Abid Hafeez

IN a country with over 230 million people, there are reportedly 38 million beggars, with the average daily amount a beggar collects having been estimated to be Rs2,000 in Karachi, Rs1,400 in Lahore, and Rs950 in Islamabad. The national average amount per beggar is Rs850. According to the report that is making waves on social media, these beggars extract Rs32 billion from people’s pockets every day in the form of charity. This amount, if authentic, translates into Rs117 trillion annually. In dollar terms, the amount is the equivalent of $42 billion. Come to think of it, this is truely a double-edged sword. Simply put, these are 38 million non-productive individuals consuming $42 billion, and forcing the rest of the nation to put up with 21 per cent inflation. We must eliminate this professional beggary, and if we do that, we will not regret our decision five years from now. We should learn from Bangladesh’s example. After getting rid of beggary from society, it was able to raise $52 bil...

Pakistan faces a significant challenge as political polarisation and economic destabilisation continue to grip the country. The country has been facing political turmoil for years, with a surge in recent years. It has led to violence, protests and unrest, further exacerbating the country’s economic instability. The political polarisation is primarily between the two major political parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). The two parties have been at loggerheads for years, accusing each other of corruption and malfeasance. This has resulted in a breakdown of dialogue and cooperation between the parties, further fuelling the country’s unrest. Moreover, the country’s economy has been struggling for years, with high inflation, low growth and high unemployment rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated economic challenges in the country, with businesses closing and rising unemployment. The combination of political polarisation and...

Across the country, dog culling remains a controversial and widely debated topic. While concerns about stray dogs in urban areas are valid, it’s essential to address the root causes and challenge the misconceptions surrounding these innocent creatures. Contrary to popular belief, many stray dogs are harmless and can become invaluable companions if treated with kindness and compassion. Stray dogs often face adversity in urban environments leading to survival instincts that might be misconstrued as aggressive behaviour. Unfortunately, many communities react to the presence of stray dogs with hostility often resorting to culling as a solution. This approach not only raises ethical concerns but fails to address the underlying issues contributing to the stray dog population. Communities can take a more humane approach by promoting responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering programmes and establishing animal shelters. Education plays a pivotal role in changing perceptions, helping peop...

  Feeding Sparrows and Pigeons: A Small Act with Big Impact   Introduction As the sun blazes down, the air shimmers with heat, and the pavement feels like a frying pan, we humans seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces, chilled drinks, and shade. But what about our feathered friends—the sparrows and pigeons that share our urban environment? They don’t have the luxury of air conditioning or cold beverages. In fact, they rely on us to provide sustenance during these sweltering days.   Why Feed Sparrows and Pigeons? 1. Water Scarcity In the scorching heat, water sources become scarce. Puddles dry up, and natural water bodies recede. For sparrows and pigeons, finding clean water can be a challenge. By placing water bowls or shallow dishes in our gardens or on our balconies, we can offer a lifeline to these birds. Remember to refill the water regularly to keep it fresh.   2. Food Availability Urbanization has altered the landscape significantly. Natural ...

Surviving the Scorching Heatwave As the mercury soars in Pakistan, the country is grappling with an intense heatwave, making life increasingly difficult for its residents. The scorching sun is causing discomfort and posing serious health risks. However, there are ways to combat the heat and maintain good health during these challenging times. The Importance of Hydration One of the most crucial aspects of surviving a heatwave is staying hydrated. Our bodies lose water rapidly in hot weather, especially if we are active. Dehydration can lead to various health problems, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Therefore, it is recommended to drink excessive water throughout the day. Water is the best choice for hydration. It is readily available, cost-effective, and does not contain any calories or sugar. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day and increase this amount if you are sweating heavily. The Benefits of Lemon Water In addition to plain water, lemon water can be a ref...

  RANSOMWARE attack is a type of malicious cyber attack in which cybercriminals encrypt a victim’s data or systems and demand a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption key or to prevent the release of sensitive information. The repercussions of a ransomware attack can be significant and include: Data Loss: Ransomware can lead to data loss if victims refuse to pay the ransom or cannot recover their data even after paying. This can be especially damaging for businesses with critical information. Financial Costs: Paying the ransom is expensive, and organizations may also incur costs related to recovering data, improving cybersecurity, and potential legal fees. Operational Disruption: Ransomware can disrupt business operations, leading to downtime and lost productivity. This can be particularly harmful for organizations that rely heavily on digital systems. Reputation Damage: Public knowledge of a ransomware attack can harm an organizations’ reputation, eroding trust with custo...

  The Ripple Effects of Pakistan’s Unstable Economy on Its Aging Population Pakistan’s economy has been a subject of intense scrutiny and concern, particularly due to its instability and the repercussions it has on various segments of society. The middle and lower-middle classes, along with the elderly, bear the brunt of economic fluctuations, which starkly contrasts with the situation of the elderly in the West, who benefit from robust Social Security systems. The Plight of Pakistan’s Elderly: In Pakistan, the economic instability has led to high inflation rates and a sharp rise in the cost of living, which disproportionately affects the elderly. The lack of a comprehensive social security system means that many older adults rely on their savings or family support, which can be precarious, especially in times of economic downturns. The middle and lower-middle classes, who are already stretched thin, find it increasingly difficult to support their aging family members. Contrast wit...

ANIMAL day seminar organised by Brooke in collaboration with Voice for the voiceless and Give us Life animal welfare at four points by Sheraton was held on 10-10-2020. Gusts arrived at the venue at 9:00 a.m and were served with a delicious breakfast. The seminar started with a documentary video in which BROOK presented a brief history about when it started its animal welfare services in U.K and how and when it opened the animal shelter homes in Pakistan. The documentary revealed the facts about the hardships faced by local N.G.Os for the rescue of earthquake hit victims stuck in the far flung areas where donkeys, mules and horses had to carry the life stock for about 8km at the altitude. The seminar started with a documentary video in which BROOK presented a brief history about when it started its animal welfare services in U.K and how and when it opened the equine shelters and rehabilitation Centers in Pakistan. The documentary revealed the facts about the hardships faced by local N.G...