London Post

Hamid Mir

Tell me that just two years ago, Iran and Pakistan were firing missiles at each other, and within two years, slogans of ‘Thank you Pakistan’ are being raised in Iran. How did such a big change come about in the relations between the two countries?” I smiled after hearing the question and then answered the Arab journalist and said that there have been many ups and downs in the relations between Pakistan and Iran, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has played an important role in bringing the two countries closer to each other. Last year, Netanyahu attacked Iran in collaboration with the United States, and in response, Iran rained missiles on Israel. Iran’s retaliation made the hearts of Pakistanis happy because the Pakistani people were very saddened by Israel’s brutal atrocities on the oppressed Palestinians of Gaza.
The Pakistani government also strongly condemned the war imposed on Iran last year, and thus the relationship of trust between the two countries became stronger. This year, when Israel launched another attack on Iran in collaboration with the United States, the majority of the Pakistani people again stood with Iran. Pakistanis mourned the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as if he were their close relative. Iran’s missiles once again shattered the pride of Israel and America. This war also created some problems for Pakistan because Iran attacked American military bases in the Gulf countries. Pakistan has had good relations with all these Gulf countries, but ordinary Pakistanis stood with Iran in this war. When Pakistan started efforts to end the war, the Iranian government did not doubt Pakistan’s intentions.
Pakistan was the only country that was accepted by both the US and Iran as a mediator. If the Iranians had lost this war, there would have been no need for mediation, so the sacrifices of the Iranian leadership and the courage of the Iranian nation behind the global position that Pakistan has gained as a mediator cannot be ignored. After hearing my answer, the Arab journalist nodded in the affirmative, but an American woman present in this gathering of journalists, while fixing her tangled hair, asked a difficult question in a very polite tone. She asked how long will you maintain a balance in relations with Iran and Saudi Arabia? At some point, you will have to stand with your main ally, Saudi Arabia? I told my foreign journalist friends that I am Pakistani, but I am not a spokesperson for the Pakistani government. If you want to ask about foreign policy, contact the Foreign Office because my opinion on some issues may differ from our government. All the journalists sitting around the table of a restaurant in Islamabad started laughing. The American female journalist sarcastically said that I have known you since 2003 when we first met at the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad during the Iraq War. Earlier you used to talk very bluntly, now you are answering a difficult question like politicians. Hearing this, I also laughed and then said in a serious tone that I didn’t evade your question because before answering, I have made it clear that my personal opinion may be different from the policy of the Pakistani government because the Pakistani government repeatedly nominates Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, but I consider Trump an ambassador of war. The American female journalist cleared her throat and said that then answer my question briefly and simply! I replied that in my opinion, the real purpose of the defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is to protect the holy places of Muslims from Zionist conspiracies. When Iran attacked US military bases in Saudi Arabia during the recent war, Pakistan repeatedly reminded Iran that we have a defence cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, do not put us to any test. Iran replied that if we are not attacked from Saudi Arabia’s airspace, we will not attack US military bases in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan tried its best to ensure that Iran and Saudi Arabia do not attack each other.
Saudi Arabia showed great patience, which is commendable, which is why the least attacks were on Saudi Arabia. It is hoped that such a situation will not arise in the future. With Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, Iran and the US have come very close to an agreement, but due to Trump’s irresponsible statements and drama, things have repeatedly deteriorated. This behaviour of Trump has forced all Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, to think that America is an unreliable ally and that maintaining good relations with Iran in the coming time is the real interest of the entire region. Pakistan will take Iran and Saudi Arabia together like two brothers in the coming time. The common enemies of the two brothers will try to make them fight each other, but the Pakistani nation will make every effort to stop this fight. The American female journalist said, “have you ever thought that America did not allow Iran to become a nuclear power and one day Pakistan’s nuclear weapons could also create a conflict between Pakistan and the United States?”
I immediately replied that the unnecessary statement that your intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard recently made about Pakistan’s missile program shows that the pro-India Zionist lobby in the United States is quite disturbed by Pakistan’s new role in world politics but remember that today Pakistan is your compulsion. Trump had requested Pakistan to get Iran to give us a ceasefire. When Pakistan gave us a ceasefire, Trump repeatedly created problems for Pakistan by making strange statements. Trump does not understand that Pakistan has saved America from a great defeat. Now Trump praises the Pakistani leadership one day and praises Netanyahu the next. This is tantamount to creating problems for the Pakistanis. Now he says that the war is coming back. The Iranians did not care about the war before or the next one. The difference is for America. Remember that Iran, without nuclear weapons, brought down the joint power of Israel and America. This will happen in the future too. Pakistan is a nuclear power. If America ever tries to mess with Pakistan through Israel or India, you will forget about Iranian missiles. It is better that Pakistan makes the efforts it has made for peace successful. Now no one will come to your bluffs. After hearing my answer, the female American journalist said defensively that I have only asked a question. I am also a journalist like you. I am not a representative of my government.
A British journalist tried to give a new direction to the conversation in a very humorous way. He said, we had come to Islamabad for only two or three days. Due to Trump’s dramas, our stay continued to lengthen. Our dollars are running out. The free invitations of Sindhi Biryani, Shinwari Kebab, Balochi Sajji and Lahore Canna in Islamabad save us a lot of money, but it makes my heart tremble to think that when you come to London, how will we arrange such food for you? I told this British journalist that don’t worry. All these Pakistani foods are available for you in every area of ​​London, including East London and Southall in west London. We can entertain you not only with Pakistan’s peace diplomacy but also with Pakistani food and these foods are available in every corner of the world. Very soon, Pakistan’s peace diplomacy and food diplomacy are going to be victorious.

Dr Hamid Khan Al-Mashriqi

The current situation surrounding Iran is far more complex than it appears on the surface. Beneath the visible geopolitical tensions lies a deep internal divide two competing strategic visions that are shaping Tehran’s decisions at a critical moment in regional politics.
On one side stands a pragmatic camp that believes negotiations are the only viable path forward. This group argues that engaging with the United States and moving toward a formal agreement is not just beneficial, but necessary. Given the economic pressures, sanctions, and regional uncertainty, they see diplomacy as a means to secure immediate relief and stabilize the country. Key figures often associated with this approach include Masoud Pezeshkian and Abbas Araghchi, who advocate for timely negotiations and conflict de-escalation.
In contrast, a second, more hardline perspective views the current moment as strategically advantageous. According to this view, the United States is entangled in multiple challenges, while Israel is under significant pressure. Proponents argue that extending the conflict even slightly could strengthen Iran’s position, allowing it to negotiate later from a position of power. Individuals such as Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Mojtaba Khamenei are often linked to this line of thinking, which favors strategic patience over immediate compromise.
This internal duality is not new. Iran’s negotiation history, including developments around the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has shown instances where last-minute shifts and strategic recalibrations altered the course of diplomacy. The current uncertainty reflects a similar pattern, where internal consensus remains elusive.
Adding to the complexity is the fragile ceasefire window. With only limited time before its expiration, expectations of a rapid breakthrough appear unrealistic. Optimistic assumptions, including those attributed to Donald Trump, about swift negotiation outcomes within 24 hours seem disconnected from on-ground realities. Diplomacy, particularly in such high-stakes conflicts, requires time, trust-building, and sustained engagement.
This is where the role of Pakistan becomes particularly significant. Islamabad has emerged as a key and trusted intermediary, maintaining communication channels with all sides.
The recent visit of Asim Munir to Tehran underscores Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and address mutual concerns. Notably, Pakistan has reportedly pushed for practical steps such as easing naval restrictions to prevent further escalation, especially concerning the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
At the heart of the issue are several unresolved points: Iran’s nuclear program, international sanctions, ceasefire terms, potential reparations, and control over critical maritime routes. However, none of these can be effectively addressed without one essential prerequisite a sustained ceasefire.
An extension of the ceasefire is not merely desirable; it is crucial. It provides the necessary “time window” for diplomacy to function. Without it, a return to active conflict and bombardment would make negotiations nearly impossible, as history has repeatedly shown that meaningful dialogue rarely occurs under fire.
Ultimately, the path forward depends on which vision prevails within Iran’s leadership: immediate diplomacy for stability, or strategic delay for leverage. Yet one reality remains clear without extending the ceasefire, even the possibility of peace may slip further out of reach.

Syed Farrukh Zafar

Philanthropy has always been about scale—how to transform compassion into systems of change, and generosity into sustainable impact. Yet in the digital age, this pursuit has taken on unprecedented dimensions. Consider this: global online giving surpassed $50 billion in 2024, with micro-donations—often less than $25—accounting for a significant share. Crowdfunding platforms report that nearly 70% of donors contribute under $50, yet these small gifts collectively fund schools, hospitals, housing projects, and disaster relief at a scale unimaginable in the past. The architecture of modern philanthropy is no longer brick and mortar—it is digital scaffolding, designed to amplify compassion through code and connectivity.
This transformation is not simply about convenience. It represents a profound democratization of giving. Philanthropy, once dominated by wealthy patrons and large foundations, is now accessible to anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection. A student’s modest contribution, a retiree’s monthly pledge, or a professional’s automated payroll donation—all flow into digital systems that aggregate small change into massive impact. The story of modern philanthropy is the story of scale achieved through participation.
From Coins to Code
For centuries, charitable giving was tangible: coins dropped into boxes, cheques mailed to charities, pledges made at community events. Today, the act of giving has migrated into digital spaces. A tap on a phone can send funds across continents, bypassing bureaucratic delays and reaching beneficiaries in real time. This shift has democratized philanthropy, allowing millions to contribute modest sums that collectively create monumental impact.
The Infrastructure of Digital Generosity
Behind this transformation lies a complex architecture. Payment gateways, mobile wallets, blockchain verification, and AI-driven donor analytics form the invisible scaffolding of modern philanthropy. These systems reduce transaction costs, ensure transparency, and build trust. Donors can trace their contributions, watching how their small change becomes part of a larger mosaic of impact. For humanitarian organizations, this infrastructure is not just a convenience—it is a lifeline, enabling them to mobilize resources at unprecedented speed and scale.
Storytelling as the Catalyst
Technology provides the channels, but narrative provides the spark. Digital platforms allow organizations to tell stories that resonate across cultures and geographies. A dignified video of a family receiving housing, a transparent impact report, or a culturally sensitive campaign can transform abstract donations into tangible human connections. In the digital age, storytelling is not an accessory to philanthropy; it is its engine. Without narrative, platforms remain sterile; with narrative, they become bridges between donors and beneficiaries.
Participation and Empowerment
The digital architecture of philanthropy is not only about efficiency—it is about empowerment. By lowering barriers to entry, digital systems invite participation from diverse communities. A student can contribute a small amount, a retiree can pledge monthly support, and a professional can automate giving through payroll integration. Each act of generosity, however modest, becomes part of a collective movement. This inclusivity ensures that philanthropy reflects the values of society at large, rather than the priorities of a privileged few.
Partnerships for Legacy
Modern philanthropy thrives on collaboration. Universities contribute intellectual frameworks, tech firms provide digital tools, and humanitarian organizations bring lived experience from the field. Together, they design solutions that blend rigor with compassion. These partnerships elevate small initiatives into legacy projects, ensuring that digital generosity translates into sustainable change rather than fleeting campaigns. The architecture of philanthropy is strongest when it is co-designed by diverse stakeholders who share a vision of dignity and justice.
The Ethical Imperative
Yet scale brings responsibility. The digital architecture of philanthropy must be designed with dignity, inclusivity, and accountability. Algorithms must avoid bias, platforms must protect privacy, and narratives must respect the humanity of those they portray. The challenge is not only to build systems that scale generosity, but to ensure they scale justice and equity as well. Without ethical safeguards, digital philanthropy risks becoming transactional rather than transformational.
Looking Ahead
As digital systems evolve, philanthropy will continue to expand its reach. Artificial intelligence will personalize donor engagement, blockchain will enhance transparency, and immersive technologies will deepen storytelling. Yet the essence of philanthropy will remain unchanged: the human impulse to care. Technology is not a substitute for compassion—it is an amplifier. The task before us is to design digital systems that honor human dignity, foster trust, and invite participation.
Conclusion
Small change, when structured through digital systems, becomes massive scale. The architecture of modern philanthropy is about amplifying compassion through code. As we design the future of giving, the imperative is clear: build digital systems that honor humanity, foster inclusivity, and invite participation. In doing so, we ensure that every click, every micro-donation, becomes a cornerstone in the edifice of a more humane world.

Ramsha Shahid

For years, the UK has comforted itself with the idea that the gender pay gap is narrowing, that progress is slow but steady, and that professional women need only wait a little longer for the summit to come into view. In 2026, that reassurance looks threadbare. While numbers have improved at the margins, the structure of power remains recognisably old. Women are entering elite professions in record numbers, yet the highest-paid roles lean heavily male, and the wealth continues to accumulate accordingly.
The national picture is often presented as encouraging. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) noted that in April 2025, the gender pay gap for full-time employees was 6.9%. Across all employees, the gap stood at 12.8%, down slightly from the previous year. These figures show movement, but they also flatter the system. A national average has a soothing quality; it softens the sharper truth that the gap is widest precisely where the money is richest and the power most jealously guarded.
The modern pay gap is rarely about paying a woman less for the exact same task. It is subtler and, therefore, more durable. The divide lies in who reaches the revenue-heavy, bonus-rich roles at the top. In sectors where salaries soar, the pattern is impossible to ignore. In 2025, the financial and insurance sectors remained the highest-paying industries, yet the gender pay gap there sat at a staggering 22.3%.
The trade union movement has been blunter. In February 2026, the TUC estimated that women in the UK effectively work 47 days a year for free compared to men. At the current pace, the UK gender pay gap will not close until 2056. That is not a policy timeline; it is a long lease on complacency.
In finance, where bonuses are treated with religious seriousness, the disparity is vivid. Recent reporting shows median pay gaps at Lloyds (35.5%) and HSBC (46.7%) remain stark. This is a story of who occupies the senior strata and who does not.
The culture of elite work, often advertised as a meritocracy, frequently operates as “endurance theatre.” The worker who is always visible and treats midnight emails as routine enjoys an obvious advantage. This model punishes interruption and treats care responsibilities as “interference” from real life. Consequently, the gap widens with age. While younger age groups see smaller differences in pay, the divide grows later in working life, precisely when promotions and influence accumulate.
The highest-paid professions still run on networks and inherited norms. Careers at the top are built on being brought into rooms and backed in leadership discussions long before titles are awarded. Vague standards like “fit” and “readiness” remain powerful gatekeeping tools.
Closing the gap requires structural change, not just headline reporting. Promotion criteria must shift from visibility to measurable contribution, and care infrastructure must be treated as a public economic priority rather than a private burden.
The UK likes to imagine it has moved beyond overt inequality. However, as long as the top of our most lucrative professions resembles a continuation of old hierarchies, the conversation will remain what it has long been: acknowledged, analyzed, and ultimately unresolved.

Dr. Shahzad Qureshi

In the modern hustle for professional success and material accumulation, we often overlook the most profound currency of the human experience: kindness. Charity work is not merely a selfless act of giving away what we possess; it is a transformative process that bridges the gap between different social strata and heals the fractures within our global community. Whether it is a financial contribution, a warm meal, or simply our time, the act of giving is the heartbeat of a functional society.
The Immediate Impact: Homelessness and Hunger
For those living on the fringes of society, charity is not a luxury, it is a lifeline. Homelessness is often accompanied by a devastating sense of invisibility. When we reach out to the homeless and the needy, we are doing more than providing resources; we are acknowledging their dignity.
Feeding the hungry is perhaps the most fundamental form of charity. There is a primal importance in ensuring that no child or adult goes to bed with an empty stomach. When you provide a meal, you are providing the energy for someone to survive another day, the hope to seek employment, and the physical strength to endure hardship.
The Emotional Loop: Sharing Happiness
One of the most beautiful paradoxes of life is that the more you give, the more you receive. Science often refers to this as the “helper’s high.” When we share our happiness and our feelings with others, we aren’t depleting our own reserves; we are multiplying them.
* Empathy over Pity: Charity allows us to move from feeling “sorry” for someone to feeling “with” them.
* Connection: It breaks the barriers of isolation that often plague both the wealthy and the poor.
* Perspective: Serving those in need provides a grounding reality check, reminding us of our own blessings and fostering a spirit of gratitude.
A Call to Action: Be an Active Participant
Charity is not reserved for the millionaire or the philanthropist with a foundation. It is a daily choice. As long as the intent is to give, no effort is too small. Whether it is volunteering at a local shelter, donating clothes you no longer wear, or using your professional skills to help a non-profit, your contribution matters.
“True wealth is not measured by what we keep, but by what we share.”
We must strive to be active participants in the welfare of our communities. Indifference is the greatest threat to humanity. By being active in charity work, you become a stakeholder in someone else’s success and a guardian of their well-being.
Conclusion
The cycle of giving is infinite. When you give to the needy, you are planting seeds of compassion that will eventually grow into a forest of communal support. I encourage everyone to find a cause that resonates with their heart. Be consistent, be sincere, and be active.
Remember, the world does not change through grand gestures alone; it changes through the collective pulse of millions of small, charitable hearts working in unison.
Always be part of the solution. The feelings of fulfillment and the joy of seeing another person smile because of your actions are rewards that no amount of money can ever buy. Give, and you shall find that your life becomes infinitely richer.

Prof Fatima Zaman

I began my own career as a volunteer 26 years ago, and that experience has profoundly shaped my beliefs. It is why I feel so strongly about the power of voluntary work, not as a simple act of kindness, but as a foundation for personal growth and national strength.
The future of a nation is not merely written in its economic ledgers or technological advancements; it is etched into the character of its youngest citizens. For young girls in our society, the transition from childhood to adulthood is a pivotal window. Encouraging them to engage in education and community service particularly within vital institutions like the NHS, is far more than a “good deed.” It is a transformative educational strategy that builds morality, credibility, and a deep sense of belonging within British society.
When a young girl volunteers her time, she is not simply completing a task; she is developing morally and socially. By supporting healthcare professionals or assisting in community initiatives, she steps beyond her own lived experience and learns to understand others. This fosters empathy one of the most important qualities of leadership.
Within environments like the NHS, even small contributions guiding patients or helping with administrative tasks teach the value of dignity and public service. These experiences build confidence in ways no classroom can replicate. A girl who learns to navigate professional spaces and communicate with diverse groups develops both self-worth and social credibility.
For many young girls, especially those from diverse backgrounds, voluntary work acts as a bridge into wider society. It provides a meaningful way to understand shared values and build connections.
Social cohesion: Working alongside people of different ages and backgrounds fosters unity and shared identity..
Moral responsibility: It reinforces the idea that everyone has a role in contributing to society. Through service, young people shift from being passive observers to active participants in shaping their communities. This strengthens the collective spirit essential for a stable and inclusive nation.
The long-term impact of early volunteering is significant. Young people who engage in service are more likely to pursue higher education, develop strong interpersonal skills, and remain actively involved in civic life.
From an academic perspective, this is the essence of holistic education. It prepares future professionals not only with knowledge, but with emotional intelligence, ethical awareness, and a sense of purpose.
Investing in voluntary work is, ultimately, an investment in the nation. Encouraging young girls to give their time does not take away from their childhood, it enriches it. It equips them with the confidence, values, and vision needed to build a stronger, more unified future.
Let us empower them to lead, to serve, and to become the change-makers our society needs.