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COVID-19 — a lesson for Pakistan’s political elite

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6 years ago

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The pace and scale of the coronavirus epidemic have shocked the governments around the world and left the stock markets in chaos. So far, nearly more than one million people have been diagnosed with it and the worldwide death toll is 60,000 in the first six months. Today we are living in a different world where no one knows when this contagious virus will end. We also do not know how it will end, and currently we can predict its impact on economic and politics. Historians are clear that epidemics are events, not trends. Charles Rosenberg a medicine historian said, “Epidemics start at a moment in time, proceed on a stage limited in space and duration, follow a plot line of increasing revelatory tension, move to a crisis of individual and collective character, then drift toward closure.”

It is too early draw inferences about the potential effects of the global crisis that has just started, but here are few early lessons.

The first and most obvious lesson is that the pandemic will have a major repercussions for the neoliberal economic model comprehended by Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. This model is based on the concept of market forces and encourage private sector which shrink the state’s role in economic activities. The hollowness of neoliberal economics have already been exposed by novel Covid-19 as people are instantaneously and impulsively looking towards the governments for rescue while their health system is completely jeopardized. Even radical Presidents like Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have realized that in order to strengthen the health system and help the unemployed masses, a massive government support is needed. Instead of leaving people at the mercy of private sector, a package of $2.2 trillion to boost economic growth and to provide a minimum income for everyone is required.

Secondly, this global emergency is also creating an opportunity for the authoritarian forces to project themselves as the savior of the whole world. As we have seen in the past that at the end of World War I, Lenin and his allies manipulated the terrible situation and dissolved the first elected Constituent Assembly in the Russian’s history. In the elections the Bolsheviks failed to gain the majority but took the control of a fractious and fragmented nation. Mussolini came into power by exploiting the extreme economic situation of Italy. We have also seen how Hitler came into power when parliament was paralyzed by repeated elections in its attempt to form government and millions of unemployed destroyed.

Thirdly, the 18th amendment to the constitution which was passed in 2010, has been proved very effective as provinces are now autonomous and do not depend on federal government for instructions. Sindh is the hardest hit province in Pakistan as it received hundreds of pilgrims from Iran. The proactive measures by Sindh government by executing varying degree of lockdowns to stop its spread which was then followed by other three provinces shows the benefit of 18th amendment as federal government was persistent to push back against the idea of lockdown.

In addition to that, Covid-19 across the globe has shaken the world’s economic, social and health systems. We have seen China, Singapore, South Korea and other states are fighting this virus collectively to curtail its transmission. Unfortunately, in Pakistan the political parties are not understanding the sensitivity of this pandemic disease and are busy in playing a blame game. Such situations demand the unity of all political elite on one page. It is high time that the Prime minister should act as a leader and raise his stature in the eyes of all and look beyond its political interests. He should bring all political parties, Ulemas, provincial governments, and state institutions on one page and make a unified policy as this fight cannot be won individually.

Alongside, Covid-19 not only exposed our political elite but also exposed the moral values of our society. From smuggling of personal protective equipment under the nose of government to price hikes in diagnostic tests and hoarding of surgical mask or selling it at a fourfold price shows that how much corroded moral standards we have. The history show that there has always been a rise and fall of nations since the inception, and if the social structure of any nation breaks apart, the moral character of its citizens fell below a certain level, then nature plays its role and the cycle of degeneration begins. During such crisis national strength becomes known to the world as the 90years woman in Belgium refused to use a ventilator and asked her doctor to give it to a younger patient. We need to learn from China and other states and need to follow our Islam in true spirit who put great emphasis on morality.

The current pandemic has threatened the whole humanity. It has no concern weather you are Americans, Chinese or an Italians. Despite different strategic structures and weapons that are supposed to protect us, it crosses borders without any obstruction. Time has come to redefined as Covid-19 is a wakeup call for all of us as it has shaken the most developed and modern states like America, China and many European states. Coronavirus has told us that national security is not confined to border security only; human security is also part of national security. 21st century concept of collective security tells us that you cannot have national security unless you have human security.

In this pandemic outbreak there is a lesson that how we can prepare ourselves for future disasters. The role of the government is essential but people also need to cooperate with the governments not just for themselves but for the rest of society.

 

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Oppo A6 4G debuts in Pakistan with key upgrades in battery, performance, and camera

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3 months ago

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December 2, 2025

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LAHORE – OPPO, a global leader in smartphone devices, is thrilled to announce the launch of the OPPO A6 4G in Pakistan, which is now available for pre-order. The OPPO A6 4G features a long-lasting battery, powerful multitasking capabilities, and an advanced AI camera. It also comes with a 2-year warranty, reflecting OPPO’s commitment to providing reliable, high-quality smartphones to its users.

Power That Lasts All Day – Charge Once, Use Two Days

With a massive 7000mAh battery, the OPPO A6 4G only needs one charge to last up to two days. Stream videos, browse social media, or game without worrying about running out of power. Thanks to its reverse charging feature, the A6 4G can even power other devices on the go, acting as a portable power hub for earphones, smartwatches, or tablets etc. Its efficient power management keeps the battery healthy over time, ensuring consistent performance for all your daily activities.

Multitasking With Zero Lag
The OPPO A6 4G is built for seamless multitasking. Equipped with OPPO’s optimized ColorOS 15 and Snapdragon 685 4G chipset, the device enables smooth switching between apps, uninterrupted streaming, and efficient performance even under heavy workloads. To maximize performance, the OPPO A6 introduces the SuperCool VC System for enhanced heat dissipation and consistently smooth operation

Whether for work, study, or entertainment, the A6 4G ensures a fluid experience, keeping pace with the fast-moving lifestyle of today’s users.

Capture Smarter with AI Camera
The OPPO A6 4G’s AI-enhanced camera elevates photography to a new level, making flagship-level AI features accessible to all and helping users take stunning photos effortlessly. With AI Eraser, unwanted objects can be removed in a single tap, while Dual View Video lets you record from both front and rear cameras simultaneously. Not only this, but you can also capture breathtaking underwater shots or poolside adventures without additional gear, taking your photography to new depths.

With 50MP Main Camera, the phone also includes AI Portrait Retouching, AI Recompose, and AI Perfect Shot, ensuring sharper, well-composed, and professional-looking photos in any scenario. With these AI-powered tools and rugged design, the OPPO A6 4G is ready to turn every moment into a professional-grade memory, whether on land or under water.

Flagship-Inspired Design and Durability
The OPPO A6 4G combines sleek, modern design with exceptional durability, ensuring a worry-free experience through life’s daily adventures. Its refined unibody design offers a comfortable grip and a vibrant display, while SGS-certified IP66, IP68, and IP69 protection allows the device to endure everyday challenges.

“At OPPO, we believe cutting-edge technology should be accessible to everyone,” George Long, CEO of OPPO Pakistan, remarked. “The OPPO A6 4G ensures smooth performance and brings a premium design for every segment. We are proud to offer a device that combines long-lasting power, lag-free performance, and AI-powered photography—all backed by our commitment to quality.”

To make the user experience truly worry-free, OPPO offers a 2-year official warranty with the A6 4G, double the standard smartphone warranty available in the market. This extended protection reflects OPPO’s continued commitment to durability, quality, and after-sales excellence.

Availability
The OPPO A6 4G is now available in Aurora Gold and Sapphire Blue colors for pre-order in Pakistan, from OPPO’s official stores and online. So, grab the OPPO A6 4G now and experience power, performance, and style in one sleek package with 2-year warranty.

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Naseem Shah continues his partnership with TECNO for its upcoming Spark 40 series

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7 months ago

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August 12, 2025

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Lahore – TECNO has officially announced that Pakistan’s star fast bowler Naseem Shah will continue as the brand ambassador for its popular Spark 40 Series.

Known for his passion, determination, and youthful energy, Naseem Shah perfectly reflects the spirit of TECNO’s Spark series – bold, inspiring, and committed to excellence. Just as cricket fans admire Naseem for his dedication and fearless performances, young Pakistani consumers have embraced the Spark series for its innovative features, stylish designs, and exceptional value for money.

Carefully designed for the youth of Pakistan who seek both innovation and style, the Spark 40 Series features an ultra-slim and lightweight design for all-day comfort. The addition of 30W Magnetic Wireless Charging introduces a new level of convenience, offering fast, cable-free charging that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles.

At its core is the world’s first MediaTek Helio G200 processor, delivering outstanding speed, efficiency, and smooth multitasking for gaming, streaming, and productivity. This performance is complemented by a 144Hz Ultra Bright 3D AMOLED Display with an impressive 4500-nit Peak Brightness, ensuring vibrant colors and fluid visuals even under direct sunlight.

Over the years, the Spark series has become one of the most loved smartphone ranges among Pakistan’s youth by offering advanced technology at accessible prices. With the upcoming Spark 40 Series, TECNO continues its mission to empower young users with smartphones that enhance productivity, inspire creativity, and elevate everyday life.

The official launch of the TECNO Spark 40 Series will take place on 15th August 2025. Stay tuned for more details on how TECNO is set to redefine the mid-range smartphone experience.

 

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IWMI for solar irrigation to protect Balochistan’s water resources

Published

8 months ago

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July 2, 2025

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ISLAMABAD – With groundwater levels of Balochistan declining and aquifers facing increasing stress, stakeholders have called for adopting clean energy solutions that not only reduce operational costs for farmers but also support the long-term resilience of water resources.

To help with this, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) introduced two new digital tools: Solar Suitability Mapping (SSM) and the Solar Irrigation Pump Sizing Tool (SIP-ST). These tools are designed to assist farmers and policymakers in making informed decisions about utilising solar power for irrigation.

The tools were introduced during two workshops held in Balochistan. These workshops were organised by IWMI with support from the European Union, the Government of Balochistan, and CGIAR’s Climate Action and Policy Innovation programs.

The first workshop focused on how solar-powered irrigation can replace expensive and harmful diesel or electric tubewells. Experts said solar energy is not just cheaper, it also helps the environment and can make farming more stable in the long term.

Dr Mohsin Hafeez from IWMI said, “Solar irrigation is more than just saving energy. It helps farmers deal with water shortages and climate change. But for this to work, we need strong cooperation between science, policy, and local communities.”

Dr Sardar Mohazzam from the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) also spoke about the strong link between water and energy. He said switching to solar irrigation is a smart and necessary step for places like Balochistan that are facing serious resource problems.

The second workshop focused on using water more efficiently. With more than 90% of Pakistan’s freshwater going to agriculture, experts said it’s important to get the most benefit from every drop. IWMI shared its experience from Punjab and proposed building a similar Water Productivity Atlas for Balochistan.

Dr Muhammad Ashraf from IWMI said, “Data without action is useless. We want to give Balochistan the tools and knowledge it needs to build a better, more climate-friendly future.” The workshops ended with a clear message: solving the water crisis in Balochistan will take teamwork, strong data, and long-term planning.

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