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1 week ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
For millennia, fluid physical frontiers and traditional concepts of territorial security defined the nature and scope of sociopolitical settings. However, as societies evolved and became increasingly interdependent and integrated, the relevance of physical boundaries came under increasing scrutiny, particularly after the formalisation of the nation-state system and sovereignty in the Westphalian Treaty in the mid-17th century.
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3 weeks ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
Throughout the ages, sages, empathetic individuals and characters who emerged in different times and advocated for positive change have often been idolised and held in high esteem for their selflessness, implied openness to scrutiny, and impact on people's lives. The same holds, though with frequent letdowns, disillusionments and betrayals in our part of the world today.
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4 weeks ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
Realpolitik prioritises practical pursuit of national interests, but do these interests - often framed as the nation's — truly benefit the people? Do the people's needs, welfare and potential prosperity justify war? Moreover, who, if anyone, truly wins in war? Is the loser always the ultimate loser, and the winner always the ultimate victor? Are there 'losers' even on the winning side?
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1 month ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
Of all the responsibilities the state owes to its people, security for lives and livelihoods is fundamental. However, in the Kashmore district of Sindh, this responsibility appears to have been implicitly delegated to outlaws, who exploit it through extortion or protection money.
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1 month ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
The southeastern province of Pakistan, Sindh, is a region rich in history and culture. It has long stood as a symbol of resilience against various forces that have sought to undermine its identity and values. From ancient civilisations to contemporary challenges, the people of the province have consistently defended their vibrant cultural heritage and archaeological identity, inclusive identity and values, and tolerant social fabric against invasions, colonisation, and oppression.
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1 month ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
Failures are an integral part of life's pursuits. Too often, we attribute our setbacks to external constraints — limited resources or opportunities, inadequate platforms, socio-cultural barriers, or the discouraging voices that lead thousands to abandon their dreams. While resenting these obstacles is understandable, surrendering to them without a fight only perpetuates defeat and leads to a lasting retrogression.
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2 months ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
Have you ever wondered why, despite the presence and activism of so many prominent humanists, philanthropists, journalists, commentators, analysts, bureaucrats, writers, reformists, nationalists, democrats, defenders, civil society activists, clerics, benefactors, pirs, feminists, liberals, centrists, rightists and leftists, the country and its people — in contrast to these figures and their patrons — descend into the quagmire of crisis and despondency by the day?
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2 months ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
Over the past two years, the northern districts of Sindh have experienced a troubling rise in criminal activities that significantly test the state writ and warrant urgent action. Strategically located at the intersection of three provinces and home to a thriving Hindu business community, the area had the potential to become a major economic hub.
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2 months ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
In Kashmore, Kandhkot, Tangwani, Badani and Ghouspur towns of Kashmore district, 'peace' is merely a brief interval of fear, insecurity and uncertainty between murders, kidnappings and extortion. Even these periods of peace are fleeting. In the past week, five people were killed within three days in Kandhkot and its surroundings, not to mention extortions and robberies. These incidents are a fraction of the criminality sweeping across the district, suggesting an alarming criminal rot.
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2 months ago | 
tribune.com.pk | Ali Hassan Bangwar
Jinnah and his companions envisioned the country as a democratic state where governance would reflect the people's will, ensuring inclusivity and prosperity across diverse communities. This vision was rooted in principles of equality and representation, promising a system responsive and accountable to its citizens. However, this democratic ideal has mostly been corrupted into a hybrid system.
