Stories by Wara Irfan

Tracing how the Pakistani woman is able to march today

This International Women’s Day, we explore the history of major women-led movements in Pakistan.

Published 08 Mar, 2025 10:06am

‘Two sides of the same coin’: Young Pakistani Americans weigh lesser evils in 2024 US election

The situation in Gaza has led to many young voters feeling disillusioned with both their government and what they've been told about democracy.

Published 05 Nov, 2024 12:21pm

Asaduu is the indie-pop newbie you may not have heard of — yet

From the mountains of Balochistan to the bustling streets of Karachi, the singer's journey highlights the challenges newcomers face in Pakistan's music scene.

Published 28 Jun, 2024 10:56am

Special report: May 9, mayhem and military trials — a year on

Unravelling the knot of justice and power as Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of May 9 and the ongoing military trials of civilians.

Published 25 Jun, 2024 05:06pm

Flickering flames: Gas crisis adds to homemakers’ woes in Ramazan

For the last several years, there has not been any major gas discovery to compensate for shrinking reserves, creating a demand and supply imbalance in Pakistan.

Published 09 Apr, 2024 10:55am

Six months of despair, desolation and death: A timeline of key events in Israel’s war on Gaza

Recording the death and destruction of the past six months can last a lifetime and will still not be enough.

Updated 07 Apr, 2024 12:56pm

Malnourished mothers, starving babies: How ‘hidden hunger’ is endangering Pakistan’s future generations

Can a pill or supplement ever replace a good hearty meal shared with family?

Updated 03 Apr, 2024 01:07pm

National Assembly’s inaugural session: How are the PM, speaker and opposition leader elected?

When the newly elected NA members convene on Feb 29 for the first time, here is what will be on the house's agenda.

Updated 29 Feb, 2024 12:01am

Much ado about reserved seats: Can PTI get them with SIC’s help?

To "protect" PTI's reserved seats and "provide cover" to its members, the party has merged with the Sunni Ittehad Council. But what happens next?

Updated 22 Feb, 2024 12:13pm

Pakistan’s elections in numbers — low turnout, gender inequality and voting mishaps

Pakistan's 12th general elections recorded a low turnout with only 47.8pc of total eligible voters exercising their right to choose their representatives.

Updated 19 Feb, 2024 11:01pm

Blogger Mystapaki gives a lesson on using your privilege the right way

Content creators Bilal Hassan and Akber Kazi urged privileged individuals to speak against injustices at a panel discussion at the Karachi Literature Festival on Saturday.

Updated 17 Feb, 2024 07:08pm

Gendering the vote: Political manifestos through a woman’s lens

Like every election, parties are promising the world to Pakistani women. But will this just be another stint? Only time will tell.

Published 06 Feb, 2024 09:20am

Why elections are taking place in 2024 instead of last year

Originally scheduled for November 2023, the general elections are almost three months late due to many reasons.

Published 26 Jan, 2024 10:57am

Palestinian photojournalist Motaz leaves Gaza after 108 days — What it means for reporting on ground

Israel's invasion of Gaza marks the deadliest period for journalists ever in modern history, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Published 24 Jan, 2024 02:58pm

AKUH detects JN.1 Covid variant in samples from Karachi

Lead investigator at AKUH lab says six samples out of 15 have tested positive for the new variant.

Updated 11 Jan, 2024 04:30pm

Both Sit In Silence For A While goes global: In coversation with Ali Junejo and Rasti Farooq

After captivating Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, Junejo's play has found a new home in Dutch theatres.

Published 01 Jan, 2024 04:48pm

The ‘I do’ that leads to DNA dilemma

Almost half of Pakistani women are married to their first cousins, according to the Pakistan demographic and health survey.

Updated 04 Dec, 2023 03:07pm

Inequality in incarceration: How thousands of Palestinians are locked up inside Israeli jails

Around 7,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of children, are behind Israeli bars, according to AFP.

Updated 02 Dec, 2023 04:44pm

From Karachi to Kathmandu: A gendered tale of two South Asian cities

Pakistani cities can learn a lot from Kathmandu to make public spaces safer for women.

Updated 21 Nov, 2023 10:16am

Six months to May 9: How PTI went from heights of popularity to facing obscurity

6 months after the riots that followed Imran Khan's May 9 arrest, we look at what led to that fateful day and the aftermath.

Updated 10 Nov, 2023 02:42pm