DAWN Editorials - 24th february2025

[faheemustad]

Oblivious to drought

PAKISTAN faces two types of drought: one caused by dry weather or lower-than-normal rainfall, and the other resulting from lower water supply in streams, reservoirs and groundwater levels, induced by months of no or insufficient rains. With climate change affecting the availability of water across the country in more ways than one, droughts, especially related to dry weather and lower-than-normal rainfall, are projected by a 2022 World Bank study to increase in the coming years. With rainfall below 40pc of the normal amount since September, we are facing a drought across most parts of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan this year as well. Without significant rainfall, drought, or dry and warmer weather conditions, is projected to exacerbate over the next few months. That is not all. Glaciers in the northern parts of the country have also been shrinking for the last many years due to below-normal snowfall and rising temperatures, with a forecast of further reduction in future flows in the Indus and its tributaries. The winter temperature this year is recorded to be above normal in most parts of the country.

Given the huge impact of global warming on weather patterns and water resources, aggravated drought conditions in the country do not come as a surprise. What boggles the mind more is the obliviousness of the country’s water sector planners to what is happening around them. The disclosure that Irsa, the nation’s water regulator, had approved water availability for the planned Cholistan canal a year ago, without taking into consideration decreasing water flows in the river system and the increasing number of dry days and drought conditions indicate the quality of our future water planning. Repeated disturbing climate events demand that such decisions be based on scientific studies and extensive data. The justification that we would have ample floodwaters from the Indian-controlled Sutlej river to feed the new canal is flawed to say the least. We do not see floods in Sutlej or any other river every year. Does Punjab have extra water to feed this canal in the years without floods? With water availability in the Indus system in decline, farmers from Punjab, too, are facing shortages, especially in the drought years. Therefore, our policymakers must rethink the new canal project in view of the increasing water distress in the river system.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2025


Taliban divisions

THERE are concerning reports of possible divisions within the Afghan Taliban, particularly between the ideological old guard based in Kandahar, and the more pragmatic members of the hard-line movement.

Afghanistan’s internal power struggles matter to both Pakistan and Kabul’s other neighbours, as well as the larger international community, because if the current dispensation implodes, it may fuel a fresh humanitarian exodus, along with empowering transnational terrorist groups based in that country.


The rumours have been given credence as some senior members of the Taliban apparently fled Afghanistan after making remarks critical of the leadership. This includes deputy foreign minister Abbas Stanikzai, who reportedly left in January after criticising Taliban supreme leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, specifically the latter’s harsh stance on girls’ education.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has denied that Mr Stanikzai fled, saying he was in the UAE to “visit family”. Moreover, Mr Mujahid has downplayed talk that an internal rebellion was brewing within Taliban ranks, stating that while opinions varied, the ‘Islamic Emirate’ “remains a united front”.

Despite these claims, the world, including Afghanistan’s neighbours, should monitor the situation closely. After all, following the collapse of the Najibullah government in 1992, mujahideen warlords engaged in a prolonged civil war, paving the way for the rise of the Taliban; if factional, tribal and ideological rifts widen, this blood-soaked history might be repeated.

The Taliban are by no means an ideal dispensation; however, if the system collapsed without a viable alternative, Afghanistan would return to the violence of yore, adding to the miseries of millions of ordinary Afghans. Moreover, terrorist groups, such as IS-K and the TTP, would take advantage of the chaos. From Pakistan’s perspective, the TTP’s activities are of particular concern, because of the long terrorist campaign it has waged against this country.


The only workable solution lies in Mullah Akhundzada loosening his iron grip on the country. States cannot be run on ideology alone, and if Afghanistan remains internationally isolated and economically weak, internal discontent will grow.

While the Taliban cannot be expected to respect democratic values, voices of dissent must be heard, and more flexibility shown, particularly with regard to basic freedoms and women’s rights. Ideally, a democratic system that promises rights to all of the country’s ethnic, tribal and religious groups should be the goal.

But until that goal is achieved, the Taliban leadership should listen to voices of reason, and shed their rigidity. The last time their regime fell because they failed to sever links with Al Qaeda. This time, if the Taliban high command fails to listen to its own cadres and leaders, the collapse could come from within.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2025


Digital children

AS most parents with young children will agree, the easiest way to pacify a bawling child is to hand them a smartphone, tablet, or other digital device. But though this might ensure temporary calm, the long-term effects of this practice — particularly the unsupervised use of digital devices — can have negative consequences. According to a recent survey by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, 89pc of parents use digital gadgets to keep children occupied. Interestingly, 78pc of the children surveyed said they could not live without their devices. What is of particular concern is that around 22pc of respondents in the Middle East, Turkiye and the Africa area had not discussed internet safety with their children. While digital devices are now an essential part of life, unlimited exposure to these gadgets can have harmful consequences on the mental and physical health of impressionable young minds. As the numbers highlighted by the Kaspersky survey show, there needs to be a frank conversation between parents, experts, and children to ensure the health and safety of youngsters in the digital age.

Gadgets can be addictive, and as a Unicef report points out, children under three should not have access to such devices. Moreover, parents need to set limits on screen time and discourage their offspring from spending too much time online, while children’s cyber activities also need to be monitored to prevent them from accessing inappropriate, dangerous, or violent content. There are many predators lurking online, and parents need to remain vigilant about these threats. Locally, the PTA should carry out campaigns about digital safety geared towards how parents can protect children from online harm while promoting the healthy use of devices. Such messages can be amplified through online platforms popular in the country, so that parents know how to ensure the responsible use of gadgets. The messages should be in Urdu and regional languages to reach all areas of the country.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2025