Sarina Tareen

Chai culture in Pakistan

Chai culture in Pakistan

An evening tea in Pakistan is something which is hard to describe to a person who has never been there. The day gets a bit slower around 5 or 6 in the evening. The work is not completely finished, dinner is still some time away, and someone in the house usually asks the familiar question: “Chai ban gayi?” Is the tea ready? The kettle is soon on the stove. The kitchen is filled with the sound of boiling tea. Biscuits, rusks or something fried may appear on the table. The family is called by some

about 1 month ago
79 Years of Freedom: What Happened to the Pakistan We Dreamed Of?

79 Years of Freedom: What Happened to the Pakistan We Dreamed Of?

Pakistan is celebrating 79 years of Independence on 14 August. The day commences with the raising of the flag, gun salutes and prayers of peace and prosperity. Streets, buildings and homes are marked with green and white flags. For many, it's a day that's filled with pride and celebration. But this year, it is difficult not to look beyond the celebrations. What does independence mean when people are still not safe from one another? Pakistan came into being in 1947 after the partition of British

about 1 month ago
When Repatriation Means More Than Returning Home

When Repatriation Means More Than Returning Home

For more than four decades, Pakistan has been home to generations of Afghans who fled war and instability. Balochistan has been central to this story. Its proximity to Afghanistan has made it both a destination for refugees and an important space for cross-border movement. Today, that long history is changing. Pakistan’s repatriation policy has accelerated the return of Afghans. The government has legitimate concerns about border management, undocumented migration, security, and the pressure on

about 1 month ago
Quetta in a Limbo

Quetta in a Limbo

Quetta is a city of contrasts! It's surrounded by mountains, shaped by a long history, and known with orchards and dry fruits. It is one of the highest major cities in Pakistan at about 1680 metres above sea level. It is also the capital of Balochistan province and a significant gateway to Afghanistan. It has been close to the historical Bolan Pass, the route that has connected South Asia with regions beyond for centuries. But there's another reality to this beauty. Peace has never been a lastin

about 1 month ago
Pakistan’s Industrial Revival: Can UNIDO’s PCP Deliver What Others Could Not?

Pakistan’s Industrial Revival: Can UNIDO’s PCP Deliver What Others Could Not?

The economy of Pakistan is at the crossroads. Industrial recovery has been crippled by devastating floods of 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the escalation of inflation. Pakistan’s exports remain heavily dependent on textiles. Youth unemployment is a ticking time bomb, and climate vulnerability is a threat to undo hard-won gains. Due to extreme weather conditions 40% of its population is exposed to disasters. In response to these challenges, the Programme for Country Pa

about 1 month ago
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