Information and communication technology (ICT) has become an inseparable part of our daily lives, impacting various aspects such as business, entertainment, communication, education, and even food production. The widespread adoption of ICT, with nearly five billion mobile phones globally, signifies its global presence. Despite its almost universal reach, the advantages and opportunities provided by ICT are not equally accessible to all. Mere access to the "world information society" does not guarantee full participation and inclusion.
Review | Islam in Pakistan: A History by Muhammad Qasim Zaman
The book 'Islam in Pakistan: A History' by Muhammad Qasim Zaman, based on an outstanding blend of innovative historical studies, is unquestionably the most thorough survey of Pakistan’s religious landscape to date
Redefining Global Energy Landscape Through Renewable Energy
As the world continues to search for sustainable and environmentally-friendly sources of energy, renewable energy has emerged as a frontrunner. The energy produced from natural resources that are filled up at a faster rate than consumed has been called "Renewable Energy". Such sources, for example, are sunlight and wind, which are constantly replenished. On the other hand, fossil fuels, coal, oil, and gas, which take hundreds of millions of years to develop, are non-renewable sources. Harmful greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, are caused by fossil fuels when they are burned to produce energy. In the recent decades, the urgent need to move towards a sustainable energy transition has been recognized by the global community. The need to shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources is more obvious than ever, due to the depletion of oil resources, increasing greenhouse gas emissions as well as growing concerns about climate change.
From Campus to Community: Tackling the Epidemic of Drug Addiction in Pakistan
Drug addiction has become an increasingly alarming issue in Pakistan, presenting substantial health and societal difficulties for its youth. The obstacles due to this addiction can have detrimental impacts on their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth, leading to unfavorable consequences like dropping out of school, engaging in criminal activities, becoming delinquent, experiencing homelessness, and developing addictions.
Feeding a Nation in Crisis: Pakistan’s Ongoing Struggle with Food Inflation
The economic outlook for 2023 is negatively influenced by factors such as high inflation, stricter financial conditions, reduced private consumption, and imbalances in external trade. Additionally, the region's susceptibility to severe climate events, such as droughts and floods, poses a significant risk to its economic stability.
Review | Revenge, Politics and Blasphemy in Pakistan by Adeel Hussain
The book “Revenge, Politics and Blasphemy in Pakistan” has been written by Adeel Hussain. He is currently teaching Law and Political Theory as an Assistant Professor in Department of Political Science at Leiden University. He has written many books and journals on topics including political Islam, secularism etc. "Revenge, politics, and blasphemy in Pakistan," "Nehru_ The debate that defined India," "Law and Muslim Political Thought in Late Colonial North India," and other works are among his most important. Adeel Hussain’s book provides even minor details of events which are explained in such a way that provides the reader with a clear picture of historical events. This description helps the reader connect these events to contemporary era and they seem relatable even today. Adeel Hussain justifies each of his point with strong arguments, thus compelling the reader to delve into the subject matter. His style of writing is dynamic and presents his deep understanding of his subject.
Inclusivity is Key: Lessons from Global Success Stories
Inclusion institutions give equal rights and entitlements, which facilitate equality of opportunity, voice, and access to resources and services. The principle of universality, non-discrimination, or targeted action is normally the basis for inclusive institutions. Targeted actions are needed where the most disadvantaged individuals or groups require differential treatment to achieve equivalent results. Inclusive institutions are based on the notions of pluralism and centralization. Pluralism is a concept based on diversity and tolerance, suggesting the peaceful coexistence of different groups in a society having different opinions and beliefs. Pluralism is the cornerstone of inclusive institutions but it cannot forge inclusive institutions in the absence of centralized states. If the state cannot enforce the rule of law, chaos, and lawlessness are the result. Exclusive institutions, on the other hand, are characterized by a small elite (not pluralistic ) with all the power and decision-making that benefits and enriches it without concern for the larger population. Thus the nature of institutions whether inclusive or exclusive determines the destiny of a state.
Beyond the Deadlock: Rethinking India-Pakistan Relations for a Prosperous South Asia
South Asia stands at a critical juncture, grappling with a multitude of challenges that hinder its progress and potential. Three prominent factors contribute to the complexities faced by the region. Foremost among them is the long-standing and highly significant Kashmir dispute. Both Pakistan and India recognize the complexity of the Kashmir dispute, understanding that progress in other areas cannot be achieved without resolving it first. The Pakistani mindset is deeply entrenched in the Kashmir issue, making it a major obstacle to improving relations with India. On the other hand, India uses the Kashmir argument to its advantage, invoking acts of terrorism and forcing Pakistan to defend its position. This ongoing debate has impeded a rational evaluation and hindered progress between the two neighboring South Asian countries, leading to a state of neither peace nor war. It is astonishing but true that in this modern century, a time characterized by connectivity, mutually beneficial coexistence, and interdependence among modern economies, South Asia remains the least connected region in the world. Trade between the eight member countries accounts for only two percent of their combined global trade.This book reveals Mariam’s intimate knowledge of South Asia, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan. It focuses on two of the major developments: the Shia-Sunni conflict known as ‘sectarianism’ and Islamism (including Afghan. Taliban and Pakistan-based Jihadi groups). In this book, the author attributed more importance to cultural codes and symbols than to theological discourses. For Mariam, sectarianism and Islamism are not religious reserves, they are ideologies that make use of religion as a tool rather than a faith.
Review | Pakistan, A Kaleidoscope of Islam by Mariam Abou Zahab
Mariam Abou Zahab, a French Political Scientist who grew up in a Catholic environment and later converted to Islam (Shia Muslim) presents Pakistan beyond the binaries of conservative and liberal, Sunni and Shia, modernist and Sufi. Her truly kaleidoscopic analysis shows the many colors of Islam in Pakistan, interrogating our understanding of Islamism and sectarianism. This book reveals Mariam’s intimate knowledge of South Asia, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan. It focuses on two of the major developments: the Shia-Sunni conflict known as ‘sectarianism’ and Islamism (including Afghan. Taliban and Pakistan-based Jihadi groups). In this book, the author attributed more importance to cultural codes and symbols than to theological discourses. For Mariam, sectarianism and Islamism are not religious reserves, they are ideologies that make use of religion as a tool rather than a faith.
Us vs. Them: The Dangerous Rhetoric of Populist Leaders
Democracy, with its emphasis on citizen participation, individual freedoms, and the rule of law, has long been considered the cornerstone of modern governance. However, in recent years, populism has emerged as a significant threat to democratic values and institutions worldwide. Populist movements, characterized by their appeal to the grievances and aspirations of the masses, often exploit divisions within societies and undermine democratic principles.
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