Early sugar control benefits brain health

By Engr. Saqlain Abid Geography is destiny. A nation cannot choose its neighbours, but it can choose how to live with them. The strongest defence in any democracy is not perpetual conflict but sustained diplomacy, confidence-building measures, and peaceful negotiations. Pakistan and Afghanistan are two countries bound by centuries of shared history, religion, culture, and ethnic ties. Yet, what was once described as a brotherly relationship has gradually transformed into one defined by mistrust, accusations, and strategic competition. Today, India has emerged as the third player in this evolving regional triangle.   What exactly went wrong? How did decades of goodwill give way to blame games and border tensions? And why is India now finding greater strategic space in Afghanistan? These questions have become even more relevant following Amnesty International’s allegations regarding Pakistan’s reported airstrikes on the Omeed Rehabilitation Centre near Kabul on 14 March. The organisation questioned Pakistan’s justification for the operation, while Islamabad firmly rejected the allegations and maintained that its forces targeted legitimate security threats. The competing narratives deserve careful examination.   The first perspective is that of Afghanistan. Following the withdrawal of US forces in 2021, Pakistan welcomed the Taliban’s return to power. General Faiz Hameed, then ISI chief, was closely associated with the Doha process, while the government of Imran Khan projected Pakistan as a key mediator in Afghanistan’s political transition. Relations initially appeared warmer than they had been for years.   However, the atmosphere soon changed. One of the major turning points was the case of Sharifullah, an alleged ISIS-K commander. Pakistan argued that his arrest strengthened its claims regarding cross-border terrorism and militant networks operating from Afghan territory. The Taliban leadership rejected these accusations, insisting that Afghanistan should not be blamed for Pakistan’s internal security challenges.   Instead of responding through military escalation, Kabul gradually diversified its diplomatic and economic partnerships. Trade with India expanded while commerce with Pakistan declined. Afghanistan increasingly relied on Iran’s Chabahar Port and the India-built Zaranj–Delaram Highway to reduce dependence on Pakistani transit routes. Although these alternatives are longer and more expensive, Kabul appears willing to pay that price in pursuit of greater strategic autonomy. For the Taliban government, sovereignty has become closely linked with economic independence.   The controversy surrounding the reported strike on the Omeed Rehabilitation Centre further widened the trust deficit. Human rights organisations questioned Pakistan’s account of the operation, while Islamabad maintained that the target was linked to militant activity and defended its actions as part of its counterterrorism campaign. The differing claims remain disputed and continue to shape international perceptions.   Pakistan’s narrative is considerably different. Islamabad maintains that the resurgence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks represents one of its greatest national security challenges. Successive governments have argued that militant groups continue to exploit Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. From Islamabad’s perspective, stronger military action became unavoidable because diplomatic engagement failed to produce sufficient cooperation.   The arrest of Sharifullah also carried broader geopolitical significance. Pakistan’s intelligence cooperation with the United States strengthened Islamabad’s engagement with Washington. At the same time, the government accelerated the repatriation of undocumented Afghan migrants, arguing that national security required stricter border management. Critics viewed these measures as increasing pressure on the Taliban government, while Pakistan defended them as sovereign decisions taken in the national interest.   Perhaps the greatest strategic miscalculation, however, was underestimating how quickly a trusted partner could seek new alliances. History shows that when friends become rivals, they often understand each other’s vulnerabilities better than long-standing adversaries.   India forms the third side of this regional triangle. Over the past two decades, New Delhi has invested billions of dollars in Afghanistan through reconstruction projects, infrastructure, education, and trade. As relations between Islamabad and Kabul have deteriorated, India has found greater diplomatic space to strengthen its presence. Development assistance, expanding trade, and improved connectivity have gradually transformed India into an increasingly influential partner for Afghanistan.   The result is a new regional reality. Pakistan views Afghanistan primarily through the lens of security. Afghanistan seeks strategic independence and diversified economic partnerships. India has capitalised on the growing mistrust by expanding its diplomatic and commercial footprint.   Geography cannot be changed, but policies can. Pakistan and Afghanistan will remain neighbours regardless of political differences. Continued confrontation will benefit neither country, while diplomacy, intelligence cooperation, and mutual respect remain the only sustainable path forward. The future of South Asia will depend not on military victories but on whether Islamabad, Kabul, and New Delhi choose cooperation over confrontation.

By Dhani Bux Wassan Peace cannot be kept by force it can be achieved by understanding (Albert Einstein). In an increasingly interconnected world, disputes and tensions among nations have become more complex, involving geopolitical rivalries, ethnic and religious conflicts, ideological differences, civil unrest, and cyber warfare. These challenges threaten global peace and stability, and destroy the hustle and bustle of cities, turning them into ashes. These assaults lead to violence against innocent people . Amidst humanitarian crises and violence, diplomacy plays a crucial role in maintaining global peace, stability, and mutual prosperity among nations. Diplomacy is the most effective way to mediate disputes among nations through negotiations and table talks, preventing major conflicts and saving thousands of innocent lives. It is a manifestation of wisdom and dialogue. Modern conflicts are far more violent and complex than traditional wars. They arise from the struggle for power, competition over resources, territorial disputes, political instability, nationalism, separatism, and economic inequality. These conflicts have transformed cities into ruins, leaving streets littered with debris and countless lives lost. Millions of people have been displaced, deprived of education, healthcare, and shelter, and forced to live in extreme poverty. They have also left mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and children waiting in vain for their loved ones who never returned from the battlefield. Now, let us turn our attention to the Israel–Palestine war. Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has continued for more than 1,000 days. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 73,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, while millions have been displaced and face severe humanitarian conditions. Similarly, the Russia–Ukraine war has continued for more than 1,600 days. The conflict has destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure, forcing millions to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries. History reminds us that when regional conflicts escalate into world wars, the world loses its path to peace. The First and Second World Wars claimed millions of lives and devastated entire nations. If diplomacy fails and violence prevails, humanity risks repeating the tragedies of the past. Therefore, dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful negotiation remain the only sustainable path. As modern conflicts continue to grow the importance of diplomacy cannot be overstated. Diplomacy provides nations with a peaceful means of resolving disputes through dialogue and compromise rather than violence. It prevents misunderstandings from escalating into armed conflicts and helps build trust and cooperation among nations. Strong diplomatic relations create a stable environment that encourages economic growth, attracts foreign investment, expands trade, and creates employment opportunities. Moreover, diplomacy facilitates humanitarian assistance, strengthens regional cooperation, and promotes lasting peace.In an increasingly interconnected world, it remains the most effective instrument for achieving peace, stability, and shared prosperity. History demonstrate that diplomacy repeatedly succeeded where military cops failed .The Camp David Accords (1978) ended decades of hostility between Egypt and Israel, proving that persistent dialogue can transform long-standing enemies into peace partners. Similarly, the Good Friday Agreement (1998) brought an end to years of violence in Northern Ireland through negotiation and political compromise. The Dayton Peace Agreement (1995) ended the devastating Bosnian War, while the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) between Pakistan and India has endured despite multiple wars, demonstrating that diplomatic agreements can survive even during periods of intense political tension. These examples illustrate that meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and sustained negotiations often achieve what military force cannot. As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan wisely observed, “More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together.” In modern world conflicts strengthening diplomacy is essential for building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future. Governments should prioritize dialogue over confrontation, invest in skilled diplomacy, and promote mutual trust through regular communication. International organizations, regional alliances, and civil society also have an important role in facilitating peaceful negotiations and resolving disputes before they escalate into violence. At the same time, nations must uphold international law, respect sovereignty, and work together to address shared challenges such as climate change, terrorism and cyber threats. By embracing cooperation instead of conflict, diplomacy can prevent wars, protect human lives, and lay the foundation for lasting global peace and sustainable development. To conclude, diplomacy remains the cornerstone of peace and stability in an increasingly turbulent world. While modern conflicts have become more complex due to geopolitical rivalries, technological advancements, and transnational threats, dialogue and cooperation continue to offer the most effective path to lasting solutions. Military force may end battles, but only diplomacy can build enduring peace, restore trust, and promote mutual understanding among nations. As global challenges continue to transcend borders, the international community must strengthen diplomatic institutions, uphold international law, and foster a culture of cooperation. A peaceful and prosperous future depends not on the power of weapons, but on the wisdom of dialogue and the commitment to resolve differences through diplomacy. (The writer is Larkana Cadet College student)

If you fail to keep an eye on your fuel level while driving, your car could eventually come to a stop. When a car is about to run out of fuel, a warning indicator commonly known as the low fuel light illuminates on the dashboard. But how far can you actually drive once this light comes on? The answer can be useful if there isn’t a fuel station nearby. However, there is no single answer as it depends on several factors including the car’s make and model, model year, driving habits, fuel efficiency and road conditions. According to experts, once the low fuel warning light turns on, the vehicle cannot travel very far. The good news, however, is that it can usually go farther than many people expect. Experts say the warning light typically comes on when the fuel tank has around 10 to 15 percent of its capacity remaining. On average, small cars can travel about 20 to 30 miles (32–48 km) after the light comes on while larger vehicles may cover up to 50 miles (80 km). However, if the vehicle is old or the road conditions are poor, the remaining driving range may be significantly shorter. Cold weather can also increase fuel consumption reducing the distance the car can travel after the warning light appears. Experts further caution that continuing to drive for an extended period after the low fuel light comes on may damage the engine although driving a few additional miles is generally unlikely to cause any harm.