Article by: Izmi Herlani From Swift Retort to Bunyanum Marsoos The skies of Pakistan have long stood as a symbol of vigilance and sovereignty. Seven years ago, they witnessed a defining chapter in national defense history — Operation Swift Retort. Executed with precision and resolve in February 2019, the operation was more than a tactical…
By Deeba Shehnaz Akhtar Over the past two decades, Emergency Services Rescue 1122 has emerged as a vital lifeline for Pakistan, providing critical assistance to over 18.5 million victims across the country. From medical emergencies to natural disasters, this integrated emergency service encompassing ambulance, fire and rescue, disaster response, and community emergency response teams has…
Since independence, Pakistan has grappled with multiple challenges, among them recurrent natural disasters such as floods. As of August 31, 2025, the country is facing one of its most severe flooding episodes in decades, with millions displaced across several provinces. What transforms this natural hazard into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe is structural failure. When systems…
By Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: “Every soul shall taste death” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:185). This is an unchangeable truth accepted by all religions of the world. Yet, Islam elevates the one who dies a martyr’s death to a station beyond human comprehension. The Holy Qur’an declares: “And do not say…
Author: Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Target Publication Date: 8 March 2025, International Women’s Day War, displacement, and instability are fuelling the rise of preventable diseases across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. But even in the most challenging conditions, women continue to make the difference between life and death. Women play…
After almost half a century, as a student of history, I was struck by a picture that symbolized the transformation of relationships between two nations. The photograph captured Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir presenting souvenirs to a top military delegation from Bangladesh, a gesture of goodwill and friendship. This seemingly simple act carried…
By Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal The 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029), aptly titled “Uraan Pakistan,” represents a bold and comprehensive strategy aimed at steering Pakistan towards sustainable development, economic resilience, and societal progress. At a critical crossroads in its history, Pakistan seeks to leverage lessons from earlier plans while addressing systemic obstacles that have previously impeded progress….
The immediate aftermath of 2024 may bring uncertainty and turmoil, but it also offers opportunities for creating more equitable and accountable systems worldwide. The key question remains whether nations and societies will capitalize on these shifts or succumb to the risks inherent in such transformations. This analysis of 2024 captures a pivotal moment in global…
Deeba Shahnaz Akhter In 2024, Emergency Service Rescue 1122 achieved a significant milestone as Pakistan was honored with the United Nations INSARAG Chair for the Asia-Pacific region. This recognition followed its INSARAG classification and led to the hosting of three major international events: the International Rescue Challenge, the United Nations INSARAG Exercise in Lahore, and the…
Education is a fundamental pillar of any nation’s progress, providing the foundation for socioeconomic development, innovation, and global competitiveness. In Pakistan, however, the educational system has long been criticized for being outdated, failing to meet modern challenges, and inadequately preparing students for the future. This essay delves into the factors that contribute to the antiquated…
