Express Tribune Editorials 17th March 2025
Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2025 3:45 am
More terror!
It seems there is no respite from terror. The back-to-back attacks, explosions and suicide missions across the strife-torn provinces of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa suggest that non-state actors are extremely proactive, while the state is still mulling to come up with a befitting response.
Notwithstanding the brave sacrifices of the law-enforcement agencies, the need of the hour is a coordinated political and military response to the expanding mosaic of terror. A suicide attack on FC convoy in Noshki, killing three FC personnel, and wayward attacks on police stations in Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Bajaur are nerve-shattering.
At least six terror attacks across both the provinces in less than 24 hours, and days after the Jaffar Express tragedy, is a grim reminder that our anti-terror response is lacking, and there is much that needs to be done in real time. The momentum of unscrupulous elements is existential in essence, and the nation has to rise collectively to deter the degeneration of society into an abyss of lawlessness, death and destruction.
The fact that to this day the thrust has been on kinetic response has failed to bear fruit. A glance at the chequered social fabric hints at deep-rooted grievances simmering across the length and breadth of K-P and Balochistan, and non-representation of masses is at the root of all ills.
The terror specter is twin dimensional and, thus, necessitates a response, accordingly. First is the foreign hands, and their well-cultivated abettors in society in the form of BLA, TTP and other outfits. Second is the soaring unrest in society which provokes the disgruntled elements to distance themselves from the fractured and ill-conceived policies of the government, which has not been able to devolve power to the grassroots level.
This is where terror breeds and infects all and sundry. Only a coordinated political response with the engagement of the popular leadership and involvement of aggrieved elements that are willing to work under the domains of law and the Constitution is the way out. The sooner it is opted for, the better.
Climate funding cuts
Just as the world was struggling to cope with the impacts of previous climate funding cuts, the Trump administration has made a move that could set back environmental progress for years. In a controversial decision, $20 billion allocated for greenhouse gas reduction projects has been cancelled.
The decision, which climate advocates and legal experts argue is both reckless and unlawful, threatens to derail crucial efforts to curb pollution at a time when global climate action is more urgent than ever.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been open about its intent to claw back climate-related funds. But this latest action of freezing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund disrupts legally approved projects and leaves communities vulnerable.
Over the weekend, an advocacy group has sued the EPA and Citibank for withholding the funds, arguing that the administration is violating legally binding agreements with awardees.
At least seven other recipients have also been denied access to the funds, raising further concerns about the administration's disregard for legal climate commitments. The implications of this decision go beyond legal disputes. At a time when the world is grappling with intensifying natural disasters, such funding is not a luxury but a necessity.
Disadvantaged communities, which were supposed to benefit from these projects, will be left even more vulnerable as a result of these cuts.
This move is yet another clear indication that Trump means business in his 'America First' philosophy, prioritising domestic interests even at the cost of global environmental commitments. In doing so, his administration has once again reminded the world of the immense global stake the US holds in the fight against climate change. Whether by action or inaction, the country remains central to the world's climate trajectory.
Educating inmates' children
The judicial system of Pakistan leaves behind a sorry trail of distress for families of convicts, including financial strain, emotional turmoil and increased hardships for children. With little to no social or governmental support available, families of incarcerated persons find it challenging to provide for their children's education and welfare.
In a bid to actionably address this issue, the Sindh Government has launched an education plan that aims to provide education to children of over 4,600 convicted prisoners. Provincial Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Sardar Shah insists that just as it is the state's responsibility to punish criminals, it is also the state's duty to ensure that their children have access to education in the wake of their conviction.
Studies show that children with a parent in prison are often at greater risk of discrimination, social exclusion, drug abuse and increased poverty – particularly when the incarcerated person is the household's breadwinner.
Our slow-paced judicial system further complicates this matter as an immense backlog of cases heightens the uncertainty of bail or release, leaving families to fend for themselves. When such situations occur in a region where quality education is already inaccessible, it is rare for families to send their children to school.
Thus the aforementioned initiative – that aims to enrol more than 10,000 children of inmates into government and private schools and universities as per choice, while also offering to microfinance their start-ups – is indeed commendable. Additionally, the plan also involves extending education and vocational training to juvenile inmates.
The educational plan, if executed properly, will encourage learning in a vulnerable segment of the youth. Proper execution entails that children are supported in the post-paperwork process as well. They must be protected from social discrimination, provided relevant resources and offered confidentiality. Then, they have the power to break dismal cycles.
It seems there is no respite from terror. The back-to-back attacks, explosions and suicide missions across the strife-torn provinces of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa suggest that non-state actors are extremely proactive, while the state is still mulling to come up with a befitting response.
Notwithstanding the brave sacrifices of the law-enforcement agencies, the need of the hour is a coordinated political and military response to the expanding mosaic of terror. A suicide attack on FC convoy in Noshki, killing three FC personnel, and wayward attacks on police stations in Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Bajaur are nerve-shattering.
At least six terror attacks across both the provinces in less than 24 hours, and days after the Jaffar Express tragedy, is a grim reminder that our anti-terror response is lacking, and there is much that needs to be done in real time. The momentum of unscrupulous elements is existential in essence, and the nation has to rise collectively to deter the degeneration of society into an abyss of lawlessness, death and destruction.
The fact that to this day the thrust has been on kinetic response has failed to bear fruit. A glance at the chequered social fabric hints at deep-rooted grievances simmering across the length and breadth of K-P and Balochistan, and non-representation of masses is at the root of all ills.
The terror specter is twin dimensional and, thus, necessitates a response, accordingly. First is the foreign hands, and their well-cultivated abettors in society in the form of BLA, TTP and other outfits. Second is the soaring unrest in society which provokes the disgruntled elements to distance themselves from the fractured and ill-conceived policies of the government, which has not been able to devolve power to the grassroots level.
This is where terror breeds and infects all and sundry. Only a coordinated political response with the engagement of the popular leadership and involvement of aggrieved elements that are willing to work under the domains of law and the Constitution is the way out. The sooner it is opted for, the better.
Climate funding cuts
Just as the world was struggling to cope with the impacts of previous climate funding cuts, the Trump administration has made a move that could set back environmental progress for years. In a controversial decision, $20 billion allocated for greenhouse gas reduction projects has been cancelled.
The decision, which climate advocates and legal experts argue is both reckless and unlawful, threatens to derail crucial efforts to curb pollution at a time when global climate action is more urgent than ever.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been open about its intent to claw back climate-related funds. But this latest action of freezing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund disrupts legally approved projects and leaves communities vulnerable.
Over the weekend, an advocacy group has sued the EPA and Citibank for withholding the funds, arguing that the administration is violating legally binding agreements with awardees.
At least seven other recipients have also been denied access to the funds, raising further concerns about the administration's disregard for legal climate commitments. The implications of this decision go beyond legal disputes. At a time when the world is grappling with intensifying natural disasters, such funding is not a luxury but a necessity.
Disadvantaged communities, which were supposed to benefit from these projects, will be left even more vulnerable as a result of these cuts.
This move is yet another clear indication that Trump means business in his 'America First' philosophy, prioritising domestic interests even at the cost of global environmental commitments. In doing so, his administration has once again reminded the world of the immense global stake the US holds in the fight against climate change. Whether by action or inaction, the country remains central to the world's climate trajectory.
Educating inmates' children
The judicial system of Pakistan leaves behind a sorry trail of distress for families of convicts, including financial strain, emotional turmoil and increased hardships for children. With little to no social or governmental support available, families of incarcerated persons find it challenging to provide for their children's education and welfare.
In a bid to actionably address this issue, the Sindh Government has launched an education plan that aims to provide education to children of over 4,600 convicted prisoners. Provincial Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Sardar Shah insists that just as it is the state's responsibility to punish criminals, it is also the state's duty to ensure that their children have access to education in the wake of their conviction.
Studies show that children with a parent in prison are often at greater risk of discrimination, social exclusion, drug abuse and increased poverty – particularly when the incarcerated person is the household's breadwinner.
Our slow-paced judicial system further complicates this matter as an immense backlog of cases heightens the uncertainty of bail or release, leaving families to fend for themselves. When such situations occur in a region where quality education is already inaccessible, it is rare for families to send their children to school.
Thus the aforementioned initiative – that aims to enrol more than 10,000 children of inmates into government and private schools and universities as per choice, while also offering to microfinance their start-ups – is indeed commendable. Additionally, the plan also involves extending education and vocational training to juvenile inmates.
The educational plan, if executed properly, will encourage learning in a vulnerable segment of the youth. Proper execution entails that children are supported in the post-paperwork process as well. They must be protected from social discrimination, provided relevant resources and offered confidentiality. Then, they have the power to break dismal cycles.