Latest news with #JaveriaKhan
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Moot urges child-focused climate action
Youth took centre stage at the Youth Convention: Climate Change and Role of Youth, where Obun2, in partnership with Terre des Hommes and civil society allies, unveiled its landmark report "The Impact of Climate Change on Children in Pakistan." The two-day convention, held at Beach Luxury Hotel, brought together youth leaders, climate activists, policymakers, and researchers from across the country. Organised by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), in collaboration with An Association for Rural Development (DevCon), the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), and the Gender and Empowerment Organisation (GEO), the event underscored the urgent need for child-focused climate action, with a central theme highlighting the critical role of youth in climate resilience and advocacy. Alarming impact on Pakistan's children The report, authored by researcher Javeria Khan, paints a stark picture of how climate change is disproportionately affecting Pakistan's children and most vulnerable; with 33 million people affected by 2022 floods, half of them children; 26,600 schools destroyed, disrupting education for over two million students; 154,000 child deaths in 2019 linked to air pollution; 119 per cent increase in child marriages in flood-hit regions; 11 million children exposed to toxic smog in 2024; only three per cent of children have access to disaster preparedness education. "These numbers are not just statistics. They represent lives disrupted, futures derailed, and rights denied," said Executive Director of Obun2, Qindeel Shujaat. "We must act now to build a future where every child is safe, educated, and empowered to fight climate change." Voices for a sustainable tomorrow Speakers across sectors called for urgent, youth-led climate action. "We are proud to stand with Pakistan's youth," said Country Head of Terre des Hommes, Salam Dharejo. "They have the ideas, energy, and vision to lead the climate movement. Let's empower them with the tools and support they need." Chairman of Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, Mehran Ali Shah,, echoed this, stating "we trust in our youth. They are already facing the consequences of climate inaction. It's time they lead the solutions." Meanwhile, Chairman of Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), Iqbal Detho, connected environmental degradation to human rights, noting that "climate change is not just an ecological issue; it is a matter of justice, survival, and dignity, especially for children." Representing the Sindh Directorate of Climate Change, Ayhan Mustafa Bhutto, stressed the need for innovation. "We encourage young people to come forward with solutions. The government must become an enabler, not a bystander." Key policy recommendations To address the growing crisis, the report recommends bold action, including the establishment of a Child Climate Fund for local adaptation and mitigation; investing in climate-resilient schools and infrastructure; integrating climate education into national curricula; expanding mental health and psychosocial support in disaster zones; and partnering with private sector and global organisations for child-focused resilience programmes Convention highlights The convention featured youth-led panels, interactive exhibits, storytelling sessions, and policy dialogues. Young participants shared innovative ideas ranging from clean energy solutions to community-based climate adaptation. "This is not just a convention," said one youth participant. "It's a movement. We are the generation that will live through the worst of climate change, if we don't change course now." The event concluded with a call for immediate government action, with attendees demanding the incorporation of the report's recommendations into Pakistan's national climate policies and education strategies. Obun2 distributed printed and digital copies of the report to policymakers, media, and civil society actors, with support from the portal. Obun2 is a Pakistan-based organisation dedicated to advancing child rights, human rights, and climate justice through evidence-based research, advocacy, and partnerships with public institutions.
India.com
08-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan Cricketer Reacts To Operation Sindoor With Controversial Remark, Gets Trolled
India's bold and decisive military retaliation under Operation Sindoor has not only sent shockwaves across Pakistan but also ignited a firestorm on social media—particularly in the cricketing world. Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 lives were lost, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, the Indian Armed Forces launched a pre-dawn counter-offensive that targeted terror camps across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The successful strike neutralised over 100 terrorists and obliterated nine terror camps, making Operation Sindoor one of the most impactful counter-terror operations in recent years. While India hailed the precision strike as a necessary and justified action, reactions from across the border revealed a stark contrast—especially from some former Pakistani cricketers who decided to wade into political waters with controversial takes. It is not bravery to attack civilians in the dark of night, take innocent lives, including little children. It is distressing to see Indian accounts with large followings find it joyful. There is no pride in shedding blood. There is no honour in killing innocent people. — Javeria Khan (@ImJaveria) May 7, 2025 Former Pakistan women's cricketer Javeria Khan found herself in the eye of the storm after her post on social media condemned the operation—not for its military aspect, but for its timing and alleged targeting. In a tweet that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons, Javeria wrote: 'It is not bravery to attack civilians in the dark of night, take innocent lives, including little children. It is distressing to see Indian accounts with large followings find it joyful. There is no pride in shedding blood. There is no honour in killing innocent people.' Her comments drew immediate backlash, particularly from Indian netizens who saw the remark as an unfounded accusation that disrespected both the valour of the Indian Armed Forces and the innocent victims of the original terror attack in Pahalgam. Critics were quick to point out that Operation Sindoor was a surgical strike targeting terror infrastructure and not civilians. The internet didn't hold back, with hashtags like #JaveriaTrolled and #OperationSindoor trending across platforms. Analysts and fans alike questioned the rationale behind such statements from a sportsperson, especially in a country struggling to contain international scrutiny over its alleged support for terror groups operating in PoK. Shahid Afridi's Silence Adds Fuel to Fire Adding to the controversy, Shahid Afridi, one of Pakistan's most recognisable cricketing figures, had earlier blamed the Indian government for the Pahalgam attack. However, post Operation Sindoor, Afridi has chosen silence—a decision that hasn't gone unnoticed. While he hasn't publicly addressed the operation yet, screenshots of his previous tweets are being recirculated, with many calling out his double standards and political posturing. The former Pakistan captain is no stranger to diplomatic flare-ups, often criticised for making tone-deaf political statements despite representing a sport known for bridging divides. Social Media Reacts: 'Stupid Remarks', 'No Moral High Ground' Public sentiment in India has been overwhelmingly in favour of Operation Sindoor, with many hailing the army's swift response as just retribution. Against this backdrop, the statements from cricketers like Javeria—and the silence from others like Afridi—have been branded as 'stupid remarks', as critics argue they undermine the pain suffered by families of terror victims. The clash isn't just military anymore—it's now a digital and ideological war, playing out on global platforms. And with former sportspersons stepping into political commentary, the line between athletic legacy and public accountability is rapidly blurring.
