The article reviews 'Hiroshima and Other Stories' by M.H. Askari, translated by Shama K. Askari. The collection of short stories delves into the moral complexities and human experiences during armed conflicts, particularly focusing on the Second World War. Through the character of Mahil, a British army officer, the stories explore themes of human frailty, the impact of war, and the inner battles between reason and morality. The review highlights the timeless relevance of these stories and their portrayal of South Asians as active participants in historical events.

The article reviews Josy Joseph's book 'How to Subvert a Democracy: Inside India’s Deep State,' which examines how elitism and oligarchic power structures have undermined democracy in India. The book provides detailed accounts of significant events like the Mumbai train bombings, Delhi riots, and Kashmir insurgency, highlighting the role of Indian security and intelligence agencies in these crises. The review draws parallels between India's and Pakistan's governance issues, emphasizing the shared colonial legacy that continues to affect both countries' political landscapes. The book offers valuable lessons for Pakistani institutions facing similar challenges.

The article reviews 'Far from My Hospital Bed: Reflections on the Pandemic and Society' by sociologist Teresita Cruz del Rosario, highlighting its personal and empathetic approach to the Covid-19 pandemic. The book, published by Penguin, captures the emotional and intellectual strain experienced during the pandemic through a series of essays. It emphasizes human resilience and kindness amidst trauma, offering a hopeful outlook for the future. The review also mentions Nichola Khan's work, situating pandemic-related trauma in historical and sociological contexts.

President Donald Trump and Pakistani religious scholars both prioritize congregation for prayer despite public health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump's declaration of prayer as essential caters to his Evangelical voter base, while Pakistani clerics resist mosque closures. Saudi Arabia's proactive measures contrast with Pakistan's packed mosques and the Supreme Court's dismissal of lockdowns. Both Trump and Pakistani clerics use religion to consolidate power, overlooking the balance between faith and science, which has implications for human life and the economy.

Bindiya Rana, a prominent figure in Pakistan's transgender community, has faced challenges from societal taboos to legal recognition. Despite her activism, which includes running for election and setting up a support group, her identity card still lists her as a man, Abdul Aziz. The Supreme Court of Pakistan's 2009 ruling recognized the khwaja sara as an official gender category, and the National Database Registration Authority has since issued identity cards to around 4,000 trans people. However, societal attitudes remain a barrier, and many trans individuals are estranged from their families, complicating access to basic services and legal rights. Nisha, another trans person, has pursued higher education and provides free tutoring, highlighting the community's struggle for acceptance and the importance of literacy. Despite legal advancements, the transgender community continues to face discrimination and marginalization in Pakistan.

Pakistani Americans are showing strong support for Hillary Clinton in the US presidential election, largely due to offensive remarks made by Donald Trump. Influential figures like Tahir Javed have raised significant funds for Clinton's campaign. The article highlights the active participation of Pakistani Americans in the election process, driven by a desire to oppose Trump. Surveys indicate a high percentage of Muslim Americans plan to vote for Clinton. The article also discusses the broader implications of Trump's rhetoric on the political engagement of Pakistani Americans.

Despite consecutive increases in education budgets since 2013, the quality of education in Sindh remains poor, with Karachi being the only region from Sindh to rank in the top 50 areas for educational performance. The share of the education budget relative to the total provincial budget has decreased, and most funds are allocated to salaries rather than development. Learning outcomes and infrastructure scores have not improved, highlighting inefficiencies in budget allocation and the need for better data collation and reforms in teaching methods.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are entangled in militancy and political issues that require political solutions. Despite Pakistan's military efforts through the Zarb-e-Azb operation, its effectiveness is hindered by militants crossing into Afghanistan. Ahmed Rashid emphasizes the need for synchronized political and military actions and criticizes Pakistan's historical use of proxy wars. He also highlights the US's premature withdrawal from Afghanistan, which left the country unstable. Rashid calls for a multi-pronged approach involving regional stakeholders to achieve stability.

The article highlights the lack of reliable evidence on the performance of private schools in Pakistan, despite a significant portion of the population paying for private education. It criticizes the government's negligence in regulating private schools and the disparity in education quality and affordability. The article also discusses the questionable performance of private schools, the lack of qualified teachers, and the recent protests by parents against fee hikes. It calls for better regulation and monitoring of private schools to ensure quality education for all.

Despite the inclusion of the right to access information in Pakistan's constitution under Article 19-A in 2011, half of the country's population remains deprived of this right due to ineffective implementation and lack of clear regulations. While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab have enacted laws aligning with global standards, the laws in Sindh and Balochistan remain ineffective. Experts like Zafarullah Khan and Dr. Syed Raza Gardezi highlight the need for better governance, transparency, and the establishment of independent bodies to ensure the effective implementation of these laws. The article criticizes the Pakistani government for its failure to provide clear guidelines and timely responses to information requests, emphasizing the need for legal reforms and increased public awareness.