Dark spots? Expert tips for clear skin

Some habits are considered by people to be signs of foolishness or poor mental ability. In fact, many people associate such habits with a lack of concentration, poor discipline or mental decline. However, one such habit that may seem strange to others has been linked to intelligence in some research reports. Yes, the habit is talking to yourself which is often viewed negatively by people. According to research reports, if you have a habit of talking to yourself, it does not mean you are crazy. Instead, it could be a sign that you are more intelligent than other people. Although people may not generally view this behaviour positively, there is evidence suggesting that talking to yourself can benefit the brain. It may improve memory, boost confidence and help with concentration. A 2012 study found that people who talked to themselves were able to identify objects in pictures more quickly. Similarly, a 2023 study found a connection between self-talk and self-control or self-discipline. The study suggested that people who talk to themselves often have a better understanding of themselves. However, these benefits may occur when self-talk is practiced in moderation. Negative self-criticism, on the other hand, can have harmful effects. So, if you have a habit of talking to yourself, there is no need to feel embarrassed about it. This unusual habit may help you analyze details, improve concentration and sharpen your mind.

“How Social Stigma, Institutional Challenges, and Delayed Justice Continue to Discourage Women from Reporting Violence in Pakistan” For many women in Pakistan, reporting violence is not simply the first step towards justice, it is often the beginning of another struggle. While laws have evolved to provide greater protection against domestic violence, sexual assault, workplace harassment, acid attacks, and other forms of gender-based violence, countless women continue to hesitate before approaching the police or the courts. Their reluctance is not always born out of ignorance of the law; rather, it stems from fear of social stigma, institutional barriers, prolonged legal proceedings, and uncertainty about whether justice will ever be delivered. This reality raises an important question: if legal safeguards exist, why do so many women still fear reporting violence? The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan provides a strong foundation for the protection of women’s rights. Article 9 guarantees the right to life and liberty, Article 14 safeguards the dignity of every individual, Article 25 ensures equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, while Article 34 directs the State to ensure the full participation of women in all spheres of national life. These constitutional guarantees are reinforced by various legislative measures, including the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention laws, and provincial domestic violence legislation. Together, these laws demonstrate that Pakistan has made significant progress in recognizing and protecting women’s rights. However, legislation alone cannot guarantee justice. The effectiveness of any legal framework depends upon its implementation. For many survivors, the greatest obstacle is not the absence of legal remedies but the fear of navigating the justice system itself. Reporting violence often means facing uncomfortable questions, social judgment, pressure from family members, financial hardship, and emotional trauma. In many cases, victims worry that their complaints will not be taken seriously or that the legal process will take years to reach a conclusion. Such concerns discourage many women from seeking legal protection altogether. The problem is further aggravated by the slow pace of criminal proceedings. Delayed investigations, repeated adjournments, and prolonged trials can force survivors to relive traumatic experiences for years. Justice delayed not only prolongs suffering but also weakens public confidence in the legal system. When victims believe that reporting a crime will expose them to further hardship without a timely or meaningful remedy, silence often appears to be the safer option. In this sense, delayed justice becomes a denial of safety, discouraging others from coming forward and allowing perpetrators to act with greater confidence. Several high-profile incidents have highlighted both the urgency of reform and the limitations of existing mechanisms. The Motorway rape case in 2020 sparked nationwide outrage and prompted important legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021. While these reforms strengthened the legal framework, they also reminded the nation that effective implementation, victim-sensitive investigations, and timely prosecution remain equally essential. Similarly, acid attacks and cases of so-called honour based violence have continued to expose the gap between legal protections and the realities faced by many women, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Legal reforms must therefore be accompanied by institutional reform. Police officers, prosecutors, judges, and medico-legal professionals require continuous training to handle cases involving gender-based violence with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect for victims’ dignity. Fast-track procedures for serious offences against women should be implemented effectively to reduce unnecessary delays. Victim and witness protection mechanisms must be strengthened so that survivors feel safe throughout the judicial process. Equally important is ensuring that legal aid and psychological support are readily available to those who seek justice. Beyond the courtroom, society itself has a crucial role to play. Victim-blaming, social stigma, and cultural stereotypes remain among the greatest barriers preventing women from reporting violence. Questions such as “Why did she report it now?” or “What was she doing there?” unfairly shift attention away from the offender and onto the survivor. Such attitudes discourage reporting and perpetuate a culture of silence. A justice system can function effectively only when society supports victims rather than subjects them to suspicion and criticism. Protecting women’s rights is not solely a legal obligation; it is a constitutional, moral, and social responsibility. Laws are meaningful only when they inspire confidence in those, they are designed to protect. A woman should never have to choose between her safety and the fear of navigating the justice system. She should have confidence that her complaint will be heard fairly, investigated promptly, and decided without unnecessary delay. Pakistan has undoubtedly taken important legislative steps to combat violence against women. The challenge now lies in translating those legal guarantees into practical realities. Stronger enforcement, efficient investigations, timely trials, greater institutional accountability, and increased public awareness are essential to restoring confidence in the justice system. Justice cannot be measured merely by the number of laws enacted; it must be measured by the willingness of victims to seek its protection without fear. A society where women hesitate to report violence is a society where justice remains incomplete. The true success of any legal system is not reflected in the statutes it enacts but in the trust it inspires. Until every woman feels secure enough to report violence without fear of stigma, intimidation, or delay, the promise of equal justice will remain only partially fulfilled. Justice delayed is not merely justice denied it is safety denied. A legal system earns public confidence not when it promises protection, but when it delivers it.

By Zahid Karim It is true that terrorism remains one of the most serious national security challenges of Pakistan. It has blighted the plant of peace, progress and prosperity. Although, time and again efforts have been made to eradicate this cancerous evil, it has deeply embedded ideological, political, and socio-economic roots in the society. It has not only weakened the socio-economic fabric of the society but also tarnished the image of the country across the globe.  At the moment, Pakistan is experiencing a resurgence of terrorism, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. There is no place or aspect of life where terrorism and extremis has not shown its ugly face. No one is safe either in office or home from militants, extremists and terrorist. It is evident from the recent deadly attack on rangers installation in Karachi. Before it, a suicide car bomb targeted a passenger train transporting military personnel and their families at Chaman Phatak station in Quetta, killing at least 24 people and injuring over 50 others. Besides, the suicide bomb attack at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in the Tarlai Kalan area of Islamabad killed at least 31 people and injured 169 others. In fact, the widespread, coordinated terrorist atrocities across the province of Baluchistan including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung, and Nushki, resulting in significant casualties. Sadly, the car bombing at Mir Ali Area of North Waziristan which led to the loss of some 13 soldiers and 3 civilians added further fuel to the fire. Similarly, the bold daylight attack of Sorab, Baluchistan, Khuzdar school bus suicide and fatal hijacking of Jafar Express reveal the helplessness and haplessness of the security agencies of the country. Interestingly, many security operations have been carried out but their gains are not so encouraging. Indeed, the lasting peace requires more than military might. It needs social justice, education, economic development, and strong institutions.  As a matter of fact, without paving the way for political stability, economic prosperity, social justice and religious harmony, sustainable peace remains only a daydream. It requires social healing, reconciliation, and national unity. It is not just military operations, airstrikes, and crackdowns that can resolve the daunting issue. Of course, the root causes are deeply entrenched in social, economic, ideological, and political structures, not merely in armed insurgency. These may include poverty and unemployment, illiteracy and radical education, social injustice and political exclusion and Religious intolerance and sectarianism. Thus, Pakistan needs social reforms—not just military solutions—to effectively eliminate terrorism.  More importantly, military solutions are not alone sustainable and viable. Military action may abolish imminent threats, but it cannot address the root causes. Besides, force is necessary only to dismantle militant networks but long-term stability requires deep social reforms to address the root causes of radicalization. Military operations like Zarb-e-Azb, Rah-e-Rast etc have only degraded militant groups but failed to eradicate them completely.  Education is the foremost remedy to discourage radicalization in the society. Promotion of education infuses tolerance, peace and critical thinking.  It has capacity to augment intellect, widens vision and produces a refined and cultured human being. It equips the poverty-ridden youth to become productive part of the society. In this connection, curricula should be modernized. Besides, madrassas education should be regulated to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. It is through quality, inclusive, and modern education that radicalism can be discouraged. Furthermore poverty alleviation and provision of economic opportunities is another panacea for extremism and terrorism. Ironically, insufficiency of economic opportunities creates frustration, deprivation, and anxiety among the youth. It makes them vulnerable to fall prey to the extremist and militants for financial incentives. Undoubtedly, investing in economic development, job creation, and vocational training provide them a peaceful path. In addition to this, provision of social justice is another cure to win hearts and minds of the people. Rampant violation of human rights and extra-judicial killings imparts resentment and revenge. An inefficient and corrupt criminal justice system erodes public trust. It leads individuals to seek alternative forms of “justice” to address their unsettled grievances. Thus, sustainable peace can also be achieved through fair, accessible, and efficient justice system and police frameworks.  Moreover, since her inception, Pakistan has been witnessing poor social cohesion and interfaith harmony among its population. It has led them towards violence and terrorist activities to get accepted their different vendettas.  Indeed, national integration and cohesion should also be fostered among the disgruntled sections of the society. Steps that foster dialogue, understanding, and respect among different communities, sects, and religious groups should be taken on war footing basis. In turn, it helps to dismantle the sectarian and ethnic divisions that extremist groups exploit. This builds a stronger national identity that transcends narrow affiliations. Additionally, prolonged military operations also cause political instability and adverse repercussion, especially when tangible improvements in security mechanism are not attained. Since, inception Pakistan has been witnessing widespread political instability. In turn, this phenomenon foments terrorism by creating governance vacuums and weakening of law enforcement apparatus. It allows militant groups to exploit social, economic, and political grievances of the masses. Ironically, frequent regime changes and civil-military discord distract authorities from security. It provides safe havens for groups like the TTP and other so-called terrorist organization. This contaminated environment of political polarization allows extremist groups to fill the void by promoting sectarianism and radicalization, which further destabilizes the state.  Political stability is essential to knock down the terrorism in Pakistan. It provides the foundation for effective governance, the rule of law, economic development, and social cohesion. Political stability allows the state to address the fundamental causes of terrorism, including poverty, inequality, sectarianism and ideological basis of terrorism.  It is also a matter a fact that when the state fails to provide justice, security, or basic services, people may turn to non-state actors. Lack of rule of law, poor governance, unbridled corruption, has added fuel to the fire. Strengthening of rule of law, police reforms, and transparent governance reduce extremism. It has capacity to manage the anger and disillusionment