Uncategorized

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

Published

6 years ago

April 7, 2020

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 18^th 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 18^th 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. 21^st 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.

Related Topics:chinavirus Corona CoronaPunjab Coronavirus COVID-19

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Education

BSEK declares Karachi Board Matric Science Group result 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2026

News Desk

Contents

Official Merit List and Position Holders Top 3 Position Holders Multiple Channels for Verification Verification by Roll Number Verification by Name and Gazette Download Verification via Mobile SMS

Key Points:

Official Release: The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) announced the SSC Part 2 Science Group results on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Pass Percentage: The annual examinations recorded an overall passing rate of 80.87%.

Top Performance: Muhammad Azlan Syed secured the first position overall by scoring an impressive 1040 marks.

Access Methods: Consequently, students can now verify their scores online via roll number, search the official gazette, or use the SMS service.

LAHORE – The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) has officially declared the highly anticipated Karachi Board Matric Science Group Result 2026. Under the direct supervision of Chairman Professor Sharaf Ali Shah, the annual examination metrics were compiled at the board’s main office. According to the official statistics released by the department, a total of 175,200 students actively participated in the examination cycle.

Out of the total appearing candidates, 141,868 students successfully cleared their papers, whereas 29,655 candidates were unable to secure passing marks. Additionally, official records indicate that 952 students remained completely absent during the testing session. Therefore, the overall transition into higher secondary education remains robust with a clear majority passing through.

Official Merit List and Position Holders

Following the general statistical summary, Controller of Examinations Ahmed Khan Chhutto unveiled the highly competitive merit list for the top-performing students. The board announced that special certificates and prestigious academic awards will be presented to these high achievers during an upcoming official ceremony.

Top 3 Position Holders

Position	Student Name	Total Marks	Percentage	Final Grade
1st Place	Muhammad Azlan Syed	1040	94.55%	A1 Grade
2nd Place	Rida Ramdan	1034	94.00%	A1 Grade
3rd Place	Aisha Adnan	1033	93.91%	A1 Grade

Multiple Channels for Verification

Because high web traffic can occasionally slow down digital platforms, BSEK has provided several official pathways for students to view their scores seamlessly.

Verification by Roll Number

Students can immediately view their transcript by visiting the official BSEK portal (www.bsek.edu.pk). First, navigate directly to the dedicated results tab. Next, select the “SSC Part 2 Science Group Result 2026” option from the drop-down menu. Finally, input your unique roll number and click submit to render the mark sheet.

Verification by Name and Gazette Download

Alternatively, individuals can search for details using their full name, father’s name, or associated academic institution. For this method, the complete Karachi Board Matric Result Gazette 2026 will be made available in a downloadable PDF format directly on the BSEK website.

Verification via Mobile SMS

Furthermore, for students facing internet connectivity issues, the board activates an offline SMS service. To use this feature, simply type your roll number according to the official BSEK format and send it to the designated shortcode provided by the board to receive an instant message response.

What is the overall pass percentage for the 2026 Matric Science Group?

The overall pass percentage for this batch stands at 80.87%, with over 141,868 students successfully clearing their matriculation requirements.

How can I check my BSEK Karachi result if the official website is down?

If the website experiences heavy traffic delays, you can download the official PDF gazette to search by name or text your roll number to the official BSEK SMS code.

Who topped the Karachi Board Matric Science Group exams this year?

Muhammad Azlan Syed clinched the first position overall by obtaining 1040 marks, finishing with an exceptional aggregate of 94.55%.

Uncategorized

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

Published

8 months ago

December 2, 2025

Haris Sarfraz Ali

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.

Uncategorized

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

Published

12 months ago

August 12, 2025

Haris Sarfraz Ali

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.