Rafia Razzaq

This editorial explores the dominance of dynastic politics in Pakistan and its detrimental impact on meritocracy, governance, and democratic development. It calls for structural reforms to dismantle political heredity and build inclusive, performance-driven political institutions.

An in-depth editorial on Pakistan’s neglected local government system, exploring its democratic importance, systemic challenges, and the political resistance to genuine devolution. Highlights the need for structural reforms and political will to empower grassroots governance.

Authoritarianism today is being reengineered through digital technologies, surveillance, censorship, disinformation, and platform control. The editorial analyzes how regimes are using these tools to suppress dissent and reconfigure power, and proposes global rights-based frameworks to counter digital authoritarianism and uphold democratic principles.

This editorial critiques Pakistan’s failure to implement true decentralization, calling it a missed chance to boost democracy, governance, and local empowerment.

The pervasive influence of social media challenges critical thinking by fostering misinformation, echo chambers, and emotional bias. This editorial explores the underlying causes of this erosion, the societal risks it entails, and potential educational and policy solutions to rebuild critical faculties in the digital era.

Entrenched patriarchy blocks gender equality in Pakistan. Ending this divide demands feminist action, structural reform, and inclusive development.

Pakistan’s growing water crisis, driven by policy gaps and climate change, demands urgent reforms for sustainable management and equitable access to avoid catastrophe.

Are water wars a myth or an imminent reality? Discover how climate change and geopolitics are turning water scarcity into a major driver of global conflict.

Pakistan’s IT growth is limited by low digital literacy. However, bridging education, gender, and access gaps is vital for inclusive, tech-driven national progress.

As tech giants extract vast amounts of data from developing countries, a new form of digital imperialism is emerging. Rafia Razzaq explores how the Global South risks becoming the new data colonies in the 21st century and what digital decolonization might look like.

The growing trust deficit between Pakistan’s state institutions and its citizens undermines governance and democratic legitimacy. This editorial analyzes the causes, consequences, and practical solutions to rebuild confidence through transparent governance, inclusive policymaking, and accountability reforms.