The article discusses the story of Mohammad Abbas and Hameeda, a couple from Qayyumabad in Karachi, Pakistan, who were forced to pull their daughter Iqra out of school due to financial constraints. Despite a desire to educate their daughter, the family's limited income, with a significant portion going towards rent and water bills, has made it difficult to afford schooling. The article highlights the broader issue of water scarcity in Karachi and its impact on low-income families, who often have to sacrifice necessities, including their children's education, to afford clean water. The contrast with affluent neighborhoods, which can afford private water services, underscores the social disparities in access to water and education in the region.

The article recounts a tragic event experienced by a woman named Mariam from Islamabad, Pakistan, whose hometown Quetta was attacked by militants. The attack targeted the Hazara minority during an al Quds day procession, resulting in at least 50 deaths, including a close family friend of Mariam. Amidst the chaos, Mariam's brother Mujtaba, who was in Quetta, was killed after being shot during an exchange of gunfire while he was helping blast victims. The story highlights the plight of the Hazara community in Pakistan's Balochistan province and the personal loss suffered by one family.

The article discusses the severe water scarcity in Pakistan, highlighting the struggles of residents in Orangi town near Karachi, including a 13-year-old girl, Kaneez Sughra, who must choose between her education and her family's water supply. The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) reports that over 80% of Pakistanis face severe water scarcity annually, and the country may experience total water scarcity by 2025. The crisis affects women and girls particularly, impacting menstrual hygiene and education. The geopolitical aspect is significant, as Pakistan is a lower riparian country to India, receiving 78% of its water inflows from India. The article also touches on the historical Indus Basin Treaty with India, climate change effects, and the economic impact of water shortages on agriculture. It discusses the public perception in Pakistan, often fueled by media, that blames India for the water crisis. The article concludes with the broader geopolitical implications of water management between India and Pakistan, especially concerning the construction of dams in contested regions like Kashmir.

The article discusses the systemic erasure of Shia identity in Pakistani media coverage of sectarian violence. It highlights an incident in March 2022 where a mosque in Peshawar was attacked, killing at least 58 people. The media was instructed to remove references to the Shia community, reflecting a broader trend of obscuring violence against religious minorities. The article examines the historical context of sectarian violence in Pakistan, tracing it back to post-Partition politics and the influence of Sunni revivalism. It also covers the role of the Pakistani state and media in downplaying such violence, and the efforts of activists to document it through alternative platforms like Violence Register PK and Shaheed Foundation Pakistan. These initiatives aim to provide a more accurate representation of the violence against marginalized communities and to offer support to the victims' families.

The article discusses the plight of the Shia community in Karachi, Pakistan, focusing on the Wadi-e-Hussain graveyard where many victims of sectarian violence are buried. It highlights the large Shia population in Pakistan and the increase in targeted killings, especially those accused of blasphemy. The article recounts the history of sectarian violence, including the 1963 Thehri attack and the recent rise in tensions during Muharram. It also covers the role of banned Sunni hardline groups like ASWJ and LeJ in anti-Shia violence, and the emergence of TLP as a far-right religious group. The article shares personal stories of victims' families, such as Tehseen Abidi and Rehana Zaidi, and touches on the regional politics that have fueled local violence, including the influence of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the policies of General Zia ul-Haq.

The article discusses the challenges faced by students and teachers in Pakistan due to the shift to digital learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights the economic disparities that have become more apparent as many students from lower-income families struggle to afford the necessary technology for online education. The story of Fauzia, a mother whose children share a computer with neighbors, exemplifies the difficulties faced by the poor. The Taleem Bachao Committee criticizes the government's focus on private schools, neglecting the needs of government school students. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has introduced policies to mitigate academic losses, but there's still a lack of clear guidance on addressing the economic gap in digital learning. Kamal Siddiqi from the Institute of Business Administration suggests that despite the challenges, online education is the future and will likely become more prevalent.

The article discusses the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on women in developing regions, particularly in Karachi, Pakistan. It highlights the burden on women and girls who are responsible for collecting water, often facing harassment and attacks. The lack of clean water affects women's ability to maintain hygiene during menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth, leading to health issues and even deaths. The article includes personal accounts from women like Fatima and Kausar, and insights from professionals such as Munawwara, a nurse, and Farhan Anwar, an urban planner. It also mentions the failure of government and environmental agencies to address the contamination of water sources and the need for gender-disaggregated data to develop effective policies. The article emphasizes the importance of women's voices in discussions about water scarcity and contamination.