Opinions

Dr. Hamid Khan Al-Mashriqi

More than seven decades ago, the eminent scholar and mathematician Allama Inayat Ullah Khan Al-Mashriqi warned that water could one day become the most critical strategic challenge facing Pakistan. He argued that if upstream control of river systems were ever used for political or strategic purposes, Pakistan’s agriculture, economy, and water security could face grave consequences. Whether viewed as a prediction or a strategic assessment, his warning remains relevant today as water scarcity, climate change, and regional tensions increasingly converge.
Water is the foundation of human civilization. It sustains life, supports agriculture, drives economic development, and preserves ecological balance. Throughout history, nations have fought over territory, resources, and political influence. Yet one principle has long stood above political disputes: water should never be weaponized against civilian populations.
Economic sanctions, political isolation, and even armed conflicts have shaped international relations for centuries. Nations have endured wars, rebuilt their economies, and recovered from devastating crises. However, depriving millions of people of access to water crosses a moral and humanitarian threshold recognized by the international community.
The world’s major transboundary rivers demonstrate the importance of cooperation. The Nile flows through numerous African nations, while the Danube links many European countries that have experienced periods of conflict. Despite political differences, these rivers have largely continued to serve as shared natural resources rather than instruments of coercion.
The Indus River system is among the world’s most significant examples of transboundary water management. The *Indus Waters Treaty* was established to safeguard water supplies for the people of both India and Pakistan regardless of political or military tensions. Its primary objective has always been humanitarian security and the peaceful management of shared resources.
Any attempt to use water as a political or military instrument would have consequences extending far beyond the immediate dispute. Agriculture, food security, public health, energy production, and national economies all depend upon reliable access to water. Millions of farmers, families, and businesses rely on these river systems for their livelihoods. Any prolonged disruption risks creating humanitarian crises whose effects could spread well beyond national borders.
Today, water security is inseparable from climate security. Rising global temperatures, prolonged droughts, shifting rainfall patterns, glacial changes, and increasing water scarcity are placing unprecedented pressure on governments worldwide. In this environment, cooperation over shared water resources is no longer simply desirable—it has become an international necessity.
International law recognizes that rivers crossing national boundaries require cooperation, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute resolution. The principles governing shared waterways are intended to prevent conflicts from escalating while protecting the rights and welfare of affected populations. Respect for these principles contributes not only to regional stability but also to international peace.
The international community therefore bears a collective responsibility to discourage the weaponization of essential natural resources. Water should unite nations through cooperation rather than divide them through confrontation. Diplomatic dialogue, scientific collaboration, transparent river management, and adherence to international agreements remain the most effective pathways toward sustainable peace.
The future of international security will increasingly depend upon how nations manage shared environmental resources. Water must never become a means of collective punishment. It is a universal human necessity, a shared natural inheritance, and a trust that must be protected for future generations.
History will judge nations not by how effectively they used water as leverage, but by how responsibly they safeguarded this indispensable resource for humanity. In an era defined by climate change and growing water stress, wisdom demands cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over hostility, and humanity over politics.
Water is not merely a strategic asset. It is life itself. Protecting it from becoming a weapon is not only a legal obligation—it is a moral responsibility shared by every nation.
This version is more concise, removes duplicated sections, and adopts a more neutral, policy-oriented tone that is generally better suited for publication in newspapers, journals, or think-tank outlets. If your intended audience is specifically Pakistani readers, I can also produce a stronger op-ed version that retains more rhetorical force while staying grounded in verifiable facts.

Fakiha Noor

A chessboard never reveals its winner in the opening move. At first glance, spectators believe the objective is simple: just to capture the king, but every grandmaster knows that victory is decided long before the king is cornered. It is achieved by controlling space, sacrificing pawns, manipulating diagonals, blocking movement, and forcing the opponent into positions from which escape becomes impossible.
Today, the new geography of conflict has unfolded like an international chessboard where the king is no longer needed because, in early ages, wars were fought to seize territory and defeat armies. Borders were the squares of the chessboard, tanks were the rooks, and soldiers were the pawns marching in disciplined formations. Nowadays, this board has expanded beyond physical borders into cyberspace, economies, societies, and human psychology. Kings existed in the form of sovereign states, but remarkably, they are no longer the primary target. Instead, every surrounding piece is attacked until the king becomes strategically irrelevant.
In this chessboard, the pawn represents geopolitics and strategy, the insignificant move that quietly determines the outcome of the game. Pawns are expendable today; they occupy space, block movement, and gradually reshape the battlefield. They move their proxy militias, private military companies, cyber operations, economic sanctions, and diplomatic pressure to transform terrorism into structural metamorphosis. The Sahel demonstrates this pawn strategy through the withdrawal of French forces and ECOWAS and the new alliance with the Wagner group, which generates contagious political instability in the region under resource exploitation by militias (IS, JNIM) and influences Sudan, the DRC, Lake Basin, and Chad with the same atrocities. This makes F. Curri’s Iron Law, “Conflict is the oxygen of terrorism”, an important driving force.
The knight symbolises ideology, the most unpredictable piece in the game. Unlike every other chess piece, the knight never attacks in a straight line but leaps unexpectedly over obstacles, appearing where opponents least anticipate. Ideology is functioning similarly and bypasses military borders and penetrates identities, beliefs, religion, ethnicity, and historical memory. Here, Francis Stewart argues that horizontal inequalities lead to violent conflict with economic disparities and ignite violence which has emerged through inequality, followed by ethnic or religious lines. So, ideological narratives become the knight’s unexpected fork, simultaneously attacking politics, society, and economics.
The bishop represents economic coercion, moving silently along long diagonals and rarely attacking directly because economies determine political outcomes without firing a single bullet, where weak states become vulnerable squares and external actors compete for influence. At the same time, local militias prolong instability for economic gain. On the other hand, the rook symbolises security, the strongest defensive structure on the chessboard, which protects the king. Still, the irony of today’s conflict is unmistakable: governments continue strengthening their rooks, but their opponents infiltrate cyberspace, manipulate public opinion, radicalise youth, and weaken institutions from within. The castle remains intact while the foundations quietly collapse.
Finally, the queen, representing environmental stressors, is the most powerful force because it combines every direction of movement, like climate change, drought, food insecurity, resource scarcity, displacement, and malnutrition, to intersect with geopolitical rivalry, ideological polarisation, economic inequality, and fragile governance. This makes the queen transform local crises into regional instability, magnifying every weakness already present on the board. This evolution operated by the four steps of the new chessboard of conflict.
Opening resembles the fragmentation and integration of a chess match. Every player seeks control over separate squares according to national interests, like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, confronting fragmented insurgencies while simultaneously forming new regional security alignments, including the Alliance of Sahel States.
The middle game constitutes over interiorisation and exteriorisation, where domestic unrest appears internal but is carefully engineered or exploited by external players. For instance, Cameroon, Benin and Togo exemplify this strategy as regional militant networks spill across borders, manipulating local ethnic tensions for strategic gain linked to Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin and Islamic State Sahel Province.
Endgame reflects the duration when modern conflicts become prolonged because the human insecurity itself becomes a battlefield, like the Sahel recording over 11,000 conflict-related fatalities in 2025, making it the world’s deadliest terrorism hotspot, while millions remain displaced and put the civilianization into chaos.
Resultantly, the checkmate that nobody notices represents civilianisation, which does not see civilians as collateral damage but as principal targets through digital radicalisation, encrypted platforms, echo chambers, and online propaganda. Here, ordinary citizens become weapons against their own societies.
In conclusion, modern conflict is not fought to capture territory; it is fought to control the entire chessboard. The most dangerous move is rarely the obvious attack but the quiet pawn that reaches the eighth rank unnoticed. Governments that continue preparing only for conventional warfare resemble amateur players obsessed with protecting their king while ignoring the gradual capture of every surrounding square. In the new geography of conflict, victory belongs not to the strongest army but to the player who understands that wars are now won through strategy before they are ever fought on the battlefield.

Prof Fatima Zaman

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital media are transforming the world at an unprecedented pace. From businesses and education to healthcare, government services, charities, and community organisations, technology has become an essential part of everyday life. Understanding AI and digital platforms is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. To move forward successfully in every sector, individuals and organisations must embrace digital education, develop new skills, and use technology responsibly.
AI has the power to improve efficiency, save time, and solve complex problems. Businesses are using AI to enhance customer service, analyse market trends, improve productivity, and make better decisions. Small businesses can now compete with larger organisations by using affordable AI tools for marketing, communication, and administration. This creates new opportunities for growth, innovation, and job creation.
However, the benefits of AI extend far beyond the business world. Community organisations, charities, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and public services can all use AI to deliver better outcomes. AI can help charities identify people most in need of support, assist healthcare professionals with research and diagnosis, improve educational resources for students, and help local authorities communicate more effectively with residents. Digital technology allows communities to stay connected, organise events, raise awareness for important causes, and inspire positive social change.
Social media also plays a significant role in modern society. It enables people to connect across borders, share ideas, promote businesses, support charitable causes, and build stronger communities. Used responsibly, digital platforms can educate millions of people, encourage collaboration, and give a voice to those who may otherwise go unheard.
Despite these remarkable opportunities, AI and social media also present serious challenges. The rapid spread of fake news, manipulated images, misleading videos, and false information has become a growing concern. Artificial intelligence can now generate realistic content that may be difficult to distinguish from reality. Misinformation can damage reputations, influence public opinion, create unnecessary fear, and divide communities.
This is why digital literacy is more important than ever. Before believing or sharing any information online, people should verify its source, cross-check facts, and rely on trusted organisations and reputable news outlets. Critical thinking and responsible online behaviour are essential skills in today’s digital world. Parents, teachers, employers, and community leaders all have a responsibility to educate young people and the wider public about recognising misinformation and using technology safely.
Governments, educational institutions, businesses, and community organisations should work together to provide digital skills training and AI awareness programmes. These initiatives can help people understand both the opportunities and the risks associated with emerging technologies. By investing in education today, we prepare future generations for tomorrow’s careers and challenges.
Artificial Intelligence is not here to replace humanity, it is here to support human creativity, innovation, and progress. The future belongs to those who are willing to learn, adapt, and embrace change while maintaining strong ethical values. As technology continues to evolve, our greatest strength will remain our ability to use it wisely, responsibly, and for the benefit of society.
Together, by promoting digital education, encouraging innovation, and remaining vigilant against misinformation, we can build a future where AI serves humanity, strengthens communities, drives economic growth, and creates opportunities for everyone.

Dr Shahzad Qureshi

Strong leadership plays an important role in shaping the future of any nation. During times of economic uncertainty, social challenges, and global instability, people naturally look to political leaders to provide direction, confidence, and practical solutions. Regardless of political affiliation, effective leadership requires integrity, accountability, the ability to listen, and a commitment to serving the public interest.
In the United Kingdom, political debate is an essential part of democracy. Different political parties present different ideas on how to improve the country, and healthy discussion allows citizens to make informed decisions. While disagreements are inevitable, respect for democratic values and constructive dialogue remain vital for maintaining a strong and united society.
Communities across Britain face a range of important issues, including the cost of living, access to healthcare, economic growth, housing, education, public transport, and opportunities for young people. Addressing these challenges requires cooperation between national government, local authorities, businesses, charities, and community organisations. Lasting progress is rarely achieved through division; it is more often built through partnership, compromise, and shared purpose.
Local and regional leaders also play a significant role in improving people’s everyday lives. By focusing on investment, infrastructure, skills, employment, and community development, they can help create opportunities that benefit families and businesses alike. Effective public leadership is measured not only by vision but also by the ability to deliver practical results and bring people together.
Britain has always been at its strongest when people from different backgrounds work towards common goals. The country’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, bringing together different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity help build stronger communities and create an environment where everyone has the chance to succeed.
Political differences should never become barriers to mutual respect. Citizens can support different parties or hold different opinions while still working together to improve their neighbourhoods and contribute positively to society. Community service, volunteering, charitable work, and local engagement often make a meaningful difference regardless of political preference.
The future of Britain depends not only on elected representatives but also on the active participation of its people. Every individual has a role to play by staying informed, engaging respectfully in public discussion, voting, volunteering, and supporting initiatives that improve the lives of others.
As the country continues to face new opportunities and challenges, unity, responsible leadership, and constructive cooperation will remain essential. By encouraging respectful debate, focusing on practical solutions, and working together across communities, Britain can continue to build a future that is more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient for generations to come.

Hamid Mir

The Turkish hospital in Sidon, Lebanon, was filled with those injured in the Israeli bombing. Journalists must obtain permission from the Ministry of Health to visit any hospital in Lebanon. After three days of trying, we got this permission and stopped at this hospital in Sidon while returning from the devastated areas of southern Lebanon. It turned out that a Pakistani doctor had come from the United States and was currently busy in the operation theatre. The hospital administration allowed us to wait for him outside the operation theatre. As the waiting moments got longer, I connected my mobile phone to the hospital’s Wi-Fi and tried to find out the situation in Pakistan. The first news that came to my mind was the criticism of a statement made by the PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in the National Assembly by the Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. Bilawal and Maulana Fazlur Rehman had condemned the Defence Minister’s statement in which he said about the people of Rawalakot and Mirpur that he did not consider them Kashmiris. I could not believe that Khawaja Muhammad Asif would have said this because a few days ago I had personally requested him to play some role in managing the deteriorating situation in different parts of Azad Kashmir.
One day, I and Mushahid Hussain were preparing to go to Rawalakot on the request of some friends of the Hurriyat Conference, but then we were told that the roads were blocked and you cannot reach there. I could not reach Rawalakot, but I managed to reach the war-torn areas of Lebanon. After coming here, I found out that an unnecessary debate is going on in the dear homeland on the Kashmiri identity of Kashmiris and the Pakistani identity of Pakistanis. I quickly started searching for more news on my phone to understand this issue. Khawaja Muhammad Asif had said about the people of Rawalakot and Mirpur that I do not consider them to be tall and broad Kashmiris because they speak Pothohari and besides, he had declared struggle and sacrifices as the measure of Kashmiri identity. I wondered if Khawaja Muhammad Asif did not remember where the meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference on July 19, 1947, in which the resolution of accession to Pakistan was passed, was held. This meeting was held at the residence of Sardar Ibrahim Khan in Srinagar. Sardar Ibrahim belonged to Poonch. Sardar Fateh Khan Karelvi was also present in this meeting. He also belonged to Poonch and Rawalakot is still the headquarters of Poonch district. Sardar Ibrahim and Sardar Fateh Khan Karelvi also played an important role in the armed rebellion against the Dogra government in 1947.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticized Khawaja Muhammad Asif, but he did not say why Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, who belonged to his party, made the situation in Jammu and Kashmir even more tense by declaring the Joint Public Action Committee illegal? Faisal Mumtaz Rathore also belongs to Rawalakot. The general opinion is that someone else decided to declare the Action Committee illegal and Rathore accepted this order under compulsion. If they are so compelled, then they should leave politics. I was worried about the hypocritical rhetoric of the PPP and the PML-N against each other in Azad Kashmir when suddenly the door of the operation theater opened and a doctor removed his face mask and walked towards me. It was Dr. Salman Dasti, who is from Lahore but lives in the US state of California and has been working for :several days without pay at the Turkish Hospital in Sidon to treat the wounded of the Lebanon war. Dr. Salman took me to different wards. Here, someone had a leg amputated, someone had an arm amputated, but all the wounded were in high spirits. Among those martyred and injured by the Israeli bombing were Shias and Sunnis. Israeli rockets and shells did not see what the color, race and sect of the people living in southern Lebanon were? Israeli rockets targeted Muslims of every sect and their mosques.
Dr. Salman had previously served oppressed Muslims in Gaza. While visiting the hospital, he asked, “What is the condition of Pakistan?” I avoided telling him the situation that I had come to know a while ago. This doctor, thousands of miles away from his homeland, is working day and night to serve his Muslim brothers and sisters without any personal or political motives, and the ruling class of his homeland is confusing Kashmiris and Pakistanis. After taking leave of Dr. Salman, we left Sidon for Beirut, and my mind was confused about Pakistan. I was thinking that our rulers are praising Trump for resolving global conflicts but are creating unnecessary conflicts in their own country? When I reached Doha to return to Pakistan from Beirut, I met a journalist from Srinagar at the airport who was going to Britain. As soon as he hugged me, he started crying and said, “Why do you people want to separate Kashmiris from Kashmiris?”
When I tried to pretend to be ignorant, he started crying and cursing the rulers of Pakistan by name. He reminded me that the most authentic history of us Kashmiris was written by Muhammaduddin Fawq, who was born in Sialkot and buried in the Miani Sahib graveyard in Lahore. Kashmiriyyat is not related to language but to history, geography and culture. A study of Muhammaduddin Fawq’s book “History of the Nations of Kashmir” (two volumes) shows that not only Kashmiri speakers but also many Gujjars, Rajputs, Afghans and Mughals also live in the Kashmir Valley. His second book “History of the Nations of Poonch” states that not only Sudhans, Rajputs, Bhattis, Gujjars and Gakhars but also Kashmiri Mirs, Lones, Bhats, Dars and Sadats also live in Rawalakot and other areas of Poonch. All the generations of Sadats of Kashmir are mentioned in detail in this book. His third book “History of the Nations of Jammu” also shows that different languages ​​are spoken in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, but all the residents of this state consider themselves Kashmiris. Muhammaduddin Fawq has called the Poonch rebellion led by Sardar Fateh Khan Karelvi a part of the Jammu and Kashmir agitation. In this rebellion, the people of Poonch burned the customs posts against illegal taxes in 1929, and the people of Jammu started taking out processions against the insult of the Quran in 1931. And the people of Mirpur attacked police stations under the leadership of Sadiq Shah on Monday morning and released the arrested Muslims. This rebellion reached Srinagar where Kashmiri Muslims demonstrated for the release of a Pashtun Abdul Qadeer.
These Muslims were fired upon on July 13, 1931, and two dozen were martyred. July 13 is still the Martyrs’ Day of Kashmiris, which is celebrated jointly across the country and is not related to any race or language of Kashmiris but to their faith. The Kashmiri journalist was crying in a trembling voice and saying that from Mirpur to Muzaffarabad and from Jammu to Srinagar, all Kashmiris are one. Kashmiris are proud of being Muslims. They do not need a certificate from any caste chief for their Kashmiri hood. Just as Punjabis living in Punjab and Sindh are all Sindhis, similarly all those living in the state of Jammu and Kashmir are Kashmiris. The flight of this Kashmiri journalist from Srinagar was getting late. He finished his speech and headed towards the boarding gate but kept looking back. Kar was looking at me and wiping his tears.

Wajahat Ali Khan

The memorandum of understanding signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Peshmerga on February 28 outlines the political, military, and economic consequences of the mistaken decision to attack Iran. The human toll has already been clear. Thousands have been killed in Iran and Lebanon, many of them civilians. The US, and consequently Israel, have suffered a strategic defeat.
The regime in Tehran has faced its worst fears, with the US, the world’s greatest power, and Israel, the Middle East’s major power, taking joint military action to weaken or destroy it. The regime has not only survived, but it has also become stronger. Iran’s strategy, which aims to close the Strait of Hormuz, which supplies a fifth of the world’s oil and gas, as well as other vital components of the global economy, has forced Trump to make several concessions that have angered and alarmed hard-line Iranians in the United States and the Israeli government.
The memorandum of understanding, or MOU, calls for an end to the fighting in Lebanon. Israel says that is not possible. It wants freedom of action in Lebanon, and the issue could further deepen the rift between Israel and the United States and play into the hands of Iranian hardliners who oppose any deal with the United States.
In exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the MOU states that the US will lift its blockade of Iranian ports, ease sanctions so that Iran can earn billions of dollars by exporting oil and begin the process of returning billions of dollars to Iran by recovering frozen assets abroad. All of this is before they begin the real and difficult negotiations on the nuclear deal. This is the price of going back to the state it was in on February 27, the day before the war began.
On that day, the Strait of Hormuz was open to shipping and US and Iranian negotiators were discussing the nuclear deal. The signing of the MOU means that negotiators will resume work and ships will be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Joe Biden’s Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, wrote on X that “the only ‘success’ of the ceasefire is probably the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which was open even before the war began.” And now, apparently, we will pay Iran for it.’
The question of what the war was for is one that cannot be avoided and will not go away. It is Trump’s biggest foreign policy mistake yet. It could also be the end of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long political career. He faces elections in October, and Israeli voters will hold him accountable, especially for security failures that were among the worst in Israel’s history, including the failure of its famed military and intelligence agencies to thwart Hamas’s planned attack on Israel from Gaza on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu’s disregard for hardline military policies and diplomacy was at least partly to reassert himself as Israel’s “Mr. Security.” Tehran has always been aware of the potential power to close the Strait of Hormuz. So have the US military, its diplomats and its intelligence agencies. But Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a cautious and elderly man, did not risk use the strait as a weapon. When Israel killed him and his close advisers in the early airstrikes of the war, his successors understood and rightly believed that they were in an existential war and did not hesitate to close the strait.
When he went to war, President Trump said that the regime in Tehran would fall. He told the Iranian people to prepare for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take back their country. Shortly thereafter, he also called for its unconditional surrender.
Netanyahu, who had repeatedly failed to persuade Trump’s predecessors in the White House to go to war with Iran, used biblical language to describe the gravity of the moment: “This alliance allows us to do what I have wanted for 40 years: to completely destroy a terrorist regime.”
Neither side achieved its goal. The memorandum of understanding is not a final agreement. It is an agreement to discuss the biggest issue between them, Iran’s nuclear program. But it includes important concessions for Iran at the outset. If the talks move forward, the United States has said it will lift sanctions. All of this depends on the success of the 60-day nuclear deal talks, which could and probably will be extended, because the issues are complex. The two sides do not trust each other. Much can go wrong. Hardliners in Washington, Tehran and Israel do not want the deal to succeed. Iran may over-react, making more demands in the upcoming talks, and thereby jeopardizing the economic gains that could support its fragile economy.
But this deal is far better than a war that has claimed thousands of lives and threatened a global recession. If a nuclear deal is reached, acceptable to both the United States and Iran, and if both keep their promises, the Middle East could change. But that is a big “if,” and it can only happen after a long and difficult negotiation.

Prof. Masood Akhtar Hazarvi

Imam-e-Aali Maqam, Sayyiduna Imam Husayn (RA), occupies a unique, eternal, and radiant place in Islamic history. The mere mention of his name fills hearts with reverence, brings tears to the eyes, and awakens within souls a renewed commitment to truth and righteousness. His blessed life, unwavering patience, steadfastness, and supreme sacrifice not only awakened the conscience of the Muslim Ummah but also established a permanent standard distinguishing truth from falsehood, a standard that can never be erased.
Imam Husayn (RA) was the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the son of Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtada (RA), and the cherished son of Sayyidah Fatimah al-Zahra (RA), the leader of the women of Paradise. This noble lineage was not merely an honor of birth but a connection to the pure and divinely chosen household of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Love for the Ahl al-Bayt is a sign of faith, and respect for them remains a treasure in the heart of every Muslim.
The Holy Qur’an clearly emphasizes the exalted status of the Prophet’s household. Allah Almighty says:
“Indeed, Allah intends only to remove all impurity from you, O People of the Household, and to purify you completely.” (Al-Ahzab 33:33)
Likewise, Allah says:
“Say: I ask of you no reward for this message except love for my near relatives.” (Ash-Shura 42:23)
The verse of Mubahalah further highlights the distinguished position of the Ahl al-Bayt. When the Christians of Najran were invited to the event of Mubahalah, the Prophet ﷺ brought only Ali, Fatimah, Hasan, and Husayn (RA). This demonstrates the special nearness, purity, and virtue granted to them by Allah.
The sayings of the Prophet ﷺ also speak of Imam Husayn (RA) with immense love and honor. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Husayn is from me, and I am from Husayn. May Allah love the one who loves Husayn.”
In another narration, he said:
“Hasan and Husayn are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.”
These statements are not merely expressions of family affection; they are guidance for the entire Ummah, affirming that Imam Husayn (RA) stands as a beacon of truth, morality, sincerity, and faith.
Imam Husayn (RA) embodied worship, piety, generosity, courage, patience, and noble character. His nights were spent in prayer, supplication, and recitation of the Qur’an, while his days were devoted to serving humanity, supporting the oppressed, and promoting justice and righteousness. His life demonstrates that true leadership is founded not upon power, wealth, or military strength, but upon character, integrity, and devotion to God.
With the accession of Yazid to power, circumstances emerged within the Muslim state that posed a profound moral and religious challenge to the Ummah. Yazid’s rule represented more than a political transition; it introduced attitudes and practices that conflicted with Islamic justice, piety, and the values established by the Prophet ﷺ. Imam Husayn (RA) viewed this situation not as a struggle for political authority, but as a matter concerning the preservation of religion, the guidance of the Ummah, and the defense of truth.
He declared:
“I have not risen to spread corruption or seek power; rather, I have risen to reform the Ummah of my grandfather.”
These words constitute the very manifesto of the movement of Imam Husayn (RA).
The people of Kufa sent thousands of letters inviting him and pledging their support. However, when the moment of trial arrived, many succumbed to fear, worldly interests, and oppression. Imam Husayn (RA), accompanied by his family and a small group of loyal companions, reached the plain of Karbala, where they were prevented from proceeding.
Although the River Euphrates flowed nearby, access to water was denied. Children suffered from thirst, women were distressed, and the elderly and the young alike faced severe hardship. Yet Imam Husayn (RA) remained steadfast, with patience upon his face, remembrance of Allah upon his tongue, and complete trust in his heart.
The tenth of Muharram, 61 AH, became one of the most significant days in human history. On one side stood worldly power, armies, and authority; on the other stood the beloved grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, his devoted companions, and the sacred household of the Messenger of Allah.
The loyalty of Hazrat Abbas, the bravery of Ali Akbar, the courage of Qasim, and the innocent thirst of Ali Asghar continue to move hearts across generations. On the banks of the Euphrates, loyalty sacrificed itself, youth gave its life, innocence shed its blood, and finally Imam Husayn (RA) offered his own life without bowing before falsehood.
When Imam Husayn (RA) entered his final prostration on the burning sands of Karbala, history itself turned a new page. His body was wounded, his family members had been martyred, and the tents had become desolate, yet the banner of truth remained raised. At that moment, Husainiyat became more than an event; it became a philosophy.
Husainiyat is not merely the story of a battle; it is the awakening of human conscience. It is not simply a historical event; it is an eternal declaration against oppression. It is not confined to tears and emotions; rather, it represents character, perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to principles.
Imam Husayn (RA) taught humanity that if one must sacrifice one’s life for truth, such a sacrifice is not a loss but a victory. He demonstrated that true strength lies not in armies and weapons but in faith, sincerity, and righteousness. Oppression may appear victorious for a time, but it can never prevail forever. Karbala proclaimed to the world that swords may wound bodies, but they cannot kill the truth.
More than fourteen centuries have passed, yet Karbala remains alive. People of different religions, cultures, and nations regard the sacrifice of Imam Husayn (RA) as one of the greatest examples of the struggle for justice and human dignity. Every oppressed person draws courage from Karbala, while every tyrant becomes a symbol of Yazid.
A famous couplet beautifully expresses this reality:
“The martyrdom of Husayn was, in fact, the death of Yazid;
Islam comes alive after every Karbala.”
Today, as the world faces injustice, materialism, moral decline, and growing indifference, the message of Husainiyat is more relevant than ever. It teaches us to stand for truth, speak against oppression, remain steadfast upon principles, and sacrifice for the pleasure of Allah.
The martyrdom of Imam Husayn (RA) reminds us that true honor and dignity lie in remaining firm upon truth, regardless of the sacrifices required. Karbala teaches us that silence can sometimes become support for oppression, while a voice raised for truth continues to inspire generations.
Husainiyat represents justice, truthfulness, loyalty, patience, perseverance, freedom of conscience, moral courage, and submission to the will of Allah. Therefore, Karbala is not merely an event of 61 AH; it is a living message, a guiding light, and an eternal invitation for every generation.
May Allah grant us sincere love for the Ahl al-Bayt, enable us to follow their noble example, adopt their teachings, and uphold truth and justice in every age.
Ameen, O Lord of the Worlds.

Prof Fatima Zaman

In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of peace has never been greater. Across different regions, conflicts between nations continue to cause suffering, displacement, economic uncertainty, and the tragic loss of innocent lives. At a time when the world faces challenges such as climate change, poverty, disease, and economic instability, humanity cannot afford division. Instead, we must choose dialogue over conflict, cooperation over confrontation, and unity over hatred.
Peace is far more than the absence of war. True peace is built on mutual respect, understanding, equality, justice, and compassion. It allows people to live with dignity, children to receive an education, businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and nations to work together for the common good. Without peace, progress becomes difficult, and the hopes of future generations are placed at risk.
History has repeatedly shown that conflict brings destruction, while peace creates opportunities. Wars damage infrastructure, disrupt economies, separate families, and leave emotional scars that can last for generations. Every conflict affects not only the countries directly involved but also the wider global community through rising prices, humanitarian crises, disrupted trade, and growing insecurity.
The world today is more interconnected than ever before. No nation can solve global challenges alone. Issues such as climate change, public health, food security, migration, and economic development require countries to work together. International cooperation, diplomacy, and open communication remain the most effective ways to resolve differences and prevent conflicts from escalating.
Communities also have a vital role to play in promoting peace. Respect for different cultures, religions, languages, and traditions strengthens societies rather than weakens them. Diversity should be celebrated as a source of knowledge and understanding. When people listen to one another with respect, build friendships across communities, and reject hatred and discrimination, they contribute to a more peaceful and united society.
Young people are especially important in shaping a peaceful future. By teaching the values of kindness, tolerance, respect, and responsibility, we can inspire the next generation to become leaders who seek solutions through dialogue rather than division. Schools, families, faith groups, community organisations, and governments all share the responsibility of promoting these values.
Every individual can make a difference. A simple act of kindness, supporting a neighbour, volunteering in the community, resolving disagreements respectfully, or standing against prejudice helps build trust and understanding. Peace begins not only in international negotiations but also in our homes, workplaces, schools, and neighbourhoods.
As global citizens, we must remember that our shared humanity is stronger than our differences. Regardless of nationality, religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs, every person deserves the opportunity to live in safety, dignity, and hope. The future of our world depends on our willingness to work together and to place humanity above conflict.
This is the time to strengthen the bonds of friendship between nations, encourage dialogue instead of hostility, and invest in cooperation instead of confrontation. By choosing peace, unity, and mutual respect, we can build a more stable, prosperous, and compassionate world for our children and future generations. Peace is not merely an aspiration, it is the foundation upon which a better future for all humanity must be built.

Dr. Shahzad Qureshi

The recent London Climate Action Week 2026 once again reminded the world that climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is a reality affecting every nation, every community, and every family. Bringing together more than 75,000 participants from governments, businesses, scientists, charities, and community organisations, the event highlighted the urgent need for collective action to protect our planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. (London Climate Action Week)
The timing of this year’s Climate Week was especially significant. London and much of Europe experienced an intense heatwave during the event itself, with exceptionally high temperatures disrupting daily life and even forcing some climate-related sessions to be cancelled. This served as a powerful reminder that climate change is not a problem for tomorrow, it is happening today. (Reuters)
Climate change is causing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, floods, droughts, wildfires, and rising sea levels across the world. The United Kingdom has also witnessed changing weather patterns, hotter summers, increased flooding, and growing pressure on infrastructure and public health. Scientists continue to warn that without decisive action, these impacts will become more severe in the years ahead. (The Guardian)
However, there is also hope. London Climate Action Week demonstrated that governments, businesses, investors, local authorities, universities, charities, and community organisations are increasingly working together to develop practical solutions. Discussions focused on renewable energy, green technology, cleaner transport, sustainable finance, protecting biodiversity, and helping communities become more resilient to climate change. (London Climate Action Week)
Protecting our environment is not solely the responsibility of governments. Every individual has an important role to play. Simple actions such as reducing waste, recycling, planting trees, conserving water, using public transport, switching to renewable energy where possible, and reducing unnecessary energy consumption can collectively make a significant difference. Small changes by millions of people create a powerful impact.
Young people are also becoming leading voices in climate action. Schools, universities, and youth organisations are encouraging environmental education, innovation, and community projects that inspire future generations to become responsible global citizens. Their passion gives hope that tomorrow’s leaders will continue the fight against climate change.
Climate change knows no borders, political parties, religions, or cultures. It affects every country equally and requires international cooperation. Wealthier nations must continue supporting developing countries through climate finance, technology sharing, and sustainable investment so that no community is left behind in the global transition towards a greener future. (The Economic Times)
Today, the choice before humanity is clear. We can either delay action and face greater environmental, economic, and humanitarian consequences, or we can work together with determination, innovation, and unity to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.
The message from London Climate Action Week 2026 is simple but powerful: protecting our planet is a shared responsibility. By acting together today, we can safeguard the future of our children and create a better, greener, and more resilient world for generations to come.

Fakiha Noor

And mark in every face I meet, marks of weakness and marks of woe I see. This echoes on the streets of every city and state. The lines are visible not only in quiet despair but also in packed suitcases and morning queues at protector-emigrant offices. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment confirms what many feel like: an exodus of talent reshaping Pakistan’s social and economic landscape.
In 2024, the BEOE registered 727,381 Pakistanis for work abroad; the momentum continued with 336,999 processed in the first half of 2025 and over 300,000 more between January and May 2026. These figures translate into millions of lives choosing to rebuild, the affected families and communities across the country.
The decision is economically arithmetic when a 26-year-old engineer or a doctor in every city applies for a protector stamp. Their horoscopes are summarized plainly; if they stayed, their salaries would lose the value of the month, and they would live hand to mouth, and if they left, they could stabilize their families under the curtains of hardships abroad. Significantly, it leads the migration as geographically widespread and demographically concentrated, with 13.4 million registered workers for overseas employment. The Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates remained the primary destination over the years for Pakistani youth. Whereas the western countries faced increasing attraction, for instance, the applications to the United Kingdom singularly increased from 11,044 to 36,427 in 2023-2026. This huge swell of society symbolizes an appetite for long-term relocation and skill-based migration, but it drastically impacts the bond convexity between the countries.
Why are so many choosing to leave? The reasons behind this bleak question are the counter questions of trust in governance, macroeconomic erosion, political instability, and a thinning domestic job market. The rapid currency devaluation has slashed purchasing power, turning once-adequate incomes into precarious sustenance or survival to the fittest in one’s own country. The erratic governance heightens the career risk and erodes trust in institutions because the limited private-sector growth and mismatched education reduce local job prospects for graduates and skilled workers.
These trends create paradoxical remittances, which play as a double-edged sword, as one side is a crucial lifeline and the other is an acceleration of problems. This can be seen in the human consequences of everyday life. The short-term security gains for families through remittances, while communities lose mentors and professionals, disrupt civic participation and tax contributions; on the other hand, their systemic portrayal can multiply domestic opportunities.
The practical steps towards the hope might include public-private training hubs that link graduates directly to high-growth sectors, fast-track professional recognition for young specialists, and targeted investment in digital infrastructure to create attractive career pathways at home. Crucially, measures that build confidence in transparent governance, predictable taxation, and meritocratic hiring will make the next generation more likely to choose a viable option.
The current exodus of youth underscores a bitter truth: Pakistan’s most valuable resource is its youth, and right now that resource is walking out the door. Remittances can buy stability for today; institutions, opportunities, and reforms must be the currency for tomorrow. If the state fails to act, the observant line of Blake, “weakness and woe,” will not diminish, but it will simply be written across new skies and new passports.