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Russia: The Red Sea Power Play

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Russia The Red Sea Power Play

Russia’s deployment of naval vessels to the Red Sea to safeguard the Houthis in Yemen is a calculated maneuver designed to shield economic concerns in the area. The Red Sea serves as a crucial intercontinental route that manages 22 percent of the world’s maritime container trade, with the Suez Canal to the north and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait to the south serving as vibrant shipping lanes for Russian oil and Chinese goods. Through the dispatch of warships to the Red Sea, Russia is guaranteeing secure transit for ships and safeguarding economic stakes in the region.

The move has consequences for international relations, as it may indicate a shift in Russia’s stance on the conflict in Yemen. Russia has conventionally been an ally of the Houthis, but its decision to send warships to guard them may be seen as a more active role in the clash. This could have implications for Russia’s relations with other key players in the region, such as the United States and Saudi Arabia, which have been critical of the Houthis’ actions.

In terms of military strategy, Russia’s move may be seen as a challenge to the United States’ presence in the region. The United States has been carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in an attempt to deter the group’s attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Russia’s decision to send warships to protect the Houthis may be seen as a counter to this strategy and could potentially lead to further escalation in the region.

The broader geopolitical context of the Red Sea is also important to consider. China and Iran are key players in the region, and their interests may be impacted by Russia’s decision to send warships to protect the Houthis. The Red Sea is a critical shipping route for Chinese merchandise exports to Europe, and any disruption to this route could have significant economic implications. Iran a key ally of the Houthis, and concerns may be wedged by any changes in the conflict.

Impact on Red Sea Crisis

Russian warships entered into the Red Sea to safeguard Yemen’s Houthis holds significant importance across various dimensions. However, it indicates Russia’s growing ambitions in the Red Sea region and yearning to challenge the United States and Europe for influence in pivotal region. On the other hand, Russia is mounting presence in the region and strengthening diplomatic and security partnerships with key players like China and Iran.

The accord between the Houthis, China, and Russia to guarantee safe passage for their ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in exchange for heightened political support on the global stage has potential consequences for international relations. The pact may lead to blockage of resolutions condemning the Houthis in the United Nations Security Council, which could impact the international community’s ability to address the conflict in Yemen.

The Russian warships’ entry into the Red Sea amid Houthi attacks on merchant shipping may be seen as a counter to the United States’ strategy of carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to deter the group’s attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. This could potentially lead to further escalation in the region, as both the United States and Russia may view these actions as a threat to their interests.

The Red Sea crisis, which has seen the Houthis attacking vessels transiting through the Red Sea and surrounding waters, is impacting global trade and shipping. The crisis has led to increased geopolitical risks, which have not yet translated to higher spot rates, but the situation remains uncertain and could change in the future.

In conclusion, Russia’s deployment of warships to safeguard Yemen’s Houthis carries substantial geopolitical consequences. Moreover, strategic maneuver is primarily geared towards safeguarding Russia’s economic interests in the belt, yet it could also have repercussions on global relations and military tactics. It is crucial to consider the wider geopolitical landscape of the Red Sea, as the actions of major players such as China, Iran, and the United States could be influenced by Russia’s actions.  

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Jinnah’s Pakistan: Formation and Challenges of a State Book Review

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Jinnah's Pakistan Formation and Challenges

Introduction

There are very few figures in history who have succeeded in not only creating a state from scratch but stabilizing it in a very limited time as Jinnah of Pakistan did. Although, the life of Jinnah has remained a famous subject of study for scholars on the partition of India, however, there is very little known to the public about the year and thirty days he lived after the creation of the mighty state for millions of Indian Muslims which freed them not only from the yoke of British imperialists but also emancipating them from the threat of Hindu Raj.

The study of Jinnah as a statesman is very limited and there was hardly systematic work one could find except in a few research articles until Farooq Ahmed Dar’s book made entry into the books shelves of libraries. Though Jinnah’s Pakistan: Formation and Challenges of a State was published originally in 2014, there is little discourse on the book as most scholars and the public alike are immersed in discourses of the pre-partition history of Jinnah. As the paperback of the book appeared in 2021, I thumbed through it very eagerly. The book is one the finest studies of Jinnah as a Statesman and can present an ideal to our national leadership of how bravely and valiantly Jinnah fought for the survival of the state by building an institutional setup from scratch and making the impossible, the possible. Only Jinnah could do that.

Farooq Ahmed Dar is one of the finest historians at the Department of History, at Quaid-e-Azam University. If we could deliberately disagree with Dar, the Great, as we students referred to him, he would keep continuing lectures while giving us ‘every right to disagree.’ Jinnah’s Pakistan is the result of his profound research which encompasses many years along with travels to access various archives not only in Pakistan and the UK but also in India. The book consists of an introduction, five chapters and conclusion. Let us divulge the inside of the book with incisive analysis.

The introduction of the book is a succinct summary of the movement of Pakistan under Jinnah and why he was compelled to demand a separate homeland. As this author also wrote elsewhere, it was not Jinnah who was responsible for ‘parting ways with Congress’, instead, Congress’s stubborn attitude led him to parting of ways and move towards reorganizing the Muslim League by idealising Iqbal’s concept of a separate state went on to demand the separate states via Lahore Resolution in on 23 March, 1940, trumped by Hindu press as ‘Pakistan Resolution.’ Jinnah clamored during the 1946 elections that if Muslims did not give a verdict for the Muslim League, that meant they did not want Pakistan. ML swept elections and Jinnah after a brief acceptance of the Cabinet Mission Plan (which envisaged loose federation and an inherent Pakistan in the longterm), rejected it hunkering down all the theories that he was bargaining for power. 

Formation of State

The first chapter deals with the formation of the state which mostly revolves around the last few years of the British Raj. Jinnah tried to negotiate a better deal for Pakistan while Mountbatten and Congress made every effort to subdue him. Jinnah was so adamant that he compelled them to throw in the towel in most cases. The major issue before the partition for Jinnah was of governor general. Most historians from the Indian and British sides allege that Jinnah was a power seeker which is why he did not accept Mountbatten as the common governor-general of both successor states. Although Khalid Bin Sayed briefly dealt with the issue, Dar makes it clear that Pakistan was sovereign and ‘Jinnah had to show the citizens of Pakistan as well as the rest of the world that Pakistan was a nation.’ It was the ‘symbol of their separate identity and independence’, that is why he choose to became governor general.

It is further alleged that Jinnah got too much power as governor-general which started arbitrary rule, however, Jinnah never abused power, he was an ‘embodiment of constitutionalism and the rule of law and all the powers he exercised were granted under the Indian Independence Act of 1947.’ As a captain of the team, Dar describes that Jinnah successfully dealt with the problems of forming a rudimentary setup for the state by forming an efficient team of able men and succeeded in stabilizing the state.

Accession of Princely States

One of the major problems Jinnah faced was of princely states and ‘there was no one in the league who could negotiate with Congress’ that is why Farooq Ahmed Dar argues that ‘Jinnah decided to take the issue as an additional responsibility.’ He was successful in solving most of the problems with princely states except for Jammu and Kashmir which relegated to complexity due to his health and Indian subordination.

The author shows Jinnah’s shrewdness and commitment to the cause of the states won him the confidence of these rulers. Jinnah granted full constitutional rights to the citizens of the states which were to be enjoyed by the citizens of Pakistan. His wisdom and patience helped win over the people of Kalat State as their brethren in Las Bela, Kharan and Makran acceded to Pakistan, they also decided on 23 March 1948 in the meeting of Sardars to be with Pakistan after Jinnah’s personal intervention in the issues of Baluchistan states. Many historians, however, contest this view point and posit that Jinnah compelled these states for accession.

Politics

Most of Jinnah’s life after Pakistan, Dar posits, was consumed by domestic politics where ‘ personal rivalries and group interests were main hurdles.’ He had to mediate between provincial leaders and also deal with provincial crises. The role of mediation sparked from his grand historical stature and charisma due to which his most avowed opponents also accepted his final verdicts.

Though many scholars argue that Jinnah concentrated so much power on himself but author contends that’ the extraordinary situation Pakistan was facing at that time demanded something special from Jinnah and his colleagues holding position at the centre and save the country and avert an early collapse.’ He was successful in most of the issues though a few problems remain unattended as he was restrained to influence due to his deteriorating health.

Society and Economy

Dar delineates Jinnah’s vision of society that was rooted in history and tradition. Dar describes Jinnah as a staunch supporter of Islamic norms of ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’ and constantly quotes Jinnah’s speeches and statements about Islam as the sole guide for the Muslims of Pakistan. While many still contest the nature of Pakistan’s Constitution, according to the author, he gave the right to determine the Constitution to the people of Pakistan via elected representatives. Jinnah firmly believed that society cannot develop if it is not founded on a strong economy.

 Jinnah was neither capitalist nor believed in the Soviet Model of economy, instead, the author posits that Jinnah envisaged the principle of Islamic economics where there would be equity and fairness and wealth would not be concentrated in few hands. He actively encouraged traders and industrialists to invest freely in the country and pushed the government to facilitate the industrialists by setting up different committees. He set up the State Bank of Pakistan at the earliest which became the cornerstone of Pakistan’s monetary policies. According to the author, it was the untiring efforts of Jinnah that won Pakistan’s praise by rapidly consolidating the economic condition of the country despite great hindrances and external treacheries by India.

Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy of Pakistan under Jinnah was primarily focused on the interest of Muslim Ummah as Jinnah was now not only the leader of Muslims of South Asia but was looked at with reverence among all Muslim states. It was Jinnah who sent Pakistan’s foreign minister to the United Nations and plead the case of Palestine. Jinnah was an avowed supporter of Palestinians’ rights and strongly repudiated two two-state solutions presented by the US. According to Dar, he tried to convince Truman via telegram till the last moment but the US was hell-bent on its plan. On Jinnah’s advice, Pakistan voted against the two state solution. Sadly, during current crises, the situation has arrived when Pakistan’s voice is neutralized due to United States pressure. Jinnah eagerly established relations with countries around the globe and sent a mission to introduce Pakistan to the world. He was sure that Pakistan could exploit its geographic location and become the pivot of the world. Although Jinnah envisaged a neutral Pakistan, the author argues that the latter leaders of Pakistan deviated from his vision and joined Western Camp in the 1950s which put an end to the policy of ‘positive neutrality’ of Jinnah.

Conclusions

While most studies are primarily focused on the movement of Pakistan, Dar’s ‘Jinnah’s Pakistan: Formation and Challenges of a State‘ elaborates on Jinnah’s statesmanship that steered Pakistan through troubled waters. In the words of the author, ‘he had a choice between his personal survival and the survival of Pakistan. He preferred Pakistan over himself.’ The current situation in Pakistan is reminiscent of Jinnah’s times. Unfortunately, no statesman has the stature of Jinnah that could lead Pakistan through challenging times. Leaders of Pakistan must learn from Jinnah’s year as a statesman and Dar’s book is one of the finest accounts of his statesmanship.

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No Use of Crying Over Spilled Milk-Another DTH in Pakistan

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No Use of Crying Over Spilled Milk-Another DTH in Pakistan SADAQUAT LIAQUAT

One of the responsibilities of any govt is to create jobs by making investment friendly policies. Without FDI and local investment no country can rely on its resources. Next-generation innovative/projects are necessary to create wealth within the country. Pakistan has experienced macroeconomic instability since the early seventies. Because of the country’s persistent macroeconomic uncertainty, savings and private investment have been discouraged, resulting in low aggregate investment and volatile output levels. Unfortunatility, we have not learned anything from our past experiences.

Present examples are enough to think and change our mindset. DTH (direct to home) launching, license was awarded in 2019. Not realizing how much FE is going out from country, Own losses as, asset (Satellite, one melted,2ed end of life 2026, public money wasted) started with various hindrances by market players, regulators and very own Satellite operator. Knowing DTH is a deep pocket project with slow ROI.

On the other side we see the slogans by GoP e.g “DIGITAL Pakistan”, connect the underserved areas, giving various incentives to investors. Big delegations going abroad and telling Pakistan is an investment friendly country, one window operation etc etc. License to Star link, latest technology ready to come, ready to pay, create jobs but stuck up somewhere. Interesting thing is starlink applied for license in Pakistan somewhere in April 2022 and in India in November 2022. On the other side, India has given license to three LEO satellite service provider, Eutelsat One Web and Jio Satellite Communications are the other two companies that have the approvals or necessary licenses from the govt to offer satellite broadband in the country.

Now who’s at fault, what will happen now, as in case of DTH (gray market) million of USD is going out despite Supreme Court Of Pakistan orders on Indian DTH and legal action against suppliers Indian DTH are openly available, same will happen for broadband services, which will be too difficult to find and control and help in gray traffic and other illegal activities. India started with six DTHs licenses we are holding one, they have given three licenses to LEO operators and we are still thinking. One must learn from his mistakes, if not then recall an old saying” A wise Enemy is Better than a stupid Friend” Time and opportunity never wait for slow movers.

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US presidential elections

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US presidential election

Some election matters more than others. The next US presidential election will be on Tuesday, 5 November 2024. The US election generates global interest for two reasons. First, America continues to be the largest economy, with considerable military and strategic heft. Because of its strategic and economic significance, the US presidential election season, which includes the Republican debate and the Iowa caucuses, attracts attention from around the world. Other nations, especially middle-sized powers like India and its soft power in the English-speaking world will be impacted by the election. 

The US political system today is dominated by just two parties, so every President in modern times has belonged to one of them. The Democratic Party, known for its donkey logo, advocates for a strong government, social responsibility, welfare, and heavy taxation for high-income households. They support government-funded healthcare, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and gun legislation while valuing separation between church and state. The Democrats are the liberal political party, with an agenda defined largely by its push for civil rights, a broad social safety net and measures to address climate change.

It is a Party of incumbent President Joe Biden, who is trying to secure a second term in power. The other one is the Republican Party which is often referred to as the GOP (Grand Old Party). The Republican Party, a right-leaning political party, advocates for traditional values, low government interference, and private sector support. It promotes family and individual freedom and opposes abortion, gun control, and strong national defense. The Republican leans more towards individual freedom, rights and responsibilities. The Republicans are led by former President Donald Trump.

The winner will serve a term of four years in the house starting in January 2025. One of the biggest polling days is known as Super Tuesday because more than a dozen states all held their primary contest on Tuesday 5 March. President Biden and former President Donald Trump won commanding victories across nearly all the states holding Democratic and Republican nominating contests on Super Tuesday. US democracy and global order will be decided by the results of the presidential election in November.

Despite facing four criminal prosecutions, Trump has secured the nomination. Public unhappiness with immigration concerns and high prices fuel his appeal. His influence even reaches foreign politics, as evidenced by the refusal of numerous Republican lawmakers to support military aid to Ukraine. Political unrest and conflict will persist if the election turns into a contest between Biden and Trump.

In the US political candidates don’t need a majority of votes to be elected, but need a plurality of votes. The Democratic and Republican Parties, the two largest parties, tend to get the majority of votes, leaving smaller parties unsuccessful. Americans aligning with third-party candidates may vote for either party to ensure their vote is used on a candidate with a better chance of winning, maintaining the two-party system. Both candidates compete for 538 Electoral College votes, with the winner being the candidate with 270 or more.

Voters decide state-level contests, so a candidate can win nationally but still be defeated. Most states have a winner-takes-all rule, with battleground states being the dozen or more where either party could win. The 2020 election resulted in a few days of counting votes, followed by a transition period for a new president, where the new administration forms and plans for the term, followed by the president’s inauguration.

Middle East war and American elections:

The Biden administration’s handling of Middle East events in the 2024 presidential contest may be seen as an exception due to American voters’ generally being uninterested in foreign affairs. Support for Israel remains a major concern, especially among young, progressive voters. The White House’s swift response to threats and perceived failure to counter Iranian aggression or terrorism risks criticism from the right. Unpredictable factors like terrorist strikes or direct conflicts with Iran could also impact US foreign and security policy.

Russia-Ukraine conflict and American elections:

A second term for Donald Trump might result in an America-first, America-alone foreign policy that could jeopardize international security. Trump has promised to stop the flow of US funds to Ukraine and to hold European allies accountable for paying back the US$75 billion in help that was promised. There are still questions, though, about whether Trump would follow through on his pledge to end the conflict in a day. It seems likely that the US will no longer be a member of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which backs Ukraine’s defense against Russia.

Also, the US committed to train Ukrainian pilots flying F-16 aircraft built in the US and supplied by partners in Europe. Trump’s wishes won’t be enough to stop the war, and any Russian successes might inspire them to retake land in Moldova or the Baltic nations. Because of the importance of the US presidential election for the military, economy, and influence of the Democratic and Republican parties, it is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Trump’s power extends to international politics, and his nomination will define US democracy and the world order. The election may have an effect on US foreign and security policy as well. An America-first, America-alone foreign policy could result from the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Still, doubts about Trump’s resolve to put an end to the fight persist.

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Building a More Inclusive Pakistan: Solutions for Transgender Equality

Building a More Inclusive Pakistan Solutions for Transgender Equality

Abstract

This paper will analyse the grievances faced by the transgender community in Pakistan. They are politically, economically and socially disintegrated from the  society. In Pakistan, transgender are deprived of the basic necessities of life. They often endured mental and physical violence. They are not even considered as humans as in the case witnessed by Pakistan a few years ago in Peshawar. In which the doctor refused to treat her. In Pakistan’s society, they are not even considered humans because of their abnormal physical appearance. The damage which was done by society against transgender is irretrievable, but loss can still be reversed by legislation. As it is crystal clear, only legal action can protect them. Furthermore, literature on the problems of the Transgender community is in  paucity. Writers should work at grassroots level to conduct research and engage themselves with the transgender community.

Introduction

The name transgender in Pakistan is linked with dancing, whoring and street walking. In Pakistan’s community, kidnapping , abduction and sexual abuse are considered as normal practices . Transgender are marginalized as they are grappling with various problems including social exclusion, economic marginalization, lack of legal recognition, discrimination and rampant violence. Social exclusion means they are not welcomed by their family. Economic marginalization  means they are not allowed to get employment. The only profession they are left with is prostitution and dancing. In a similar manner, discrimination means they do not have equal rights in society. Although the supreme court historical ruling has made it obligatory on the government and citizens of Pakistan that they should secure their legal rights, even legal action has failed to protect them. The violence against transgender and cross dresser is also rampant in Pakistan. Furthermore, natural calamities used to exacerbate their miseries. However, the government has recently passed the gender protection act 2018  and the act was hailed as a big success for the trans community. Transgender should be provided with their rights of education, employment and should be integrated into the society.

Research Methodology

For the purpose of study, a descriptive method should be used to analyse the transgender issue. Secondary data should be used from different major research papers,  journals, books and institutions.  In research we used non-numerical data to understand ideas, facts and experiences.

Literature review

On the problem of gender discrimination, a lot of work has been carried out by numerous scholars. The struggle for gender equality started in the west during the  waves of feminism . When different scholars demanded suffragettes and economic rights. Scholars like Mary Wollstonecraft have compelled the Western world with their writings. Similar movements and waves have been started in Pakistan for equal gender rights. Besides transgender, women still in Pakistan are unable to secure reasonable positions in parliaments and business firms. The Transgender community is marginalized and sandwiched, but the grim fact is, there is scarcity of knowledge about the issues faced by a transgender. There are few articles and research papers .Few research articles have been written to explain the issues of transgenderism in relation to religion, but the religion of Pakistan has already provided rights for minorities. The violation of their rights is dubbed as sin in Islam. This research will also explain the  difficulties faced by the trans community during floods and natural calamities. A recent deluge in Pakistan has caused havoc against trans communities.

Life of transgender in Pakistan:

Transgender can be defined as a person whose sexual characteristics differ in the form that correlates with sex. Transgender are the people in Pakistan who have the lowest degree  and reverence. Conservatives in Pakistan are not even willing to accept them as human beings . There are 2 percent of people in Pakistan are affected by Transgenderism. When such a type of person is born in any family, the family at first glance are willing to abandon them and in most cases kill them because of fear of society.

  • Transgender remain socially isolated

Like many, people in Pakistan have a firm belief that their identities are contrary to the accepted gender roles . Their lives were covered in the dreary darkness under a cloudless sky. They have to deal with depression, anxiety and fear. As no one is willing to embrace them, this trauma leads them towards isolation and despondency.

  •    Economic deprivation

Firstly, they are not educated because they are not allowed in the schools and universities. Because  of the lack of access to education, they are lurked in the cycle of non-employment. They used to beg on the roads and resort to sex for the fulfillment of their basic financial needs. This leads to further isolation and ostracism.

  •    Struggling with their legal rights.

Transgender are not enjoy the same liberty as enjoyed by the other citizens of Pakistan. Although the Constitution of Pakistan has articulated in article 4 and 9 that they should be protected and should be entitled to the same and equal rights. But still many are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

  •  Violence and discrimination

People have a lack of awareness about the woes faced by the transgender community. As  there is a common assumption that they are different, this leads to  unfair treatment of them. In a similar manner, rights are  violated and they have  to endure violence not just from the common public but also from criminals. As they are easy targets and no one is willing to protect them and their life means nothing to anyone. They are facing sexual violence which has triggered health problems including Aids. The rate of mental health orders is also exacerbating.

  •  Natural calamities and transgender

In 2022’,  Pakistan witnessed a gigantic kind of deluge which has submerged a third of Pakistan. Citizens have lost their homes, inflation has been skyrocketed. The state has started working for the devastated community. They have set up camps for those who lost their loved ones and abodes. In that devastation, no one has paid heed to the community who is not allowed in the camps who was not compensated by the government with funds and stipends. They remain vulnerable to diseases and continue to sleep on roads. Even during a pandemic, many have the opinion that if they do not die from the virus they will definitely die from hunger. As sex was the only source of income,  people have adopted physical distancing.

 Case of Alisha -transgender killed in Peshawar

Peshawar is a part of KPK. KP is composed of 25 districts . In Peshawar, 23-year-old gender activist Alisha  was  shot by an anonymous person. When her wounded body was carried to the hospital, the lady Rendering hospital staff were not willing to treat her. The government remains embezzled  for four hours but failed to decide whether he/she is male or female. In the meantime, Alisha left the world. Her body left many questions behind:  who am I? Why am I treated like this?  There are many Alisha’s who have lost their precious lives due to lack of health facilities, lost their lives due to their mental traumas, left the world due to HIV, but the grim fact is, no one is willing to address their miseries. There is a need to understand that they are not born to be raped and ridiculed.

Promoting Transgender Equality in Pakistan: Key Steps Forward

  1. Educational institutions.

 The state should build educational institutions for this community as they are not allowed to go to normal schools. Although such types of efforts have been made by the government in 2022 , for instance, they have set up a school in Barkat market, Lahore, and this is the first transgender school. Second, Madrassah education was started by a lady in Johar town, Lahore. Still, there is a margin for improvement.

  •  Government should provide financial aid to transgender

The government should help them financially. This type of program was started by the Punjab government in which they announced that they would deliver 3000 rupees to transgender over 40 .

  • Transgender act 2018 – such type of bill should be encouraged but controversial provision must be averted.

The government passed a transgender act in 2018 and it was a landmark achievement hailed by various activists. In which the third gender is entitled is to their rights of inheritance, passport, right to life, right to property. According to the Islamic council, the provision in which one can change one’s identity according to their will is questionable, but besides this provision, every provision will prove helpful for the integration of transgender into a community.

  • Economic integration

 Governments should increase their quota of jobs. Governments should also compel the private sector to compensate them. Their political and economic representation should be enhanced.

  • Scholars of Gender studies should work on its literature

Professors of gender studies should conduct research on the topic. They should proliferate information through their articles because they can shape the opinion of the masses through their writings. There is a lack of understanding about the issues of transgenderism. Pakistan is the second largest Islamic country but still failed to address the problems faced by the third genre.

Conclusion

In Pakistan, transgender are struggling to get the basic essentials of life. The state of Pakistan has successfully provided legal cover to the transgender, but still the community has not welcomed it. Even the criminal justice system of Pakistan does not cooperate with their gender. This is the reason behind unreported cases and unreported violence. The state should enhance health facilities and provide housing facilities for this marginalized community.Education, employment opportunities, and stringent action against law violators can only help the trans community.

Endnotes

  1. Adams, S. (2022, November 10). Facing the marginalization of Pakistan’s transgender community. Accountability Lab. https://accountabilitylab.org/17190-2/
  • DailyTimes.Pk, and DailyTimes.Pk. 2019. “Transgenders in Pakistan; Challenges and Prospects.” Daily Times. February 18, 2019. https://dailytimes.com.pk/356130/transgenders-in-pakistan-challenges-and-prospects/.
  • Islam, Semra. n.d. “The Transgender Community and the Right to Equality in Pakistan:  Review of the Transgender Persons Act 2018.” Lums. https://sahsol.lums.edu.pk/sites/default/files/2022-09/the_transgender_community.pdf.

Saleem, Sana. 2016. “I Wasn’t Made to Be Raped and Ridiculed’ – Trans Woman Makes a Stand in Pakistan.” The Guardian, September 7, 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/sep/07/i-wasnt-made-to-be-raped-and-ridiculed-trans-woman-makes-a-stand-in-pakistan.

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“The making of Pakistan” by K.K Aziz ,Book review

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The making of Pakistan by K.K Aziz ,Book review
The making of Pakistan by K.K Aziz ,Book review

Khursheed Kamal Aziz, also known as K.K. Aziz, was a renowned Pakistani historian admired for his insightful analysis of Pakistan’s formation and historical development, influenced by his father’s scholarly background in Mughal history. Beyond his impressive credentials, Aziz was a courageous intellectual who fearlessly challenged established narratives, particularly regarding Pakistan’s history, making significant contributions to Pakistani historiography with his unwavering commitment to critical analysis. This review aims to examine Aziz’s influential publication, titled “The Making of Pakistan: A Study in Nationalism,” investigating his perspectives on the historical factors that contributed to the emergence of Pakistan.

The chapter “Historical factor 1” offers a thorough analysis of the Aligarh Movement and its effects on colonial India’s political order. With a detailed account that spans from the aftermath of the Mutiny of 1857 to the post-World War I era, it navigates through the complications of Muslim identity creation, political awakening, and relations with British imperial rule.
The protagonist of the subject matter is Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, whose pragmatic approach towards British colonialism and emphasis on education as a means of uplifting Muslims are extensively analysed. The chapter performs an excellent task of placing Khan’s pro-British views in the socio-political context of the day and illuminating his vision for the intellectual and cultural renewal of Muslims through projects such as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh.

Furthermore, the chapter thoroughly illustrates the development of Muslim political awareness, from the early focus on educational progress and political seclusion to the All-India Muslim League’s founding and support for separate electorates. A deep analysis is conducted, emphasizing the importance that catalytic events like the Khilafat movement and the partition of Bengal sparked Muslim political activism and strengthening Hindu-Muslim unity against British authority.  This chapter’s potential to convey the intricate details of intercommunal relations and the changing dynamics of Indian nationalism is one of its strongest points. The account efficiently draws attention to the intricate relationships that exist between religious, political, and socioeconomic elements, offering a sophisticated perspective of the difficulties and goals influencing Muslim politics in this century.

The chapter “Historical factor 2” carefully examines the multifaceted path that led to the formation of Pakistan, which was fueled by deeply ingrained communal conflicts and the colonial legacy of British India. It highlights the differences between Indian ambitions for self-governance and British colonial administration, starting with the Simon Commission in 1927. It then traces the changing relationships between Indian nationalist movements, especially the Congress and the Muslim League.

The absence of Indian representation in the Simon Commission led to a growing discontent among Indian politicians, especially the Congress, who saw it as a rejection for Indian voices in determining their own destiny. Following this, the Nehru Report amplified communal divisions by neglecting Muslim demands for separate electorates, bolstering Muslim opposition to Congress leadership and escalating the Hindu-Muslim split.

The failure of the Round Table Conferences to bring about reconciliation as tensions increased was predominantly the result of Congress’s insistence on its own definition of self-governance, which disregarded Muslim concerns. Despite being a significant step towards constitutional reform, the Government of India Act of 1935 did not alleviate Muslim concerns about Hindu supremacy and political consolidation.

It identifies the Congress victory in the 1937 provincial elections as a turning point, when Muslim fears were sparked by Congress’s unwillingness to offer any concessions to minority concerns along with the perception of Hindu supremacy. During this time, there were more recorded atrocities and communal tensions, which further alienated Muslims and increased their scepticism of Congress leadership.

The escalating divide between the two communities was made explicit by the Congress’s denial of peaceful coexistence with Muslims, its insistence on a centralized power structure, and its demand for a constituent assembly presided over by Hindus. Congress’s antipathy for minority rights and provincial autonomy fueled Muslims’ grievances.

The idea of Pakistan developed to take shape in the 1930s and 1940s, reaching its zenith with the 1940 Lahore Resolution. Despite early resistance, the British War Cabinet’s 1942 endorsement of the Pakistan principle represented an immense shift in colonial policy and the acknowledgment of Muslim nationalism as a powerful force.

Partition was inevitable, as evidenced by later events like as the Muslim League’s and Congress’s fruitless attempts at reconciliation and Muslims’ resounding victory in the 1945–1946 elections. Growing intercommunal violence and political impasse finally forced all sides to accept division, which resulted in the establishment of Pakistan and India as independent countries in 1947.

The chapter “Political factor” explores the complex interactions that shaped Muslim allegiance to the British colonial authorities in the early phases of Indian nationalism. It offers a sophisticated analysis of the factors that influence Muslim allegiance, putting particular emphasis on social, political, theological, and practical factors.

It illustrates the significant influence of individuals like as Sayyid Ahmed Khan in promoting Muslim allegiance to the British, based on the conviction that Muslims and the colonial authority had more in common than Hindu equivalents. This argument clarifies the intricate dynamics of Indian politics during the colonial era and is supported by views of British justice and the need for minority protections.

The chapter also examines the effects of imperial pride on the Muslim population, emphasizing how attitudes toward British rule were impacted by a feeling of historical entitlement and identity derived from earlier Muslim empires. In addition to encouraging opposition to British domination, this pride also fueled anti-democratic, which in turn fueled Muslim nationalism and the call for a separate state.

It also looks at how Indian Muslims’ extraterritorial ties to the larger Islamic community shaped their relationships and political orientation with the British Empire. This global outlook, based on religious unity, greatly influenced Indian Muslim politics and exacerbated their separation from Hindu counterparts.

But the chapter also critically looks at nationalism that is Hindu-centric, showing how Hindu revival organizations and leaders inflamed anti-Muslim emotions, which furthered the growing gulf between Hindus and Muslims. Tensions increased as a result of the Congress’s unwillingness to recognize and value Muslim identity, which in turn fostered demands for separate state, Pakistan.

In-depth discussion of the complex interrelationships between nationalism, politics, and religion is provided in Chapter “The Religious factor”, which provides a sophisticated understanding of how these factors interact to form societies. The opening paragraph of the chapter asserts the great impact of religion on national consciousness, highlighting how it can be a potent factor for forming national identities and promoting social togetherness.

Religion has always been a fundamental element in the rise of nationalism, giving different national groups a sense of solidarity and pride. The chapter offers a wide range of instances that demonstrate how religion has influenced political movements and national identities in various places, including Greece, Scotland, and Italy.

Furthermore, it recognizes that, depending on historical circumstances, religion may be both a unifying and dividing force. It explores the subtleties of religion’s influence on national norms and character, highlighting the ways in which religious diversity has shaped societies and cultures.

It explores the birth of early Indian nationalism, which was frequently portrayed as mystical and having its roots in Hinduism. The integration of Hindu faith and political ideology is attributed to individuals like as Mahatma Gandhi, however conflicts between Muslim interests and Hindu-centric nationalism are also acknowledged.

It also examines the intellectual and practical obstacles that Islam and Hinduism present to India’s conception of nationalism. It investigates how traditional Islamic beliefs initially opposed territorial nationalism, whereas traditional Hindu caste distinctions impede national unity.A thorough examination of the symbiotic relationship between nationalism and culture is provided in Chapter “The Cultural factor”, which also illustrates the critical role that cultural components play in forming national identities and ideals.

Using historical examples from various places, such as Hellas and Rome, the chapter shows how culture has always existed before the idea of nationhood and its lasting impact on social cohesiveness and collective awareness. It explores the relationship between religion and culture in the Indian context, focusing on Indian Muslims who identified with a unique “Muslim culture” that assisted in the formation of Muslim nationalism.

It highlights the role of cultural bodies in promoting political unification and cultural renewal, using the Aligarh Movement as an illustration of how social uplift, education, language, and literature fostered national unity among Muslims in India. Education, literature, philosophy, and the arts also shaped national identity and ideology, highlighting the cultural divide between Muslims and Hindus and impeding attempts at unity. Language, particularly Urdu, played a significant role in cultural nationalism, exacerbating Hindu-Muslim tensions and contributing to the demand for Pakistan.

In Chapter “The Psychological factor” the psychological underpinnings of nationalism are explored. Patriotism is equated to a religious faith, with a focus on its ingrained nature, which is nourished by elements such as territory, culture, and history. Psychological aspects became crucial in the Indian setting, where nationalism’s historical and cultural foundations were relatively weak. This resulted in a battle of nationalisms that were waged mostly through myths, symbols, and hero worship.

Popular myths about India’s homogeneity and the martial prowess of Indian Muslims, combined with symbols such as flags and dress codes, contributed to driving a wedge between Hindus and Muslims and bolster their nationalistic passion. Muslim nationalism, driven by fear and insecurity within a Hindu-majority society, was further fueled by economic disparities and political marginalization, ultimately leading to the demand for a separate Muslim state, Pakistan.

The Two-Nation Theory, which Muhammad Ali Jinnah specifically promoted, is thoroughly examined in Chapter “The two-nation theory” along with its implications for the Indian subcontinent. Jinnah opposed the idea of a united India under a parliamentary system by arguing that Islam and Hinduism reflect different civilizations in India and calling for separate homelands to protect the identities and interests of Muslims and Hindus, respectively.

It explores the ideological and historical foundations of Muslim nationalism, following it back to the Muslims’ historical preservation of a distinct identity in India throughout British rule along with conflicts between Hindus and Muslims. Even though Nationalist Muslims made an effort to discourage separatism and support the Congress party’s ideal of a united India, the Congress’s inability to adequately address Muslim concerns escalated tensions and reinforced Muslims aspiration for the separate land.

Furthermore, the chapter explores the Congress’s attitude to the Muslim issue, which was marked by practices reminiscent of “divide-and-rule,” with the goal of fragmenting the Muslim population and maintaining Congress’s control. However, these attempts proved failed in persuading a sizable segment of the Muslim population to support Congress secularism.

Chapter “The Epilogue” provides a thorough overview of the obstacles and complications of Hindu-Muslim unity in India, including attempts in religious, cultural, and political arenas. It explores historical characters like Kabir and cultural connections in metropolitan areas like Lucknow and Delhi, exposing both the possibilities and limitations of such unity.

Furthermore, it examines the inevitability of the creation of Pakistan during British rule, attributing it to deep-seated Hindu-Muslim animosity compounded by political actions and Congress’ unwillingness to address Muslim issues. It also presents alternative proposals to partition, highlighting the lack of serious consideration by the Congress party and the consequences of its dismissal of Muslim demands.

It also explores the reasons for Muslim support for Pakistan, such as concerns about Hindu hegemony and conceptions of Pakistan as a safeguard to possible domination. The chapter investigates the practical consequences of the Two-Nation Theory and Jinnah’s argument for Pakistan’s demand, shedding light on the intellectual roots of partition in the complex political context of pre-Independence India.

“The Making of Pakistan” is a fascinating and well researched account that digs deeply into the historical events, cultural dynamics, and political complexity that culminated in the foundation of Pakistan.Whether you are a student or simply curious about the creation of Pakistan, this book will help you better comprehend one of the most important events in the region’s history. With its engaging account and thought-provoking analysis, “The Making of Pakistan” is a must-read for everyone interested in understanding the complexity of South Asia’s past and present.

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The Economics of War: Exploring the Business Side of Conflict

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The Economics of War Exploring the Business Side of Conflict
The Economics of War Exploring the Business Side of Conflict

Introduction

War has been a recurring feature of human history, driven by a complex interplay of political, social, and economic factors. While the human toll of armed conflict is often the focus of discussions, it’s essential to recognize the profound economic implications that wars entail. Beyond the battlefield, wars create a ripple effect throughout economies, shaping industries, influencing markets, and driving business interests. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted relationship between war and business, exploring how conflicts can serve as catalysts for economic activities, albeit often with ethical and moral quandaries.

The Military-Industrial Complex

One of the most conspicuous intersections of war and business lies in the military-industrial complex. This term, famously coined by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, describes the close relationship between the military establishment, defense contractors, and government entities. Defense contractors and weapons manufacturers, often operating as large corporations, thrive on military spending. They lobby governments for lucrative contracts, develop advanced weaponry, and contribute to technological innovation. The symbiotic relationship between the military and these businesses can lead to concerns about the influence of profit motives on foreign policy decisions and the perpetuation of warfare.

Resource Acquisition and Control

Historically, wars have been fought over control of valuable resources such as oil, minerals, and land. Businesses involved in resource extraction and exploitation can have vested interests in geopolitical conflicts that secure access to these vital commodities. Furthermore, war can disrupt supply chains and markets, leading to price fluctuations and volatility. In some cases, businesses may actively seek to exploit these disruptions for profit, engaging in speculative activities or stockpiling strategic resources.

War Economy and Mobilization

During times of conflict, governments often mobilize their economies for war efforts, leading to the emergence of a war economy. Industries related to defense production, such as manufacturing, aerospace, and technology, receive substantial investments and government contracts. This influx of resources stimulates economic activity, creates jobs, and drives innovation in military technologies. However, the diversion of resources towards war-related expenditures can crowd out investment in other sectors, leading to distortions in the economy and long-term consequences for development.

War Profiteering and Ethical Dilemmas

While wars bring opportunities for some, they also present moral and ethical dilemmas, particularly concerning war profiteering. Certain individuals or businesses may exploit wartime conditions for personal gain, engaging in activities such as price gouging, fraud, or illicit arms trading. The pursuit of profit in the midst of human suffering raises profound questions about morality and the responsibility of businesses in times of crisis. Governments and international bodies often implement regulations and sanctions to deter such exploitative practices, but enforcement remains a challenge.

Reconstruction and Development

After the guns fall silent, the aftermath of war brings opportunities for businesses involved in reconstruction and development. Rebuilding infrastructure, providing humanitarian aid, and restoring communities ravaged by conflict require expertise and resources from various sectors. Construction companies, logistics firms, and service providers play critical roles in post-war recovery efforts. However, reconstruction endeavors are often fraught with challenges, including corruption, political instability, and security risks, which can deter businesses from engaging in these environments.

Financial Markets and Geopolitical Risk

Warfare also reverberates through financial markets, influencing investor sentiment, currency exchange rates, and commodity prices. Geopolitical tensions and military actions can trigger market fluctuations and investor uncertainty, leading to capital flight from regions perceived as high-risk. Conversely, certain industries, such as defense stocks and commodities tied to military demand, may experience gains during times of conflict. Financial institutions and investors closely monitor geopolitical developments, adjusting their portfolios and hedging strategies to mitigate risks associated with armed conflict.

Historical and Contemporary Examples

Military-Industrial Complex in the United States: The relationship between the U.S. government and defense contractors continues to draw scrutiny. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon receive substantial contracts for military equipment and technology development. For instance, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program, one of the most expensive military projects in history, has generated billions in revenue for the company.

Resource Conflicts in Africa: In regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), armed conflict often revolves around control of mineral resources such as coltan, cobalt, and gold. These minerals are essential components in electronics manufacturing, attracting both legal and illegal mining operations. Companies sourcing these minerals for products like smartphones and laptops face ethical dilemmas regarding their supply chains’ involvement in conflict zones.

War Economy in Syria: The ongoing conflict in Syria has spurred a war economy, with various factions vying for control of territory and resources. Arms smuggling, black-market trade, and reconstruction contracts fuel economic activity amidst the devastation. Companies involved in reconstruction efforts face challenges due to the instability and political complexities of the region.

War Profiteering in Yemen: The conflict in Yemen has led to allegations of war profiteering, with reports of arms sales and military support from foreign entities prolonging the conflict. Companies involved in arms manufacturing and sales have faced criticism for their role in perpetuating the violence and humanitarian crisis in the country.

Post-War Reconstruction in Iraq: Following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, reconstruction efforts created opportunities for businesses in sectors such as construction, infrastructure development, and logistics. However, corruption, security risks, and political instability hampered progress, leading to challenges for companies involved in rebuilding the war-torn country. Financial Markets and Geopolitical Tensions: Geopolitical tensions, such as those between the United States and Iran, have led to market fluctuations and investor uncertainty. Escalating tensions in the Middle East can impact oil prices and stock markets globally. Investors closely monitor developments in conflict zones, adjusting their portfolios to hedge against geopolitical risks.

Conclusion

The nexus between war and business is intricate and multifaceted, encompassing a wide array of economic activities and interests. While wars create opportunities for certain industries and businesses, they also pose ethical challenges and humanitarian concerns. The pursuit of profit amid human suffering underscores the need for responsible business practices and ethical governance. As we navigate the complex dynamics of war and business, it is imperative to strive for a balance between economic interests and moral imperatives, ensuring that prosperity does not come at the expense of peace and human welfare.

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Bahao Novel: Book Review

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Novel Bahao

 “BAHAO”

Summary:

The author of this novel, Mustansar Hussain Tarar is a novelist, story writer, humorist and columnist. In this novel, he has beautifully discussed the ancient Sindh civilization (Indus Valley Civilization) and the facts about the culture and habits of the inhabitants. As the name depicts, this novel is about the flow of water, its influence on the lives of the people and role in the transfer of ancient civilizations. The author’s description of their culture, landscape and rituals reveals a close rhythmic bond of fertility and continuation with the soil, rain cycles and the annual floods in the river This is story of human endurance, survival and feelings expressed via many languages used by author.

Bahao (flow) begins with an astonishing scene of a migratory bird flying over a parched landscape for seeking water in terrible heat. He felt himself dying while looking down, the bird saw something that has the glint of water but ultimately collapses and dies on a mound of dead birds. The novel’s protagonist, the young woman Paroshni, laments its death. She gazed upon the shrinking lake surrounded by thickets of evergreens (rukh) still retaining some moisture from the rains. There were many trees including old Ficus religiosa (Pipals) and Tamarinds. Some distance away from Paroshni’s house lied the swampland and the small settlements close to the banks of Ghaghara river and various larger dwellings such as Mohenjo-daro which lie far away on the banks of river Sindhu. The whole life was depended on annual floods which was major source of irrigation around Ghaghara river which is also called Sarsoti.

This was a time of drought and great thirst. The author has beautifully described the passage of flow in the story of a flower; how it was taken off by pressurized flowing water and went through different struggles and at last reached the Ghagara river. One day, this flower touched the body of Paroshni when she went to the river side to check whether the annual flood is on its way or not. There she found a flower with its few dead petals and stem in the river, a sign of arrival of annual flood that raised their crops; their ultimate source of food. She knew that floods will arrive but she didn’t tell this to anyone.

On her way, she came across the three sons of Mati and also, she met Dhorwa, the only care taker of the cattle there. On her way back to her home, she met Sumro, the one who stayed in this township and carved the beads and seals. She also stayed for few minutes at Pakli’s place where she made various earth wares and decorate them with different structures. Paroshni was the one who wanted to spent her entire life at place of birth and hated the idea of leaving her birth place. She married Warchan who traveled to explore new places. He made his way to Mohenjo-daro and visualized the great city; its baths, craft centers, brick structures, narrow lanes and flat roofs, different from his township. Mohenjo-daro was on gradual decline, inhabited by Aryans over a millennium ago who have inhabited and overtaken vast areas of this land. They considered themselves superior racially and culturally and adhere closely to their religion of many deities.

When the time of return came, he travelled back in a boat containing other passengers from Mohanjo-daro, also a person named Dogra, who sought escape from the kiln where he was a brick-kiln worker. He followed Warchan and reached the evergreens’ jungles, wastelands of sand and ruined cities long abandoned. He told everything about himself to Warchan, the living style, way of earning the livelihood and the struggle of the people inside the who built this city.

One day, Kaagri, the one who caught birds, was running behind a bull and Paroshni was following her. Kaagri suddenly fell down and everyone passed without noticing her and she died there. When Paroshni fell down and the men on her. On seeing the bull, the men left but Poroshni was lying there seeing death in front of her eyes but Warchan saved her. They got married but she was unable to differentiate between Warchan and Sumro. She also gave birth to a child who was dead. This incident changed her life, the joy and inner happiness was taken away.

Some aspects of the religious beliefs and culture show elements of subsequent Hinduism. The spirit of the dead going beyond the river to the place where no-one goes, the ones who are near to death either retired to the thickets when their time came or being buried in pottery jars if they stayed on and the dogs of Yama came to fetch them, these all influenced their lives to larger extents.

The situation in this area got worse when their river starts dying. When the flow started abating and everything was drying and withering away, everyone left the township and migrated towards other areas where water and its resources were available for their survival except Paroshni who didn’t left her township and was living strenuously in the intense conditions.

The core objective of this novel is new targets and ideas are necessary for the survival of societies otherwise they will proceed towards the destruction of civilizations. Perhaps this is one of the reasons of civilization’s ruin. This book is considered one of the best writings of Mustansar Hussain Tarar. Intizar Hussain once called it “The Novel of The Century” and undoubtedly, this is one of the most spectacularly woven tales of the time.

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Fragmentation, Conflict, and Cybersecurity

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Fragmentation Conflict and Cybersecurity
Fragmentation Conflict and Cybersecurity

The original idea behind artificial intelligence (AI) was to simulate the functioning of the human brain and look into real-world issues from a human perspective. Creative literary and cinematic works have made AI globally renowned. Its uses are numerous and include the military, space exploration, and the healthcare industry. In the latter case, it helps with diagnosis, treatment suggestions, and structural health management for financial projections. Security of networks, devices, and data against damage or unauthorized access is the goal of cybersecurity, which has its roots in cybernetics. By automating procedures to identify and address cyber risks, AI greatly improves cybersecurity efforts. This is especially true with machine learning, which gives computers the ability to learn from experience and adapt accordingly. Several cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST and ISO, offer recommendations for protecting various domains, which reflects the wide range of cybersecurity concerns, from infrastructure security to human security.

China, the US, and the EU released an unprecedented joint communiqué in November 2023, pledging to work together globally to address the problems brought forth by cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, especially “frontier” AI-like generative models like ChatGPT. This paper raised issues about the possible use of AI for misinformation and the significant threats it poses to biotechnology and cybersecurity. Officials from the US and China have further bilateral discussions to discuss potential collaboration on risk management and regulation of AI. Notably, recent regulatory initiatives by these key actors show notable convergence, such as China’s rules, the EU’s AI Act, and US President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI.  The common objective of these regimes is to stop AI exploitation while encouraging innovation.

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is modeled after an international panel that would advise governments on AI capabilities and emerging trends. Ian Bremmer, Eric Schmidt, and Mustafa Suleyman are among those who have proposed closer international management of AI.

One major area of conflict related to AI is the ongoing dispute between China and the United States over the global semiconductor industry. To manufacture devices that can run cutting-edge AI models used by OpenAI, Anthropic, and other companies on the technological frontier, the U.S. Commerce Department released its first comprehensive licensing regime for the export of advanced chips and chip-making technology in October 2022.

China responded in August 2023 by imposing export restrictions on rare materials germanium and gallium, which are both required for the production of semiconductors. Because states are not sufficiently restrained from implementing export controls by international trade law under the World Trade Organization, tit-for-tat rivalry over chips is feasible. There is minimal chance of new formal regulations that can be legitimately enforced by a reputable international organization because former US President Donald Trump eliminated the WTO’s appeal body in 2018.

Reduced trade and increased geopolitical tensions are the results of this.
Technical standards, which have long served as the foundation for the usage of any significant technology, represent another area of contention. China has been pushing its chosen standards in the technical committees of several of these agencies, where it has assumed more and more leadership responsibilities. With 39 nations and territories, China had standardization agreements in place as of 2019.

Geopolitical strife is reshaping global AI regulations and deepening disagreements about the intangible resources required for the technology. Large data repositories as well as highly specialised, smaller data pools are needed for AI tools. Businesses and nations will vie for access to various types of data, and there will likely be more international conflict over data flows. Collective solutions that are vast in scope will be thwarted by the new legal framework surrounding AI. Driven by its commitment to open markets and national security, the United States pushed a model of unrestricted international data transfers.

At the same time, European legislation has been more circumspect when it comes to data protection. China and India have passed national laws requiring “data localization,” imposing more stringent controls on cross-border data transfers. The question of whether and when states might require the disclosure of the algorithms underlying AI instruments is beginning to spark rivalry on a global scale. According to the EU’s planned AI Act, big businesses must provide government authorities access to some models’ inner workings to make sure people won’t be harmed by them.

With Biden’s executive order requiring disclosures about “dual-use foundation models” and trade agreements forbidding disclosure of “property source code and algorithms,” the American approach is more convoluted and less cohesive. States are likely to attempt to compel companies to reveal technical design decisions while simultaneously forbidding them from disclosing this information to other governments as the significance of these decisions gains traction.

After agreeing at first that AI would be harmful, great powers are now fighting over the technology’s foundations, which is causing the legal system to become disjointed. In addition to undermining a nation’s attempts to control AI, this disjointed legal system can enable autocracies to control public opinion and take advantage of information flow. It can even spark global conflict. There could be a major loss if a global attempt to control AI is never really realized.

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Surging Bitter Family Relations

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Surging Bitter Family Relations

Social Problem can be defined as, “an issue which influentially affects large number of people and has long-term impacts on them”. If these issues can’t be resolved, then they may cause huge problems at micro as well as macro levels. There are many social problems encircling our society. However, the social problem of core importance among them is increase in bitter family relations; a major issue in our society which results into worsening of the nations.

Family is the basic unit of a society; it lays foundations of social life. Family is where the upcoming generations are trained and grown up. If it gets disturb, worse scenarios will take place in society. The relationship between parents and their children is of high importance. Existence of strong relationship between family members matters a lot. Family is where one seeks peace.

Michael J. Fox has rightly said;

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything”.

Parents consider that only giving their children the basic rights like education, good clothing, protection from outside world; are enough for their child’s development and growth in this complex society. Along with these basic rights, children also need their parents to understand them as they also have emotional needs, psychological needs and mental needs. Parents claim and always reply their child with this clause, “we know you better than you”, when any child argues or tries to explain himself or herself.

Major deficiencies of life are not related to wealth or money but genuine deficiencies are scarcity of confidence, understanding, hope, inner confidence, broaden vision, honesty, loyalty, persistency and bravery among people especially youth and growing children. Even parents don’t teach basics of life to their children. The only things that matter to them are good grades, good studies and good degrees. But this is not true love and affection. True love is understanding needs, minds and souls of their children. Giving them basic knowledge about bravery, courage, persistence, understanding, independence (not dependent on any other person or partner for their self-accomplishment) are of prime importance. Parents should also not care about what other people say.

. They should consider what is enough for their child’s development and growth. But they have eventually failed and resulted into serious deficiencies in their children, which has resulted into failure of nations as a whole Suicide levels have escalated to such an extent that it needs effective control and solution otherwise, serious implications will take place. According to World Health Organization report on Suicide Prevention (2021); More than 7,00,000 people die by suicide every year.  For each suicide, there are more than 20 attempts.[1] Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 years old in 2019.[2]


[1] https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1

[2] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide

Children are unable to deal with life stresses, financial problems, chronic pains and big challenges. Sense of isolation escalates in such people. When sufferings reach at apex, suicide is the last approach considered valid for themselves. According to World Health Organization’s Report, Suicide Rate in Pakistan has crossed 8%.[1]

There are many causes for increasing bitter relations among family members.

  • Traditions play a huge role in conservative behavior of parents towards their child. We are all encaged in this world of traditions and ignorance. We all have created our own limitations and boundaries. But there are no boundaries and limits for our development, achievements and success.
  • Illiteracy and ignorance cause this evil to expand. Even it is a major root cause of this social problem.
  • Lack of trust and flexibility by parents towards their child results into aggression, violation and humiliation that escalates until it takes violent forms. This all is due to the “Generation Gap” that exists within societies. This leads to misperceptions, arguments and misunderstandings among family members. This is where conflict starts. Lack of understanding among family members is a major cause of every demolition in every family.

[1] https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1

This evil can be controlled by taking certain precautionary measures starting from basic level. Children should not be victims of their mental and emotional torture. Effective communication and trust levels are required for successful development of children. Parents should be supportive, understandable, flexible, know how to communicate with their children by putting aside their traditional principles and values. Not every material softens by the flame; some melts but others further get hardened, this is how parent’s scold work. Every child has different abilities to perceive and grasp it. It does not mean that I am completely blaming parents but they do have the ability of growing a child and its development. If they do it in a flexible way, the results will be encouraging. The provision of basic, ethical and moral education is required for healthy developments of minds. Necessary measures are required by Government and organizations for creating awareness via various means in order to reduce this evil.

[1] https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1

[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide

[1] https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1

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