Guest Post by Raza Rumi

ATP has articulated the problems with Pakistan’s education policies and trends in the past (here, for example).

I recently came across this little piece published yesterday in the Pakistani newspaper The Daily Times and I thought this is a fit sequel to ATP’s concern on education.

Just one student in class 10

AHMEDPUR EAST: Only one student is studying in the 10th class of Government MC High School, Ahmedpur East, while 17 students are in the 9th class. The10th class student is studying science subjects but none of the other student in class nine is studying them.

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Adil Najam

All of us here at ATP want to wish our colleague Bilal Zuberi the very best of luck on his marriage day; today.

Yes, you heard it right! From one married guy to a soon-to-be-married guy: “hunn, lagg patta jaaye ga!”; this phrase is not translatable but lagg patta jaaye ga” is profoundly different in effect and intent from “patta lagg jaaye ga.”

But all jokes apart, this is wonderful and much awaited news. As someone I have known now for many many years and someone who I both respect and am fond, my prayers and sincerest best wishes are with him today. ATP readers, of course, know Bilal as part of the core ATP team and from his various posts here. Whether it is him talking about donkey races, Inspector Jamshed, Naii’s or 7-star hotels, we have enjoyed reading his posts and we now wish him the very best for this auspicious occasion; and for all times to come.

Guest Post by Sadaf Siddique

In a world where we awake to headlines and news reports screaming violence and mayhem is it possible to envision a different world? A world where we don’t reduce each other to stereotypes? Is it possible to build bridges rather than burn them? Is it possible to be inspired, get involved and take action? I certainly hope it is and I wanted to share information with you about an inititive that I am involved in and that give me this hope.

I have been part of the editorial team for Imagining Ourselves , an online global exhibit featuring art, photographs, essays and film by young women in their 20s and 30s answering the question, “What defines your generation?” for the past six months. I wrote my story on ‘Assisted Marriage’ in an attempt to change perceptions about arranged marriages in recent times. And now I want to reach out to ATP readers to you to invite you to tell your story for our upcoming theme War and Dialogue.