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Trump returns to power
As Donald Trump returns to the White House in 2025, questions arise about the future of Pak-US relations. His first term was marked by unpredictability, sharp rhetoric and a transactional foreign policy. His policies could significantly impact Pakistan’s strategic interests.
Trump’s approach to South Asia is expected to continue prioritizing US interests over regional dynamics. During his first term, his hardline stance toward Pakistan, particularly over Afghanistan and alleged support for militants, led to strained ties and aid cuts. With growing US focus on countering China, Pakistan’s close relationship with China, especially through CPEC, may be seen as a challenge, heightening tensions.
Trump’s policies toward India are also likely to affect Pakistan. Strengthened US-India ties, marked by defence agreements and shared concerns over China, could further isolate Pakistan, especially on issues like Kashmir. Trump’s support for India’s position and disregard for Pakistan’s concerns could escalate regional tensions.
Additionally, Trump’s “America First” approach and preference for unilateral action may lead to less predictable US engagement with Pakistan, forcing Islamabad to adapt to fluctuating US policies while managing relations with China, Russia and the Gulf States.
AGHA HASEEB
Shikarpur
Social media’s reckoning
Australia has taken a bold step to curb social media’s pervasive influence on teenagers, sparking global attention on how other countries might follow suit.
On Thursday, the Australian Prime Minister announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, asserting that platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat are causing real harm to young people. Under the proposed law, social media companies, not underage users, would bear responsibility if they fail to implement reasonable measures to prevent children’s access. This initiative appears to be a necessary step forward.
Since the early 2000s, social media has grown at breakneck pace, bringing profound changes to society. Two decades in, we’re only beginning to comprehend its impact, particularly on young people and to recognise the problems are numerous and clear. The endless stream of bite-sized content on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Snapchat has conditioned younger generations to crave instant gratification, reducing their ability to focus on longer content and develop critical thinking skills.
Unregulated social media allows easy access to harmful content, including explicit material, drugs and violence, making the case for restrictions even stronger. Compounding this, social media platforms exploit their massive reach by targeting impressionable teenagers with ads for potentially harmful products, from tobacco to the increasingly popular e-cigarettes, or vapes. Australia could set a valuable precedent for other countries to follow. While social media can be a powerful tool, perhaps it should be introduced only when children have had time to develop in a balanced social environment and cultivate critical thinking skills. It is the urgent need for responsible policymaking to counteract downsides of social media.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Break free from plastic
Plastic pollution is a serious worldwide problem that endangers animals, human health and our environment. An astounding eight million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans annually out of a global production of nearly 300 million tonnes. Over a million marine animals and innumerable birds perish every year as a result of ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic, demonstrating the serious harm that this garbage causes to marine life. Furthermore, micro-plastics have gotten into our food chain and are affecting not only wildlife but also possibly human health.
Reducing single-use plastics through law and public education must be our top priority in the fight against plastic pollution. Single-use plastics have been outlawed in nations like Sweden and Canada, with encouraging waste reduction outcomes.
Waste management initiatives can also be strengthened by making investment in substitute material and advancing recycling technology. Communities will be empowered to take action if responsible consumerism is promoted and local initiatives are supported. Together, we can make our world cleaner and healthier in the future.
MEHAR KHAN
Karachi
PIA privatization
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once among the top airlines in the world and a symbol of Pakistan’s brightest history, is now struggling financially.
In recent years, PIA has faced significant financial challenges, resulting in substantial losses. The airline’s fiscal deficit occurs when its total expenditure exceeds its revenue. PIA’s losses are attributed to rising operational costs, including increased fuel prices, overstaffing, declining revenue and a high debt burden of approximately 800 billion rupees (2.9 billion USD) owed to various creditors.
Gradually, PIA’s service quality has deteriorated for the public, with frequent flight delays contributing to mismanagement. Why is PIA’s privatization necessary? Privatization is urgently needed due to the airline’s financial struggles, operational inefficiencies and governance issues.
Privatization would reduce the government’s burden and enhance efficiency and productivity in all aspects. The government aims to sell PIA for over 80 billion rupees; however, despite efforts, bids have failed to exceed 10 billion rupees.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana, Sindh
