Reading an article that reported ill-informed statements prompted Zainab Shamim Potrick, 24, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, to put the record straight as she makes a plea for understanding and respect among cultures and religions. I read an article recently about a famous tourist who has traveled all the listed countries on the world …

“We need respect – it starts with knowledge” Read More »

History tells us that some of the world’s most distinguished people have suffered from depression and battled it with utmost bravery, writes Summaya Afaq, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan. This year the World Health Organization has chosen ‘depression’ as the theme for World Health Day.  At the age of 20, his loving sister died. …

“Defeating depression: you can do it!” Read More »

 Pakistan has many attributes, writes Zainab Shamim Potrick, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, among them its natural beauty. She takes readers on a brief tour of some of the highlights. Welcome to the most powerful Islamic country. Welcome to one of the world’s seven atomic powers. Welcome to the land surrounded by rivers …

“Tourists find a natural welcome in Pakistan” Read More »

Efforts to eradicate poverty are traditionally aimed at men, writes Abdur Rafay Usmani, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, who argues in support of research that shows better results come from directing aid and assistance to rural women. One of the biggest factors impeding sustained economic growth in the third world has been …

“Key to development: empower rural women” Read More »

The US president has heightened concerns around the conflict in Afghanistan, writes Summaya Afaq, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan. She recommends cooperation, not confrontation, to solve the Afghan conundrum. “You are not a failure until you start blaming others for your mistakes” -John Wooden Unfortunately, it seems that the 16-year-long Afghan predicament is …

“Does Trump want to solve Afghan puzzle?” Read More »

The virus behind an outbreak now affecting Pakistan was first classified in Africa more than 60 years ago, writes Omer Fayshal Pavel, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, who describes the mosquito-borne illness. It was 1952 when an unknown disease emerged in Makonde Plateau, the border between Mozambique and Tanzania. In that time …

“Chikungunya mystery unsolved since 1952” Read More »

Nature has benefited humans in myriad ways, writes Faisal Saleh Yaqub, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lahore in Pakistan, and can serve as a model for solving today’s problems. The invention of the airplane was inspired by nature. The Wright brothers were able to solve the problems in its design by keenly observing flying birds. Similarly, …

“Understanding through observing nature” Read More »

An international visit from London’s mayor gave Faisal Saleh Yaqub, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lahore in Pakistan, opportunity to reflect on peace and cooperation as well as trade and investment. Recently, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, made a historic trip to India and Pakistan, on a tour that visited six cities in six days with …

“Mayor’s message of peace and prosperity” Read More »

The casual entertainment of sitcoms became something much more for Tahiya Islam, 23, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, as she examined the lessons to be found in the characters and their interaction with each other. To a large crowd of today’s generation, TV sitcoms play an important source of entertainment. I am no exception …

“TV helped me value different perspectives” Read More »

Empowerment of women has a strong association with strengthening males, writes Asim Nawaz Abbassi, 30, a Commonwealth alumni from Islamabad, Pakistan, because it encourages women to live better and brings benefits to all. Strengthening women lets men have the courage to speak up. That strengthening is shown by allowing all people to be selfless, hardworking, multitasking, …

“Women empowerment means all benefit” Read More »