The article discusses the political landscape in Pakistan ahead of the elections, focusing on Shehbaz Sharif, the candidate from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former Chief Minister of Punjab. It covers his political career, achievements, and the development projects he has initiated in Punjab, such as infrastructure and education reforms. However, it also addresses the corruption scandals involving his brother Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N, including the Panama Papers leak and subsequent disqualification of Nawaz Sharif from public office. The article questions whether Shehbaz Sharif's record in Punjab will be enough to overcome the party's tarnished image and whether he can win the trust of voters in the upcoming elections. The journalist, Annam Lodhi, provides a detailed analysis of the challenges facing Shehbaz Sharif and the PML-N, including allegations of corruption and regional disparities in development within Punjab.

The article discusses the issue of body image and fat shaming in Pakistan, highlighting the narrow beauty standards perpetuated by media that idolize thinness. It features the story of Zehra Husayn, who founded the Facebook group Plus Size Pakistan – Xera | Curvy & Co to create a body-positive community for plus-size Pakistani women. The article also touches on the experiences of other women facing body shaming and the societal pressures to conform to certain body types. It mentions the role of the media and the fashion industry in shaping beauty standards, with a nod to the fashion label Generation for promoting body diversity. The article underscores the importance of self-acceptance and the need for a broader definition of beauty that includes all body sizes.

The article discusses the '10 Breakthrough Technologies' list by MIT Technology Review, focusing on three climate tech innovations: super-efficient perovskite tandem solar cells, enhanced geothermal systems, and heat pumps. The author assigns each technology an awards-season style accolade, highlighting their potential impact on climate change mitigation. The article also touches on the challenges of commercializing these technologies and their current progress. Additionally, the article briefly mentions other topics such as the state of offshore wind power, the hottest year on record, fusion research, coal production in India, wastewater heat recovery, seabed mining in Norway, and the rise of Chinese automaker BYD in the electric vehicle market.

The article discusses the recent actions taken by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to shut down small kiosks, known locally as 'khokhas,' in Islamabad. It explores the reasons behind the CDA's decision, which may include urban policy enforcement, aesthetic considerations, and regulatory compliance. The impact of these closures on local businesses and the livelihoods of the khokha owners is also examined. The article may delve into the public's reaction, potential legal battles, and the broader implications for the informal economy in the city.

The article is a personal narrative of a woman's transition from an optimistic teenager to a mother struggling with societal expectations and mental health issues in a desi society. The author discusses the ingrained cultural norms that dictate a woman's role as a caregiver and the overwhelming responsibilities that come with it. She shares her own experiences with pregnancy, motherhood, and the challenges of managing a household, which led to her suffering from 'mom brain', anxiety, and depression. The article highlights the prevalence of postpartum depression in Pakistan, the lack of adequate psychiatric resources, and the societal stigma surrounding seeking help. The author eventually finds solace in online support groups and emphasizes the importance of self-care and professional help for new mothers.

The article explores the challenges faced by single women living alone in Pakistan, highlighting societal norms and landlord restrictions that often impede their independence. Through personal anecdotes and interviews, it reveals the intrusive behavior of landlords and neighbors, the struggle to find respectful landlords, and the societal scrutiny single women face. Despite these challenges, many women find living alone liberating and beneficial for their personal growth and mental health. The article calls for a more inclusive and respectful environment that empowers women to live independently without fear of harassment.

The article by Annam Lodhi discusses the neglect and potential loss of Pakistan's Gandhara civilization heritage due to rapid urban development. It focuses on the Shah Allah Ditta caves in Islamabad, which are under threat from modernity and lack of public awareness. Despite recognition by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, challenges such as land ownership with the Auqaf Department and the Evacuee Property Trust Board hinder conservation efforts. The article highlights the indifference of locals and tourists to the historical significance of the sites, as well as the lack of government support for maintenance. Cultural experts and international scholars emphasize the global importance of Gandhara artifacts and advocate for the preservation of these sites for their religious, aesthetic, and economic value. The article concludes with concerns about the impact of new developments on the natural beauty and historical integrity of the region.

The article discusses the prevalence of sexual violence in Pakistan, highlighting a recent case where a woman was gang-raped on the Motorway in Lahore. It addresses the issue of victim blaming, both by the public on social media and by law enforcement officials. The article cites statistics from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and a non-profit organization, Sahil, to illustrate the frequency of rape cases and the high percentage of perpetrators who are family members. The author, Annam Lodhi, also mentions a survey indicating that women have become more fearful since the incident. The article criticizes Pakistan's legal and justice system for its low conviction rates and failure to support survivors, calling for a cultural shift away from victim blaming.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Areeba, a single mother who moved to Pakistan with her daughter Komal, conceived through sperm donation. Areeba encounters difficulties in obtaining Pakistani citizenship for Komal due to the National Database & Registration Authority's (Nadra) requirement for paternal information, which reflects the country's patrilineal approach to identity. The article also touches on the legal and societal implications of assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy in Pakistan, referencing the Federal Shariat Court's ban on third-party assisted reproduction. It highlights the legal hurdles single mothers face in Pakistan, such as the potential declaration of a child as illegitimate and the lack of legal precedents for such cases. The article concludes with Areeba's concerns about the future and the potential risks of challenging the system in court.

Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), has been a prominent figure in Pakistani politics for over two decades. Transitioning from a celebrated cricketer to a politician, Khan has built his political reputation on anti-corruption rhetoric and philanthropy, including the establishment of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital. With Pakistan's upcoming democratic transition of power, Khan's PTI is a strong contender, particularly in Punjab, the most populous province. Khan's political career has been marked by opposition to corruption, U.S. drone strikes, and advocating for talks with Islamist extremists. Despite setbacks, such as the PTI's boycott of the 2008 elections and a failed protest against Nawaz Sharif, Khan's stance against corruption gained credibility after the Panama Papers leaks implicated Sharif. The PTI's governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has seen legislative achievements and initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami Project. However, challenges remain, such as the lack of electricity in many schools. Khan's future as a potential prime minister raises questions about his ability to implement his anti-corruption narrative on a national scale and manage Pakistan's international loan obligations.