Category: Features & Interviews
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A War on Two Fronts: The Life of Women in Pakistan’s Former Federally Administered Tribal Areas
Mohazzab Abdullah Life in Pakistan’s former tribal areas is hard. Caught between both Afghan and homegrown Islamic fundamentalists and the suspicion of the Pakistan military, ordinary peaceful Pashtuns have been displaced in their millions since the early 2000s. Before this, the region bore the brunt of US and Pakistani militarization and radicalization in the Soviet-Afghan…
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Saima Qamar: A Poetess Uniting Hearts with Words
Bushra Mehsud Saima Qamar, a poetess hailing from Dera Ismail Khan, reflects on her journey, acknowledging the initial challenges she faced. Despite the obstacles, her unwavering determination has led her to become the esteemed author of four books. Throughout her pursuit, she encountered critics, but she drew strength from the unwavering support of her family.…
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From Alimai to Mangupir: NU’s Search for a Way Back Home
Khadija Abdullah NU talks about his grueling journey from Alimai to Mangu Pir, losing a prosperous business, and reminisces about his childhood. The fondness with which he recalls his adolescence in his birth village and the disdain with which he regards attackers in FATA for tainting such fondness puts the readers in his shoes. We…
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Dera Ismail Khan’s Sweet Treasure: Sohan Halwa’s Centuries-Old Legacy
Nisar Betani In Pakistan, when it comes to Sohan Halwa, Multan’s version is widely known. However, Dera Ismail Khan’s Sohan Halwa boasts a distinctive, delightful, and crisp flavor that outshines its Multani counterpart. This culinary art has been a cherished tradition in Khan for generations, and its best practitioners continue to create this delectable treat…
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From Escape to Resettlement: An Interview with MR from Mirali, North Waziristan
Iman Sheraz Monnoo Embarking on the next chapter of interviews from FATA refugees, we shed light on the life of MR, a resident hailing from the beautiful but turbulent region of Mirali in North Waziristan. His life was upended when, in 2008, as a 17-year-old, he fled his hometown with his elder sister, her daughter,…
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The Story of a Migrant Breadwinner: Following FH from Waziristan to Karachi
Khadija Abdullah FH, being born in Karachi but having moved to [an undisclosed location in] FATA, shares his journey and struggles in his life in both Karachi and his village. We learn about how he built a life for himself from scratch after he relocated to Karachi from FATA after the war in 2000. We…
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Crossing Boundaries: KA’s Journey from Ladha to Lahore
Iman Sheraz Monnoo Continuing our series of inspiring stories, today, we introduce you to KA, a resilient soul from the enchanting region of Ladha in South Waziristan. KA’s life journey is a testament to determination and perseverance. Born and raised alongside his two brothers under the watchful care of his father, KA’s roots run deep…
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Education Dilemma: Afghan Girls’ Dreams Deferred in Pakistan
Rehan Muhammad Following the Taliban’s assumption of power in Afghanistan two years ago, the ban on girls’ education compelled numerous Afghan parents to seek refuge in Pakistan. However, the hope of parents striving for their daughters’ education appears to remain unfulfilled in Pakistan. Syed Agha, a forty-year-old from Afghanistan’s eastern province of Nangarhar, formerly employed…
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From Sararogha to Lahore: MA’s Inspiring Journey of Resilience
Ahmad Irfan MA’s (interviewee’s identity cannot be disclosed) journey has taken him from the serene landscapes of South Waziristan’s Sararogha, where his tribal roots are deeply embedded, to the bustling city of Dera Ismail Khan, where he spent his early years and completed his Matriculation and F.Sc. education. However, life has more adventures in store…
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Unemployed Journalists in KP: Struggling for a Future Amid Challenges
Zeeshan Kakakhel “I have solely dedicated my life to journalism, working as a cameraman for various media houses over the past 15 years. In 2014, I joined a prominent channel (which I won’t name) that offered me a decent salary and attractive perks. Grasping this opportunity, I joined with renewed passion and enthusiasm, treating it…
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Tomato Crisis in India; Pakistan Fears Impact
Iftikhar Khan A quarrel between husband and wife over putting more tomatoes in curry— Bandits robbed a truck full of tomatoes— Farmer became a millionaire in one season by trading tomatoes. Such news related to tomatoes is top trending in India today. This is due to the low production of tomatoes due to storms and…
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Sobia Khan’s Inspiring Journey: Transgender Education and Empowerment
Khalida Niaz Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first transgender person, RJ Sobia Khan, has achieved a significant milestone by completing her BA degree. Sobia Khan has successfully passed her Bachelor of Arts from Allama Iqbal Open University with First Division. In a conversation with TNN, Sobia Khan expressed her lifelong passion for learning, which has led to her…