

Learning to Live with Climate Change” Building Resilience for the Future The debate on climate change has largely focused on prevention—reducing carbon emissions, protecting forests, and limiting industrial pollution. While these steps are important, one undeniable reality remains: we cannot stop climate change entirely. The planet has already entered a phase where floods, storms, droughts, and other disasters will continue to strike with increasing intensity. Instead of only raising alarms, it is time to shift our focus toward adaptation and resilience. People, especially those living in floodplains, coastal regions, and disaster-prone areas, must be educated on how to live with climate change and how to survive disasters. Key Steps Toward Resilience 1. Disaster-Resistant Housing Communities near rivers, deltas, and flood zones should be taught how to build safer houses—elevated foundations, strong materials, and proper drainage systems that minimize damage during floods. 2....

A Roadmap for Peace in Ukraine” Why Compromise Is the Only Way Forward The war in Ukraine has reached a dangerous deadlock. Russia remains firm on its demands — recognition of its control over disputed territories and guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO. Ukraine, on the other hand, views these demands as unacceptable, seeing them as a direct assault on its sovereignty. Meanwhile, Europe and the wider world watch anxiously, aware that continued escalation could draw the entire continent into a broader war. The stark reality is this: neither side can achieve total victory without devastating costs. Russia cannot easily subdue the whole of Ukraine without risking economic and political collapse. Ukraine, despite Western support, cannot realistically push Russia back to pre-2014 borders without catastrophic losses. Prolonging the war only increases the suffering of ordinary people and the risk of an uncontrollable escalation. Principles for a Possible Settlement To m...

Gender Equality” A Divine Right Affirmed by All Religions Every woman and girl has the fundamental right to safety, dignity, and equal opportunities. These are not merely modern human rights demands; they are divinely sanctioned principles, affirmed in the Qur’an, the Bible, and the Torah. True gender equality is therefore not a new concept but an eternal message from God for the progress and justice of humanity. Equality in the Qur’an and Hadith The Qur’an establishes the equal spiritual and moral worth of men and women: •  Equal Creation: “Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” *(Qur’an 49:13)*¹ •  Equal Reward and Accountability: “Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women … the men who remember Allah often and the women who re...

Pakistan and Bangladesh” Towards Reconciliation Beyond the Shadows of 1971 The question of whether Pakistan has ever issued a genuine apology for the events of 1971 has resurfaced once again during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Dhaka. While Pakistan maintains that the matter was settled through past acknowledgments of regret—most notably by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1974 and President General Pervez Musharraf in 2002—Bangladesh continues to demand a clearer and more formal apology. This divergence of perception has kept relations between the two nations from realizing their full potential, despite more than five decades having passed since their separation. Historical Context of Apology In 1974, following Pakistan’s recognition of Bangladesh at the Islamic Summit in Lahore, a tripartite agreement was signed between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. The text included Pakistan’s expression of regret: “If war crimes were committed in E...

World Lake Day Protecting the Lifelines of Nature Lakes are among the most precious gifts of nature, providing not only fresh water but also breathtaking beauty and a clean environment for humanity. Across the world, millions of lakes serve as vital sources of drinking water, habitats for biodiversity, and centers of tourism and cultural heritage. On World Lake Day, we are reminded of our responsibility to preserve these natural wonders for future generations. Unfortunately, the story is not the same everywhere. While many countries are making efforts to restore and protect their lakes, others continue to exploit them through negligence and pollution. In Pakistan, for example, many lakes are being polluted by nearby hotels and commercial facilities that discharge untreated wastewater directly into them. This reckless practice not only damages the ecosystem but also destroys the natural charm that attracts visitors. The beauty of lakes like Saiful Malook, Attabad, and Keenjhar is at ris...

Karachi- History, Myths, and the Capital Question Abstract Karachi has been at the heart of South Asia’s colonial and postcolonial transformations. From a modest fishing village under the Khan of Kalat to a strategic port developed by the British, and later the first capital of Pakistan, Karachi’s history reflects the complexities of power, governance, and identity. This paper examines historical claims regarding Karachi’s status, the shift of the capital to Islamabad, and the long-term socio-economic consequences for Pakistan. It argues that while administrative changes contributed to Karachi’s decline, deeper structural issues—poor governance, ethnic politics, and uneven federal policies—were the primary causes. 1. Early History under Kalat and the British Karachi, prior to British conquest in 1839, was a small settlement under the nominal suzerainty of the Khan of Kalat, administered locally by the Jam of Lasbela (Balochistan Records, 1890). The British recognized its natural ha...

Was Pakistan Built on Punjab’s Corpses A Historical Rebuttal In recent years, a troubling narrative has been circulating that claims “Pakistan was created on the corpses of Punjab”. Such inflammatory statements are not only historically inaccurate but also dangerous, as they seek to distort history, dishonor the sacrifices of millions, and provoke unnecessary divisions among communities. It is therefore essential to respond with facts, context, and clarity. 1. Who Demanded the Partition of Punjab? Contrary to the propaganda that the Muslim League engineered the partition of Punjab, historical evidence proves otherwise. After the Lahore Resolution of March 1940, it was not the Muslim League but Sikh and Hindu leadership in Punjab who demanded that Punjab should also be divided on religious grounds if India was to be partitioned. • Sunder Singh Majithia, leader of the Akali Dal and Chief Khalsa Diwan, first put forward the demand to partition Punjab. • This demand was ...

A Call for Peace” Trump’s Mediation Efforts, Russia-Ukraine Conflict, and the Path Forward Background of the War The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its fourth year since the February 2022 invasion, has reshaped global geopolitics, destabilized Europe’s security order, and triggered immense humanitarian and economic costs. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, cities devastated, and the war has expanded beyond territorial control into an existential struggle—Ukraine defending sovereignty and Russia asserting its sphere of influence. The war’s repercussions extend far beyond Eastern Europe: soaring energy prices, disrupted food supply chains, inflation across the globe, and mounting pressure on European unity. The United Nations’ Position The United Nations has consistently affirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning Russia’s aggression. Multiple UN General Assembly resolutions have demanded Russia’s withdrawal, though the Security Council remains...

Flood Devastation in Swat and Buner” A Crisis of Climate Change, Deforestation, and Governance The recent floods in Swat and Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), have once again exposed the deep-rooted vulnerabilities of Pakistan to natural disasters. While climate change has amplified the frequency and intensity of such events, the destruction witnessed in these regions cannot be attributed to nature alone. Human negligence, poor governance, deforestation, and unregulated construction along riverbanks have significantly magnified the scale of devastation. Climate Change and Increasing Flood Risks According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2023), South Asia is among the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. Rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melt in the Himalayas, while erratic monsoon patterns are intensifying flash floods. Pakistan, contributing less than 1% of global carbon emissions, has consistently been ranked among the top ten countries mo...

🌧️ Cloudbursts in India and Pakistan Causes, Recent Events, and High-Risk Areas Introduction A cloudburst is a sudden and intense rainfall event that typically occurs over a very small geographical area—usually less than 10 × 10 km—within a short span of time. When more than 100 mm of rain falls within an hour, it is classified as a cloudburst. Unlike normal rainfall, a cloudburst unleashes concentrated torrents of water that overwhelm drainage systems, triggering flash floods, landslides, and widespread destruction. In recent years, India and Pakistan have witnessed a disturbing rise in such extreme weather events, particularly in the Himalayan and mountainous regions. Scientists attribute this to climate change, altered monsoon patterns, and human-induced environmental degradation. Recent Cloudburst Events (2025) 1. Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand (India) – August 5, 2025 • A cloudburst struck Dharali village near Harsil in Uttarkashi district. • Flash floods swept away houses, shops, and...

India’s Myth of Greatness” The Cracks Beneath the Glitter India sells itself to the world as a rising superpower — a nuclear-armed giant, a tech hub, a democracy of 1.4 billion people. But behind the billboards and Bollywood glamour lies a nation stumbling on diplomatic, moral, and social fronts. A Superpower in Retreat India once claimed regional dominance. Today, its grip over South Asia is slipping. Bangladesh no longer dances to New Delhi’s tune. Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, even Iran — all have distanced themselves. The “giant” that once bullied its neighbors is now struggling to maintain influence. Kashmir remains a bleeding wound. Decades of occupation, mass killings, and broken UN resolutions have eroded India’s credibility. Its control over Junagadh and 80% of Pakistan’s water sources feeds conflict rather than cooperation. Recent military standoffs with Pakistan shattered the illusion of invincibility — the “world’s f...

India’s Multi-Front Failures The Urgent Need for Self-Reflection and Reform India, a nation that proudly calls itself the world’s largest democracy, is today grappling with failures on multiple fronts — diplomatic, strategic, and moral. Behind the façade of economic growth, technological achievements, and global recognition lies a deeply troubled society, plagued by inequality, intolerance, and political arrogance. Diplomatic and Strategic Decline Once projecting dominance in South Asia, India has steadily lost its influence over neighboring countries. Control over Bangladesh has faded; Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and even Afghanistan no longer view India as the uncontested regional leader. Relations with Iran have cooled, and its aggressive stance in Kashmir has alienated not only Pakistan but also large sections of the international community. While India boasts of its military strength, including nuclear capability achieved before Pakistan, recent military confrontations...