Rafia Zakaria

Giving up is good sometimes

Giving up is good sometimes

The question becomes one of how close we are to fulfilling our life’s purpose. Published 24 Jul, 2024 09:16am
On writing

On writing

There is no ceremony or ritual that marks any person as a writer except the simple yet unimaginably significant act of starting to write. Published 17 Jul, 2024 07:01am
On human suffering

On human suffering

The story of our suffering or the narrative around it is entirely within our control. Published 10 Jul, 2024 05:29am
King Trump

King Trump

The US supreme court’s decision virtually guarantees that Trump reinstated will have drastically more powers than he enjoyed in his previous term. Updated 03 Jul, 2024 09:03am
Cruelty to animals

Cruelty to animals

Cruelty towards animals is still a behavioural trait. It is a sign of a society where nothing and no one is spared abuse. Updated 26 Jun, 2024 09:43am
Working children

Working children

Wealthy members of society, who otherwise espouse a great commitment to charity, ignore the exploitation of young domestic workers. Updated 12 Jun, 2024 10:21am
Climate catastrophes of the past

Climate catastrophes of the past

It is plausible that a combination of foreign invasions and natural catastrophes wiped out the Indus Valley Civilisation. Updated 05 Jun, 2024 09:59am
The approaching verdict

The approaching verdict

In the US, this will be the moment where such questions are pondered, if not solved. Updated 29 May, 2024 09:15am
Mysteries of the dead

Mysteries of the dead

The question is that of which mysteries deserve resolution and which ones are perhaps better left alone as ambiguities. Published 15 May, 2024 07:25am
Most hated country in the world

Most hated country in the world

Israel is America’s spoilt child. It is used to throwing a tantrum on the floor of the toy store if it does not get what it wants. Updated 08 May, 2024 08:55am
New era of realisation

New era of realisation

Generation Z it appears, has had it with the aging remnants of realpolitik and may succeed in ushering in a new era in US foreign policy. Updated 01 May, 2024 09:07am
Transported to another era

Transported to another era

The flair with which the Mughals themselves travelled was inventive and meant to create the sort of aesthetic spectacle of which they were very fond. Updated 24 Apr, 2024 09:31am
A precarious thaw

A precarious thaw

Scientists have likened permafrost thaw to the melting of an ancient freezer which reveals contents that have not been seen since the Ice Age. Updated 17 Apr, 2024 09:39am
The American eclipse

The American eclipse

Undoubtedly, even for those who do not believe in any higher powers, witnessing a total eclipse is a profound experience. Published 10 Apr, 2024 08:09am
Diminished spending power

Diminished spending power

It is a tragic situation, not least because it is unclear how the government intends to assist ordinary Pakistanis who have had Updated 03 Apr, 2024 09:51am
Chips in the brain

Chips in the brain

Development of cutting-edge technology such as this reveals that we are on the cusp of transformations. Updated 27 Mar, 2024 10:01am
Rift over Rafah

Rift over Rafah

So far, the Biden administration’s ‘anger’ has been all talk. Updated 20 Mar, 2024 09:41am
No place for medics

No place for medics

While most in the health profession in Pakistan do not die on the job, their state is precarious in other ways. Updated 13 Mar, 2024 09:30am
Humanitarian women

Humanitarian women

If there is one feminist quality that is worth celebrating this International Women’s Day it is resilience. Updated 06 Mar, 2024 10:03am