It was a quiet afternoon in Haripur when Sana (not her real name), a university student, stood up after a session and said, “For the first time, I feel someone is listening to us, not just telling us what to think, but trusting us to lead.” Her voice cracked slightly, [...]
Democracy is not just about elections. It is about people being truly able to take part in decisions that affect their lives. Yet, in Pakistan, despite constitutional guarantees, citizens often find themselves neglected. Laws like the Right to Information (RTI) exist, but implementation is weak, particularly in Balochistan and Punjab. Misinformation and disinformation further distort public discourse, while controversial laws like Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) are enacted without meaningful public consultation.
Crises are revealing. They strip away our practiced niceties and expose the real substance of our moral selves. And when I look back at how we’ve collectively behaved as a society in moments of shared vulnerability, I struggle to find comfort. What I see instead is a pattern of opportunism, of short-sighted gain, of a startling erosion of empathy.
This article delves into Pakistan's escalating wildfire crisis, highlighting the urgent need for a multifaceted and resilient response. Through historical analysis, examination of societal impacts, and scrutiny of government actions, we propose a comprehensive strategy for mitigating wildfire damage and fostering community resilience.
Accountability Lab Pakistan, with the support of the European Union in Pakistan and in collaboration with NACTA and UNODC Pakistan, announces the launch of the Virtual Media Competition for students enrolled in our beneficiary universities. This competition is designed to amplify youth voices and promote powerful narratives of peace, resilience, and social cohesion through original digital and written storytelling.
As cities expand, governance remains fragmented, often prioritizing short-term gains over sustainable planning. This blog highlights the need for anticipatory governance, inclusive urban planning, and citizen participation to create livable, equitable, and resilient cities. Drawing from global best practices, it explores the role of data-driven policies, participatory decision-making, and leadership development in shaping a sustainable urban future.
Written by: Ayesha Khan The representation of women in Pakistan's judiciary is alarmingly low, particularly at senior levels, raising concerns about the impact of gendered justice on judicial outcomes. This analysis explores the status of female judges, their influence on decision-making, and the societal consequences of their underrepresentation.
Written by: Muhammad Abubakar Governance in Pakistan’s public sector has long faced challenges, including inefficiency, inadequate planning, and limited accountability. These systemic hurdles often manifest in stalled infrastructure initiatives and social programs that struggle to meet citizens' needs. However, there is a transformative opportunity to shift from traditional approaches to more inclusive and innovative methodologies — Human-Centered Design Thinking, emphasizing on empathy, collaboration, and iterative development to tackle real-world governance challenges more effectively.
Written by: Asif Farooqui Islamabad The Beautiful, regarded as a symbol of order and serenity, has slowly descended into a city of growing frustration and disarray for its residents. While often celebrated for its wide roads and landscapes, these features now mask a deeper, more troubling reality—a city gripped by mismanagement and a glaring lack of empathy from those in charge.
