SCARS AS SIGNPOSTS

Twinkle Twinkle little Scar How I wonder what you are—a reminisce of the past or a prophecy of the future? Whispers of every battle we fought linger through the marks etched upon us—on our flesh, on our soul—testaments to our survival and the moments that shaped us into who we are today. Beneath these marks lie intense tales of bravery, courage, and determination to move … Continue reading SCARS AS SIGNPOSTS

The concept of destiny: a facade or a revelation?

Growing up in a brown family, the phrase ‘jo naseeb mai ho’ echoed through nearly every conversation, a constant reminder of fate’s inevitable grip on our lives. A newborn daughter? Naseeb. A failed marriage? Naseeb. A stillborn child? Naseeb. A successful business? Naseeb. Surprisingly, this concept isn’t confined to the brown community; it transcends cultures and knows no boundaries. Perhaps its universal reach is why … Continue reading The concept of destiny: a facade or a revelation?

The Tragic Chronicles of Pakistan: romances that shaped our folklore

Long before modern romance stories graced our screens and bookstores, the nation of Pakistan was awash with romances that defied social norms and touched the soul. Everyone reveres Shakespeare as the literary god of tragedy, and stories like Romeo and Juliet cement his legacy as the ultimate storyteller of doomed love. But hold on to that thought—because when it comes to heartbreak, rebellion, and sacrifice, … Continue reading The Tragic Chronicles of Pakistan: romances that shaped our folklore

Non-fiction vs Fiction: The Pull of Reality vs The Power of Imagination

If I had it my way, I’d slam my fist down on the table, yell “FICTION!” and call it a day. But alas, the world isn’t that simple. Some people—*side-eyeing my dad*—have it ingrained in their souls that in a real world, among real people, tackling real problems, fiction has no place. That is one way to think of it, but before we rush to … Continue reading Non-fiction vs Fiction: The Pull of Reality vs The Power of Imagination

Lean In: A Gilded Cage; A Critique of Corporate Feminism

As a parliamentary debater, I’ve encountered numerous motions spanning political, economic, legal, and philosophical realms, among others. One motion, in particular, stood out to me: This House believes that the feminist movement should promote the maximization of individual development and empowerment over solidarity among women.  The way I interpret this motion is from the perspective of a book Sheryl Sandberg wrote in 2013 called ‘Lean … Continue reading Lean In: A Gilded Cage; A Critique of Corporate Feminism

Fashion’s visual: A transformational age through the lens of younger generations

For centuries fashion has been the epitome of self-expression, evolving from fitted gowns and tailored suits to more sharp-cut jeans and printed shirts; it has also become a vessel for social change. Years ago people experimented with different patterned clothes and motifs to fit their inner persona, whether that meant rebellion in the form of a darkened maroon jacket and matching with a pair of … Continue reading Fashion’s visual: A transformational age through the lens of younger generations

Metal Music: Your Grandma and your Roman Empire

Black Sabbath, Metallica and Iron Maiden. If you’ve ever been part of a metal music conversation, you know these names are practically sacred. But who established it as a norm and why is nobody getting bored of these same names on repeat already? For they might have mastered the enigma of the algorithm– as to why in a world where people form clusters of opinion … Continue reading Metal Music: Your Grandma and your Roman Empire

Arslan Ash: Overcoming the Struggles of Esports

In the electrifying world of esports there’re quite a few names that resonate like Faker, Simple, Notail and Arslan Ash. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you’ve probably heard of Arslan Ash, a Tekken prodigy hailing from Pakistan who dominated the scene with his arcade control panel. Arslan has captivated fans globally, proving that dedication can shatter barriers. He has inspired millions of … Continue reading Arslan Ash: Overcoming the Struggles of Esports

You behind the mask (Navigating alienation in a social landscape)

You step into the grounds of what most consider the epitome of education—a socially interconnected abode of learning, known as your college. With every step towards your class, the impassive onlooker waving at you shapeshifts into a… friend? Yeah, friend. The sigh stuck in your throat oozes to get out as you gulp the uneasiness in and wave back with an enthusiastic “hey, wassup!” Soon, … Continue reading You behind the mask (Navigating alienation in a social landscape)

Consciousness: Is Your Brain a Quantum Computer, Is the Universe Having a Midlife Crisis, and Why Shouldn’t You Hate a Cockroach?

Is our existence truly a physical phenomenon or just a form of energy? Are we existing in multiple states, dead or alive, in the tapestry of quantum superposition? Are we even real? Is time the fourth dimension? Most certainly, one can never run out of questions that will give you an existential crisis disconcerting enough to keep you awake at night. However, there is one … Continue reading Consciousness: Is Your Brain a Quantum Computer, Is the Universe Having a Midlife Crisis, and Why Shouldn’t You Hate a Cockroach?