PIA's State of Affairs: From National Flag Carrier to National Liability

Maheen Tariq

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was created out of the private airline Orient Airways in 1955, eight years after Pakistan became an independent nation. The carrier performed well until the 1970s, when corruption and overstaffing negatively impacted the company. In the 1980s, the carrier’s reputation was further hit due to poor maintenance practices. 1990 signalled further challenges for PIA with the liberalisation of market. Despite remaining the largest operator on Pakistan's international and domestic routes, the carrier is increasingly losing its share in the global market. Due to the management's constant negligence and massive corruption executed under the banner of aircraft replacement, inefficiencies have penetrated deeply into the entire system of the corporation.

In Defense of ACTA, the Unjust

Abdullah Naeem

From the Arab Spring and the Occupy Wall Street movement to its retaliation in the shade SOPA, CISPA and PIPA, things seem to be in a roller coaster these days. The Anonymous group must have a lot on its mind. If that was not enough, out emerged ACTA! Shadowy hands from these copyright infringement laws grab a butler as he converses with his elite master. 

Menace of Drugs

Saira Khan

There are no surprises that there is an increased rate of tension and stress in the society due to poverty and hiking prices. Many people find it difficult to support their families because of which the media is continuously reporting suicides.  Others find a better option: drugs. Pakistan has earned its notoriety for many things but in the last 20 years, drug production and addiction has increasingly become just one of them. The International Narcotics Control Board reported that Pakistan has approximately five million drug addicts – this figure stands atop!

Book Review: The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker

Saqib Mansoor

In his book The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker takes on human nature and its effect on every aspect of our daily lives. He firstly explores the idea that we are all born as empty vessels into this world this is where the book derives its name from. We are void of any personality, ethics, culture or opinions and into this vessel go the abilities and vices planted during our upbringing.  

Pakistani Bloggers Recognised

Pakistani bloggers deserve laurels for the excellent work in bringing their country to the world. With a vision of recognition, considering how many bloggers of the country have worked tirelessly to build an international image online, the 2nd Annual Pakistan Blog Awards 2011 began on December 22, 2011, with the first unconference session at IBA City Campus in Karachi. It concluded with an unconference in Lahore the first week of January 2012, organised by the globally recognised PC World Pakistan, owned by IDG USA.