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Post-COVID-19 Affects on Pakistan

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Covid-19 pandemic has become the only superpower on the face of the earth since December 2019 as the deadly virus has so far affected one-third of the entire world population. Undoubtedly the current health situation has initiated a worldwide uniformed concern in terms of restoring the environmental cleanliness, personal hygiene and discipline by taking precautionary measures. The preventive strategies include maximum social distancing, disinfecting homes and workplaces with chemical sprays, use of preventive kits, screening equipment, ventilators, gloves, face masks, movement control order (MCO) and a worldwide lockdown across the globe.

Before we move to discuss the by-products of this ongoing global medical health emergency, there are some sad facts that need to be reminded. As it is already known to all that coronavirus has killed thousands of human beings across the world, and even today, the numbers are rapidly multiplying. It has proved to be the most serious catastrophe after World War Two that has crushed the world’s economic system besides creating certain other interruptions at a huge scale. Other than killing a vast number of people, it has jammed all the activities related to politics, education, and business, etc. Many segments of society including the low class has suffered a lot who cannot afford to take even a single day off in order to survive a hand to mouth life. Moreover, such downtrodden people cannot afford to use sanitizers or wear protective face masks. However, despite these mentioned issues, there is still a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel, and the hopes are high that soon we will get rid of this deadly beast. Now setting aside these major problems, one can still try to look for the best in the worst by keeping the morale high and also by focusing the lessons that we may learn from this situation.

First of all, the social distancing policy as per the official instructions in order to curb the rapid spread of this disease is not devoid of any positive lesson. In fact, it has come up with many advantages such as we are getting more time to spend with our families, be it our parents or spouses, and we are getting the opportunity to enjoy our healthy homemade food. We are saving more money and time due to minimum mobility outside our houses. However, in this solitude of staying back with families, we can go back to the prescribed habit of reading books or watching movies. In this way, in fact, we do experience a spirit of oneness with our parents, partners or kids that were, otherwise, lost due to the hustle-bustle of our busy lives. This pathogen has allowed us to enjoy the reality of relationships by living close to them instead of taking the help of digital platforms and gadgets. Moreover, these unusual off-days can also feed our minds with some enriching self-introspection or soul searching? By the time the virus vanishes away, it is likely to transform the individual from arrogant to polite, selfish to selfless, careless to careful and from senseless to a sensible human being. In the post-corona scenario, it can be hoped that a man will no more care to feed his ego rather now he will be taking care of his near and dear ones. Along with this spiritual impact, there is also a visible and positive change regarding the habits to take care of personal hygiene that in turn contributes for the well-being of whole society. It has united the otherwise divided nationalities and religious sections as now the countries are offering spiritual, emotional, medical and monetary help to the needy nations.

Surprisingly, this novel coronavirus is being discussed from the perspective of conspiracy theories such as bio-terrorism etc. as one of them. There are different schools of thought that seem to exercise their opinion by either blaming US for artificially making the virus in their hidden labs or by calling it “China virus”. Whatever is the case, we are witnessing that, the irreversible disaster is being experienced by all the countries. This blame game is creating a panic wave in the society that is no more than an addition to already existing problems. A strong self-evaluation is needed along with a unity of action in order to get rid of this curse instead of spreading this chaos. It is a pleasing fact that, despite being divided on number of religious, economic and political issues, various nations seem to be on the same page regarding their fight against this deadly threat. It is the high time to realize that the countries need to keep aside all their prevailing conflicts in order to make this planet a safer and healthy place to live. The racists and bigots should introspect for a moment and see that if this Covid-19 a follows a particular class, race, caste, race, nationality or religion? This has indeed united the opposing nations in their combat against it and they need to keep this in their mind that the more united they are against this common challenge, the highest will be their chances to win the battle.

Likewise, this fatal virus also teaches us to be charitable towards those sections of society who need us at this hour of time. They should be taken care of, by providing them with enough ration, medical care and a constant emotional support. One other significant outcome of this tragedy is, that, it has kept the public away from polluting the air, water and land in the form of celebrating excessive picnics, vacations and frequent visits to eating out points. Moreover the chemical factories due to a continuous shut down have not used excessive electricity and no hazardous gas was emitted since a month. This spirit of minimalism has to be sustained in the wake of post-COVID-19 scenario in order to maintain healthy living place for all.

Similarly, a vital lesson amid corona combat is related to the government disaster management and disease control system, both need a serious concern to face the occurrence of any such natural disaster in the future. There is a dire need to formulate effective teams of experts to face these kinds of challenges with the help visionary and competent manpower including the best scientists, leaders, doctors and academicians. The government needs to provide the crew with enough of financial as well as moral support so that they can perform useful experiments in order to invent some cure for such deadly viral diseases. Moreover they can be asked to work on their research based projects in collaboration with global experts from highly advanced and experienced countries such as UK, USA and China. Another worth mentioning issue, during lock down of educational institutes, is faced by many academicians as well as the students, is related to online teaching system as it has proved to be a bigger challenge due to sheer lack of training and skill. From now onwards, the universities, colleges and schools should give a regular training on how to use online medium for teaching in order to keep the education system fluent and smooth, in any situation.

In the concluding passage I would like to highlight the positive role of media as it needs to be appreciated for the provision of constant guidance, about the necessary health measures, in every nook and corner of the country. Last but not the least, the supremely active role of various professionals including doctors, paramedical staff, hospital cleaners, security guards, rangers, army and police has instantly proved their worth in the battle against this monster. Finally one can predict the positive impact of this life changing troubling pandemic i.e. to create a more humane world as well as an exemplary safe environment to live in. COVID-19, irrespective of its fatal affects, in many ways, is to be taken as food for thought that imparts few much needed lessons to remember forever. In addition to a personal rejuvenation, it makes the man realize the sensitive nature of his status as being a mere mortal being. It also connects us with the Almighty God in the form of begging and prayers. May ALLAH protect us all from this curse!

 

 

Pakistan

Beyond the Aurat March: What Feminism Really Means!

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LAHORE – When we hear the word feminism, what usually comes to mind? Rights, independence, equality? At its core, feminism is meant to stand for fairness and justice, yet in our society, the term has often been misunderstood, misused, or even exploited. Broadly speaking, there are two types of women who call themselves feminists. The first group genuinely strives for equality in their professional roles, personal lives, and societal standing.

For them, feminism is about demanding respect and recognition, not superiority. The second group, however, uses feminism in the wrong way. For them, calling themselves feminist has become trendy or “cool.” They use it as a shield to justify going off track, behaving disrespectfully, or unfairly targeting men. To these women, hating men equals feminism, which is far from its true meaning.

This misuse creates injustice for men, who sometimes become victims when faced with such distorted versions of feminism.The problem arises when feminism is twisted into a tool for privilege rather than equality.

For some, it becomes a reason to demand advantages without responsibility, a trend to bash men while ignoring the challenges men face such as mental health struggles, financial pressures, or societal expectations, and even a justification for rudeness and disrespect disguised as empowerment. This distorted narrative not only damages men but also misguides younger generations, especially through social media, where radicalized voices dominate and influence perceptions.
Every year, events like the Aurat March become controversial. While raising voices for rights and justice is never wrong, many banners, slogans, and behaviors displayed during such events do not resonate with our cultural and religious values.

We live in an Islamic state where modesty is emphasized, and our youth are increasingly influenced by the wrong portrayal of feminism, confusing rebellion with empowerment. It is crucial to remember that Islam grants women immense respect and rights, but within defined boundaries. Women are encouraged to cover themselves, care for their families, and maintain dignity in society. At the same time, Islam elevates women by granting them inheritance rights, the right to education, respect as mothers, and recognition as equal partners in society. True equity lies in following this balance: rights with responsibilities, freedom with respect, and equality with values.
The debate over feminism, however, is not confined to Pakistan; it is global. According to IPSOS, 32% of men worldwide believe feminism does more harm than good, and 20% of women share this view. A King’s College London survey found that 16% of Gen Z men (ages 16–29) consider feminism harmful, higher than the 13% of men over 60 who feel the same. Globally, men are more likely than women to believe feminism has caused men to lose economic, social, or political power. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), nearly 50% of posts about feminism are negative, and anti-feminist accounts often use insults and stereotypes three times more frequently than feminist accounts.

Even corporations have commodified feminism, using slogans like “The Future is Female” to market products. This selective adoption of feminist language reinforces stereotypes rather than addressing real issues of gender equality.
The essence of feminism is not about hating men, seeking privileges, or promoting disrespect. It is about equity, justice, and opportunity for all, values already embedded in Islam and universally acknowledged human rights. If feminism is to achieve its true purpose, it must be reclaimed from misuse, distortion, and commercialization. Only then can it inspire a healthier society where both men and women coexist with dignity, fairness, and respect.

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CEO CBD Punjab and Ruda Imran Amin meets with CM’s advisor Ali Mustafa Dar to discuss AI integration and tokenization.

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LAHORE – Imran Amin, CEO of Punjab CBD and RUDA, met with Ali Mustafa Dar, Advisor to the Punjab Chief Minister on AI and Special Initiatives, in Lahore. The high-level meeting focused on the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tokenization frameworks within the ongoing and upcoming projects of CBD Punjab and RUDA.

The meeting focused on utilizing AI-driven governance to refine urban planning and enhance data-driven decision-making. Both officials evaluated the implementation of AI for smart infrastructure, digital service delivery, and predictive analytics to streamline operational efficiency and transparency across all development projects.

A key highlight of the meeting was the exploration of asset tokenization frameworks aimed at increasing transparency accessibility and investor participation in large-scale urban development projects. The concept of digital asset tokenization was discussed as a forward-looking approach to modernize real estate investment mechanisms and create secure technology-backed financial ecosystems.

Ali Mustafa Dar appreciated the proactive approach of CBD Punjab and RUDA in embracing AI and innovative financial technologies. He assured full support from his office in facilitating policy guidance, technical collaboration, and pilot initiatives to position Punjab as a leading hub for smart and technology-enabled urban development.

CEO CBD Punjab & RUDA Imran Amin briefed the Advisor on the ongoing progress of CBD Punjab & RUDA, emphasizing their vision to transform urban development through vertical growth, sustainability, and smart-city principles. He reiterated the commitment of both authorities to adopt emerging technologies that align with the Government of Punjab’s digital transformation agenda.

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to establish a structured roadmap for AI integration and tokenization pilots within selected projects of CBD Punjab & RUDA.

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Leather industry leadership drives global expansion and cross-border business transformation

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LAHORE – In Pakistan’s thriving leather markets, Adnan Siddiqui, Director of Karachi-based FACON and founder of Trendy Jacket, had a vision: to showcase Pakistani craftsmanship globally through premium leather jackets and accessories.

But vision alone wasn’t enough. Despite Pakistan’s leather goods exports reaching $98.697 million with 5.1% growth, Adnan faced the challenges that stifle countless Pakistani entrepreneurs: unreliable international payments, transaction delays, and constant non-payment risks.

The broader context was equally daunting. Pakistan’s e-commerce sector hit $7.7 billion in 2024 with 17% annual growth forecasted, yet SMEs still wrestled with payment barriers, connectivity issues, and trust gaps. For Adnan, these weren’t abstract statistics; they were daily obstacles limiting his international potential.

“I watched opportunity after opportunity slip away,” Adnan recalls. “Customers loved our products, but payment hassles made lasting relationships nearly impossible.”

The breakthrough came when Adnan became an early adopter of Payoneer over a decade ago. This strategic partnership provided the complete cross-border payments ecosystem he needed:

  • Global receiving accounts for seamless Amazon and marketplace payments
  • Multi-currency management across 12 accounts without conversion delays
  • Physical payment cards for instant fund access
  • Real-time FX conversion for maintained cash flows

“The beauty wasn’t just in the platform’s ease,” Adnan explains. “It was in how it freed me to focus on creating exceptional leather products.”

The transformation was dramatic. Daily vendor and courier payments replaced monthly cycles, directly improving customer satisfaction and fulfillment speed. Most remarkably, Adnan’s business grew tenfold, expanding across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia.

“When I started, cross-border growth was more of a dream,” Adnan reflects. “Now young entrepreneurs enter the market with confidence, knowing they can compete globally from day one.”

His advice to emerging entrepreneurs: prioritize long-term value and consistent quality over short-term profits.

As Pakistan’s e-commerce market heads toward PKR 500 billion by 2026 with 18-22% annual growth, Adnan’s journey from local leather business to global enterprise offers a powerful roadmap for entrepreneurs ready to transform international dreams into reality.

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