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Battle of narratives!
Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar, and Lokesh Dhar, the movie “Article 370” projects various narratives. The film begins with the killing of Burhan Wani by Zooni Haskar, an agent of the national government of India. Events like the Pulwama Attack create a flow of narratives to build a case for the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, with cross-border terrorism frequently cited.
With the 5-year mark since the revocation of Article 370 now past as of August 5, 2024, it’s time for a reality check. The constitutional changes made by the Modi government, intended to stabilize Kashmir, have instead led to hyper instability. State-sponsored terrorism and severe human rights violations have left Kashmiris in a state of trauma.
The pressing question is whether Pakistan can effectively counter this narrative by highlighting human rights abuses and Indian brutalities in Kashmir. With the SCO summit set to be hosted in Pakistan in November 2024, the country must be prepared to challenge India’s cross-border terrorism propaganda on the diplomatic front. Pakistan possesses the potential, media power, brilliant minds, events and evidence to project the real picture to the global audience. The key issue is whether the country lacks direction or leadership. Strengthening its soft power could significantly bolster Pakistan’s case and propel it in the right direction.
SAIMA IQBAL MALIK
Via email
Low the cost
PMDC has announced registration for MDCAT 2024, but its fee is quite high 8,000. How will students manage? If many of them belong to the lower class, then it’s a huge amount for them! Students are shocked to see such a huge fee. PMDC should have to take care of those people who can’t afford it; gradually, they are increasing every year.
They should have to be careful because they are not giving the degree of MBBS; they are only asking for a fee for the form, and after that, students don’t know the results! My hopes and wishes with the students, just give your best; the rest, Almighty will do the best; and PMDC should have to reduce the fee and provide relief to students who can’t afford it.
AREEBA ALTAF
Sindh
Traumatised society
The pandemic’s aftermath has highlighted the enduring challenges faced by communities in Palestine and Pakistan. Both regions struggle with profound socio-economic repercussions that threaten stability and well-being. In Palestine, continuous bombardments worsen an already dire situation, with livelihoods reliant on international aid that often compounds suffering. In Pakistan, the 2022 vote of confidence has triggered severe economic woes. Investor withdrawal has led to unprecedented inflation, eroding mental health. Depression and anxiety are now as common as common ailments, affecting productivity and straining familial ties.
Sky-rocketing unemployment rates discourage marriage among the youth, while economic strain increases divorce rates, fracturing communities. Children witnessing domestic strife face potential long-term mental health consequences.
Both regions urgently need sustainable economic strategies and robust mental health initiatives. Investment in education and vocational training could empower youth and mitigate unemployment, fostering resilience and hope. Strengthening community support and legal aid services could stabilize families and reduce societal fractures. To safeguard the future, we must engage in open dialogue, advocate for mental health awareness, and promote policies that ensure economic stability and social cohesion. Addressing these issues head-on can pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous future for all.
UMAMA RAJPUT
Sukkur
Cricket and its history
Cricket is the game that was born in England and the first match in cricket history was played between England (and) Australia. Cricket is played in a circle and that circle should not be more than 82 meters such that it should not be less than 56 meters. It involves two teams, each with eleven players, competing on a large oval-shaped field. The game is played with a bat and ball, with the objective of scoring runs by hitting the ball and running between two sets of wickets. Three umpires handle it.
The first World Cup was held in 1975. It took place in England and consisted of a series of One Day International matches between different cricketing nations. The West Indies emerged as the inaugural champions of the Cricket World Cup in 1975.
Cricket is an outdoor sport and it is never played on a covered ground. Most successful batsman in cricket is Sachin Tendulkar with above 34 thousand runs and 100 centuries. The most successful bowler is Muttiah Muralitharan with 1347 wickets on board. Cricket longest six is 158 meters that was hit by Pakistani player Shahid Afridi and the fastest bowl in cricket is 161.3 kph by Pakistani player Shoaib Akther. The top three successful teams are Australia, West Indies and India.
DAWOOD SIDDIQUE
Askani
Box letter
A historic moment
After four decades, Pakistan has finally secured an Olympic medal! Arshad Nadeem, the internationally acclaimed javelin thrower, has shattered the world record and made the nation proud by winning the Gold Medal in Javelin Throw at the ongoing Paris Olympic Games. This victory marks an extraordinary milestone in Pakistan’s sports history. Congratulations, Arshad Nadeem, on this remarkable achievement! Pakistan Zindabad!
FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
