The article reflects on the history and decline of football in Pakistan and Bangladesh, focusing on the 1960s era when Pakistani clubs, particularly from Karachi, dominated the sport. Key figures like Ustad Amin Baloch and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed recall the 'golden era' and the subsequent decline post-1971. Despite having potential, both countries struggled to make a significant impact internationally. The article highlights the socio-economic and political factors affecting football's development and notes recent positive developments, such as Pakistan's win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Pakistan has seen a nearly threefold expansion of its mangrove forests from 1986 to 2020, contrasting with global declines. This success is attributed to extensive planting, conservation efforts, and community engagement. Key projects include initiatives by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Sindh Forest Department, which have significantly increased mangrove coverage and provided economic benefits to local communities. Despite these gains, threats such as wood harvesting, camel grazing, pollution, and altered hydrology continue to challenge mangrove survival. The Sindh Forest Department aims to further expand mangrove forests, supported by national policies focused on climate resilience and ecosystem restoration.

Pakistan has significantly expanded its mangrove forests over the past 30 years, countering the global trend of decline. Key initiatives include projects led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Sindh Forest Department, which have engaged local communities in restoration efforts. Despite challenges such as woodcutting, camel grazing, and pollution, the country has seen a nearly threefold increase in mangrove coverage. These efforts are part of broader national policies aimed at enhancing climate resilience and protecting ecosystems. The success of these initiatives is attributed to continuous government and NGO efforts, community involvement, and adaptive management practices.

The book 'Towards Peoples’ Histories in Pakistan: (In)audible Voices, Forgotten Pasts' edited by Asad Ali and Kamran Asdar Ali, challenges traditional historiography in Pakistan by highlighting diverse and often overlooked voices. It explores the history of leftist politics, the impact of the 1971 Bangladesh civil war, and the experiences of marginalized communities, including Baloch women and the queer community. The book critiques the exclusion of women in political hierarchies and the cultural hegemony established during Gen Ziaul Haq's regime. While it contributes significantly to the academic literature on Pakistan's history, it notes the absence of sportsmen's narratives in the post-Partition era.

The article discusses the fear and panic within PML-N and PDM regarding upcoming elections in Pakistan, highlighting their undemocratic actions to avoid elections due to PTI's rising popularity. It outlines four major reasons for PML-N's reluctance, including the potential for PTI to gain a two-thirds majority, lack of ideological base, loss of narratives, and loss of voters. The article suggests that PML-N needs a significant overhaul, including new leadership and adherence to democratic processes, to regain political relevance.

The article discusses the ongoing judicial crisis in Pakistan, drawing parallels to a similar crisis in 1997 involving the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Sharif family. It highlights the repeated confrontations between the judiciary and the ruling party, emphasizing the use of political rewards and loyalty to the Sharif family. The author criticizes the current attacks on the Supreme Court and its Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, suggesting that the political dynamics in Pakistan have not changed significantly over the years.

Journalism in Balochistan faces significant challenges due to its centralization in Quetta and the influx of untrained journalists. The region's conflict-ridden nature necessitates conflict-sensitive journalism, which emphasizes understanding the conflict's dimensions and stages. Journalists face physical and psychological dangers, exacerbated by inadequate training and exposure to traumatic events. The lack of advanced journalism courses and research opportunities further hampers the field. A well-developed conflict-sensitive journalism course across educational institutions is essential to equip journalists with the necessary skills for effective reporting.

The article discusses the challenges faced by journalists in Karachi, Pakistan, a city plagued by urban issues such as flooding, lack of clean water, and political violence. Despite these difficulties and the lack of public information, Karachi remains a rich source for investigative reporting. Journalists like Mahim Maher of Aaj English and Oonib Azam of The News International share their experiences and tips for reporting in such an environment. They emphasize the importance of using alternative sources like maps, data, NGOs, and court records to uncover stories about municipal issues. The article also highlights the need for journalists to establish facts, develop a beat, and find innovative ways to tell stories. Additional resources for investigative reporting in Pakistan are provided, including contributions from GIJN’s Urdu Editor Amel Ghani and researcher/journalist Ayaz Khan.

Ayaz Khan covers a range of topics in his articles. He discusses the significant decline in mango production in Pakistan, attributing a 60 percent drop to unspecified causes. In sports, he highlights the progress of women's football in Lyari, where Baloch women are overcoming social barriers to play the game. The technology piece focuses on the impact of a four-day internet blackout on workers, particularly delivery riders, who depend on online apps for their livelihood. Lastly, he touches on the effects of climate change on Pakistan's coastal fishing community, noting how their traditional methods and folklore are fading.

In Lyari, young women like Bakhtawar Abdul Ghaffar and Meher Jan are challenging social norms by playing football, traditionally dominated by men. Despite facing criticism, they have persisted, supported by organizations like Woman Is a Nation, which has helped form all-girls teams. The Pakistan Football Federation provides training, but there is a call for better social and financial support for female players. Coaches like Jawed Arab are also advocating for change, highlighting issues like early marriage that hinder women's sports careers.