#Pakistan fragmentation

[nammythings]

Ceasefire or Intermission?

Peace is not a one-sided burden. And India will no longer pay for it alone. The world may still be calling it a skirmish. On May 9, 2025, what had long simmered beneath diplomatic surfaces turned kinetic. The India-Pakistan conflict has escalated into a significant military confrontation, with both nations engaging in airstrikes and missile exchanges. India’s Operation Sindoor targeted…

[uncle-alam]

thinking abt how my grandparents lived thru the 65 war without taking it seriously whatsoever. In fact took advantage of the fact that everyone was home cowering from bombs in order to go to an empty lawrence gardens. in case you're wondering where i got this fucking attitude from. Sheer inability to gaf

[fraeyyassblr]

𝓦HY 𝓨OU 𝓢HOULDN'T 𝓕EEL 𝓑AD 𝓕OR 𝓟ERMASHIFTING

꒰ 𐙚 ꒱ 𝓑eing physically attached to something is a human thing. but is your soul really bound to this reality when your one soul has its consciousness infinitely fragmented across infinite worlds and infinite parallels of those worlds that you're just not aware of? and so are other people!! so is every sentient and divine incarnated being like you are. so, in reality, I swear in all infinite realities: it does not matter.

꒰ 𐙚 ꒱ 𝓨ou've been given a lot of trauma and pain from this reality and every wishful thanking says that it is necessary for "development" but, not really. not all pain is necessary. not child labour happening in pakistan, not bombings happening to the children in gaza, not world war 1, 2, 5, 10, nothing. absolutely nothing. what are you hoping to find here? faith in humanity? there are more parallel realities about this one, you should shift to all of them then.

꒰ 𐙚 ꒱ 𝓨ou WILL be guilty for choosing not to be in those other realities. your family, all the people that exist, everyone is there and the world that actually works and doesn't fail nations are there and they don't realize that you're in another reality that you're more attached to than that one. you could be homesick, depressed or nostalgic and they'll never know you've been feeling like this from another reality because to them, you're over there with them.

꒰ 𐙚 ꒱ 𝔂our identity is not tied to this one reality. I don't care if you've spent 10, 20, 30 years in this lifetime because that doesn't even add up to infinity! (quantum immortality helloo) or battle against the fact that you've spent even more years and are older in many different realities, whether you awareness was there or not!!

꒰ 𐙚 ꒱ 𝔂our awareness will only leave this reality, not your body or consciousness so the people here won't even know that you "left". there are even infinite parallels of this reality, there isn't even a main one so wtf is "this reality" when there are infinite versions of the same earth and the same people we are talking about not leaving for?

꒰ 𐙚 ꒱ 𝓡omance here is d3ad. okay, I'm not going to set that up as a fact-based assumption because you can absolutely manifest the best life for yourself here, but dear permashifter, you just said you hated it here and are in love with your soulmate from another reality, what kind of love or longing are you hoping to find here when you're already tied to someone out there?? what happened to yearning, to loyalty, to devotion, to connection.. guess what? not a lot of people have that!!!

꒰ 𐙚 ꒱ 𝓣he people here are all suffering by other people suffering from other people suffering that sums up our whole society. corruption. do you wantttt to stay here? it's so insignificant because there's many parallel versions of the same earth with the same people, absolute infinite, this reality means nothinggg. so why feel guilty over leaving one reality you're in when the world is still spinning by infinite parallels? except the parallels where the world stopped spinning which means you or anyone don't even matter!!! life was never about them them them this this this that that that, so there's nothing wrong with leaving because you're hurt by this reality!!

꒰ 𐙚 ꒱ 𝓞r stay in this reality, I don't care. you have infinite time and are immortal.. so spend your time in any reality you want to be in or have never wanted to be in. the depression is yours.

[obscurefossils]

Vishnuictis

Vishnuictis was a genus of viverrid from the Middle Miocene to Pleistocene. Its type species is V. durandi. Its other known species are V. africana, V. chinjiensis, V. hariensis, V. hasnoti, V. hinduiensis, V. plectilodous, V. salmontanus, and V. yuanmouensis. Its known specimens were found across Africa and South Asia in various formations in Kenya, China, Pakistan, and India. Vishnuictis is currently the largest member of its family.

Vishnuictis is primarily named after the Hindu deity Vishnu. The latter half of its name mean "marten" in Greek. V. africana is named after its discovery in Africa, the only Vishnuictis species to date to be found there. V. plectilodous combines "plectilo" for the complex shapes of its teeth and "odous" for tooth.

Vishnuictis is known from several fossils, including a full and a partial skull, several mandible fragments, and many teeth. Its autapomorphies include extreme height and slenderness of the skull that sets it apart from all modern viverrids.

Due to the size of its known fossils, it is thought that Vishnuictis is much larger than modern viverrids. It likely was around the size of or larger than the average modern wolf. New material from 2025 suggests that it may have also had an omnivorous diet.

Originally, V. durandi was described in 1884 as a member of Viverra before later being assigned to Vishnuictis in 1932. V. chinjiensis was also assigned to Viverra in the same 1932 paper, but was later reassigned to Vishnuictis as well. The placement of Vishnuictis within viverrids has not been well-examined, but it is thought to be most closely related to the modern Viverra.

Sources: Pilgrim 1932 (p 101-108), Werdelin 2010 (p 624), Sankhyan 2025

[hadleysmis]

Malaysia's Independence

What does 'Les Misérables' mean to you?

The clips shown below is of the declaration of independence in 1957, marked with the nation's final blaring of 'God Save the Queen' as the British flag is lowered. Merdeka ('independence') is called out seven times. British Malaya has ended.

The later clips show the anniversary of the celebration of the initial year of independence after a long, long history of colonisations.

After the ethnic divide the British enforced in order to maintain order and power, Malaysia unites its citizens; and thus the ending quote, 'There's no Chinese, no Malay, No Indian... Just Malaysians.' appears.

To celebrate the independence day, the themes of ethnic unity is emphasised. Through unity, they achieved independence and liberation away from several hundreds of years (446 years, 1511-1957) of colonisation from multiple global powers.

Under British colonial rule (1786-1941), Malaya was not merely a colony but a key part of the British Empire's economic engine, with the British exploiting the country’s natural resources, particularly tin and rubber, and using its strategic location for global trade.

The British officials made sure that the traditional class divisions should be maintained. "Hence, most economic development was left to Chinese and Indian immigrants, as long as it served long-term colonial interests."

The British introduced a divide-and-rule strategy that entrenched ethnic divisions, particularly between the Malays, Chinese, and Indians, creating a fragmented society that served British interests, and of which was constructed on race and occupation.

The British colonial administration’s reluctance to address the needs and aspirations of the local population, preferred instead to maintain control through appointed elites and limited self-rule.

If we remember from the British rule of India, the class divisions they encouraged and maintained was based on religion. This later invited social and economic division, and ultimately created India and Pakistan to become two countries from the year of their independence.

The British had the habit of ruling like that. Malaysia got lucky, and they didn't go through this type of partition.

Immediately after WWII, Malaysians were fighting off the Japanese in the British backed the Chinese-Malysians with weapons, in which the communists also turned their backs and pointed the weapons at the British during this period.

The Malayan Emergency (1948–1960), a brutal conflict primarily with the Malayan Communist Party (MCP), was a direct consequence of British mismanagement and their failure to grant the right of to freely determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development without interference from foreign powers or colonial rulers.

The British response to the communist insurgency, which included mass incarcerations, punitive actions, and the establishment of a system that disenfranchised much of the local population, only heightened the desire for self-rule.

Despite the difficult path to independence, marked by years of struggle and frustration, the establishment of the Alliance Party (comprising UMNO, MCA, and MIC) in 1951 was a pivotal moment, showing the potential for cooperation across ethnic lines.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman-led Alliance successfully pressured the British to concede political power, yet equality was still out of reach.

The British, while eventually agreeing to grant independence in 1957, had no real intention of relinquishing control easily, and the agreements made were more about preserving British interests and maintaining influence.

The final negotiations in London in 1956, which led to the London Agreement, were not entirely driven by the aspirations of the local population, but rather by the pragmatic need for the British to stabilise the region amidst the larger decolonisation movements taking place around the world; as anti-colonial rebellious sentiments were being quickened as the news of Ghandi were spreading.

Ultimately, the independence celebrations of 31 August 1957 marked the end of formal colonial rule.

The Merdeka Day celebrations focuses on unity and democratic freedom which had been forced on them whilst the colonial power tried to manipulate its citizens to fight against one another.

This period of time is characterised by the complex negotiations between a colonial power and a fragmented, yet resilient, population seeking liberation, unity, and equality.

[toldbytendo]

𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑑. 🇵🇸🇸🇩🇨🇩🇵🇰🇺🇦💔

14,000 babies. That’s what the UN says. Fourteen thousand. Starving, because they are unable to get the aid they need. And somehow, people still find it in themselves to defend this, to open their fucking mouths to utter the phrase “Israel has a right to defend itself after being attacked” like the occupation of Palestine hasn’t been state-sanctioned violence dressed up as geopolitics for literal decades. Like apartheid isn’t happening in plain sight. Like this isn’t a literal fucking genocide, ethnic cleansing unfolding right before our very eyes.

Meanwhile, in Sudan, entire communities are being ethnically cleansed. In Congo, children are being mutilated and enslaved for the West’s fucking lithium batteries. India and Pakistan are burning under religious fascism and border-obsessed nationalism while the world scrolls on. This isn’t a one-off. This isn’t a glitch in the system. This is the system. Built by colonialism. Fed by white supremacy. Held up by imperialism. Protected by the lie of democracy.

And the UK? Oh, the UK. A fucking third world country wearing a Gucci belt. One of the dirtiest players on the world stage. Selling arms. Funding wars. Licking the boots of empire while they distract the nation with manufactured culture wars. You want to know what fascism looks like? Look no further.

Our Supreme Court just ruled that trans women aren’t “biological women”, whatever that’s supposed to fucking mean — not based on science, not based on fact, but based on hatred. Blatant transphobia paraded around as “protecting women’s rights”, as if a man has ever needed to “pretend to be a woman” to commit violence against women. As if cis men don’t assault and kill women daily, in their own skin, no disguise needed.

Trans women are more likely to be sexually assaulted. More likely to be murdered. And now police officers, are being given the right to search people on suspicion of being trans. What does that even mean? What does that even look like? Does anyone at all even realise what kind of dystopian violence that invites? How that hurts every single woman, trans or not?

This isn’t about safety. It never was. It’s about control. It’s about fragmentation. Divide and conquer. The oldest colonial play in the book. While the poor fight the poor, the powerful keep pillaging, keep killing, keep rewriting laws to strip us of rights, dignity, identity.

And the worst part? The unbelievable part? Is how easily people eat it up. How fast they fall in line. As if they’ve never picked up a book. As if history isn’t right there, repeating itself with a darker twist. As if all this pain, all this suffering, is just background noise.

Capitalism is cannibalising the world. Fascism is not just knocking on the door — it’s in the fucking living room. Genocide is being livestreamed. And the biggest crisis is that nobody seems to care.

I feel politically disillusioned in ways I can’t even articulate anymore. It’s not just anger—it’s disgust. It’s grief. If this is what humanity is, I want out. Count me out. Remove me from the equation. Because I cannot, for the life of me, understand how anyone reads “14,000 babies” and just… continues. Defend it. Justify it.

This species is so cruel, so stupid, so committed to repeating history, they won’t even read a fucking book. I have never felt so ashamed to be part of this species. So humiliated to be human. So completely done.

God, if there’s any mercy left in this cursed timeline—send the asteroid. End scene. Because I’m tired of pretending we deserve this planet.

[artifacts-archive]

Fragment of a Mother Goddess

Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara), 2nd century BCE

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this CNN story:

Footage of four, rarely-seen snow leopards clambering up snowy cliffs in northern Pakistan has created a frenzy of excitement among conservationists.

Snow leopards are among the world’s most elusive creatures in the wild and it is hard to catch even one on camera, let alone four, with the sighting being celebrated as a success story for Pakistan’s conservation efforts.

Sakhawat Ali, a gamekeeper and photography enthusiast from the remote village of Hushe, captured the footage on March 13 after what he described as “two weeks of tracking their pawprints” through the snow-covered Central Karakoram National Park - close to K2, the world’s second highest mountain.

Ali told CNN the four snow leopards were a mother and her three cubs.

“In the village we are used to seeing snow leopards but, nobody, not even the elders that I spoke to, have ever seen four snow leopards in one go,” he said.

He spotted the mother first, then started noting additional pawprints. He later “got lucky” sighting the animals together while observing a nearby cliff, through binoculars, from the rooftop of his house. He them scampered out with his camera to film them, from a distance of 200 meters.

Ali said neighbors from his village are celebrating the sighting - even though they have some concerns that their livestock could be in danger.

Snow leopards are currently listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Known locally as the “ghost of the mountains,” they camouflage easily in their natural habitat of the Karakoram Mountain range in Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan region.

Environmental anthropologist Shafqat Hussain says the rocky terrain in the north of Pakistan is perhaps the “best snow leopard habitat in the world.”

They only inhabit high alpine areas of the Himalayas and while their habitat spreads over 12 nations, including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Russia, and Mongolia, sightings are exceedingly rare.

Dr Zakir Hussain, Chief Conservator Parks and Wildlife for Gilgit-Baltistan told CNN that the sighting was a “win” for the work being done to increase awareness amongst local communities about the importance of protecting snow leopards. He said eighty percent of community members are now involved in conservation, tracking and awareness activities.

The World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Pakistan, said it was optimistic about the sighting but stressed snow leopards remain an endangered species still facing “numerous threats.”

In a statement, it said it’s crucial that local communities “work together to protect and conserve these incredible big cats, ensuring future generations can witness their splendor in the wild.”

According to the United Nation’s Environment Program “human activities and growing livestock herds in some areas have led to the degradation of pastureland and wildlife habitats,” affecting the snow leopards food supplies.

Other threats according to the UNEP include poaching and the fragmentation of the animal’s habitat due to massive new infrastructure projects in addition to climate change - which is “expected to aggravate these existing threats.”

[naxalbari1967]

Colonel Taher Didn’t Die in War. He Died for Calling It What It Was: Incomplete

Colonel Abu Taher was not a rogue officer, not a reckless idealist, not a power-hungry conspirator. He was a revolutionary soldier who dared to do what no politician, no bureaucrat, no general in Bangladesh had the courage to do: break the back of the officer class, arm the jawans, and call for the transfer of real power from barracks and boardrooms to workers and peasants. In a country suffocating under the hypocrisy of liberation war leaders turned landlords, Taher stood alone. He tore through the nationalist mythology that pretended independence had been achieved. He said clearly and without apology: 1971 did not free us. It changed the color of the boots on our necks. And in November 1975, he tried to finish the revolution others had abandoned.

Taher was not interested in nostalgia for 1971. He had fought in that war. He knew firsthand what it cost. But he also knew what came after. The same generals who had served under Pakistan were promoted. The same landlords who had funded the Razakars got their lands back. The same bureaucrats who helped the occupation now wore Mujib badges and saluted the flag. And the Awami League, instead of punishing collaborators, turned the state into a machine for elite survival. The peasant got nothing. The worker got nothing. The war hero became a beggar. The looter became a minister. Taher saw it all and declared war again.

He was not a communist in theory only. He was a revolutionary in action. He founded Biplobi Sainik Sangstha, not as a clique or a cabal, but as a movement of radicalized soldiers who refused to be cannon fodder for corrupt officers. He organized secret cells among the rank-and-file. He preached revolution inside the army, a force most leftists were too afraid to touch. He linked the military to the working class. That had never been done before in Bengal. That terrified the officer corps and their foreign handlers. Because when soldiers stop following orders and start following class line, the whole structure of bourgeois power collapses.

After the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in August 1975, the country did not enter peace. It entered purgatory. Khondaker Mostaq, a man who had collaborated with the Pakistani junta, took over with US approval. The country was ruled by coup and counter-coup. The people were irrelevant. That’s when Taher acted. On November 7, 1975, he led the jawans to rise up. It was not a mutiny. It was a class revolt inside the military. Officers were put on trial by their own soldiers. Ranks were abolished. Committees were formed. Weapons were redistributed. For 48 hours, Bangladesh saw the possibility of true people’s power.

Taher did not want to become a dictator. He did not seize power for himself. He called for Ziaur Rahman, then in custody, to be released and given command. But Zia was never with the revolution. He played along, gained control, and then turned on Taher. Within months, Zia reimposed the officer hierarchy, restored bourgeois order, and executed the man who had freed him. Taher was court-martialed in a closed trial. No jury. No press. No appeal. Just death. The state knew what he represented. They knew he could not be bought, silenced, or co-opted. So they hanged him.

And the liberal elite said nothing. The Awami League said nothing. The left fragmented into silence. Because Taher had violated every taboo. He proved the army could be turned against the class that built it. He proved workers and soldiers could unite. He proved national liberation meant nothing if the people were still starving. He showed that you cannot fix a comprador state from within. You have to destroy it. That truth made him the most dangerous man in the country. Not because he wanted war, but because he wanted power in the hands of the poor.

The November 7 uprising was not chaos. It was class justice. It was workers entering cantonments. It was soldiers forming councils. It was the officer class fleeing in panic. It was the end of discipline based on hierarchy and the birth of discipline based on politics. This terrified both the pro-Mujib camp and the pro-Zia camp. Because both relied on the same thing: a quiet, obedient army to enforce elite rule. Taher made it political. He made it revolutionary. That cannot be forgiven by a ruling class that survives through silence and submission.

Taher died a traitor in the eyes of the state. But in the eyes of history, he is one of the few in post-1971 Bengal who actually tried to finish what the war started. He did not betray the revolution. He reignited it. He did not sell out. He armed the masses. He did not quote Marx for applause. He practiced class warfare in the most dangerous institution of all. That is more than any politician, general, or intellectual in Bangladesh has done since. His grave is not just a site of mourning. It is a reminder. The real traitors are the ones who survived.

[darkmaga-returns]

Predicting the collapse of a country is like reading between the lines of history, economics, and politics. Some nations, however, are walking on thin ice, where even a small additional burden could lead to their downfall. In this article, we’ll explore 10 countries facing severe risks that could put them on the brink of collapse by 2027. Some of these might surprise you.

1. Lebanon: A country where nothing works anymore Once hailed as the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” Lebanon is now in absolute economic chaos. Hyperinflation, currency collapse, and political corruption have brought the state to its knees. Ordinary citizens struggle to secure basic needs like food and fuel. Can Lebanon still be saved, or will it follow the fate of nations that fragmented into smaller entities?

2. Afghanistan: Taliban isolation and hunger Since the Taliban regained power, Afghanistan has plunged into international isolation. Its economy is collapsing, people are starving, and humanitarian organizations cannot meet the overwhelming needs. If the situation doesn’t improve, the state risks fragmentation into territories controlled by armed factions.

3. Haiti: From freedom to a nation ruled by gangs Haiti has been grappling with a crisis for years. With no functioning government, armed gangs dominate cities. Add to that natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, and you have a recipe for complete collapse. Can Haiti ever rise again?

4. Sudan: A nation in perpetual conflict Sudan’s civil war between the army and militias is spiraling into catastrophe. Thousands are dead, millions are displaced, and famine looms large. If the conflict continues, Sudan could disintegrate into smaller regions controlled by local warlords.

5. Venezuela: From riches to rags Home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves, Venezuela has been in freefall for years. Hyperinflation, food shortages, and mass emigration have devastated the nation. Could Nicolás Maduro’s regime fall, or will Venezuela remain stuck in this “frozen collapse” for decades?

6. Myanmar: A coup that crushed hope The 2021 military coup plunged Myanmar into chaos. Protests, uprisings, and ethnic conflicts have become the norm. If the military junta doesn’t relinquish power, the country risks breaking into warring regions.

7. Yemen: A nation where survival is a battle Yemen is the epitome of disaster. Its civil war between Houthi rebels and the internationally recognized government has raged for years. Millions suffer from hunger and disease. If the conflict isn’t resolved, Yemen could vanish as a functioning state altogether.

8. North Korea: Behind the curtain of isolation Kim Jong Un’s regime appears solid, but what if it isn’t? Economic sanctions, famine, and a possible power struggle after his death could lead to an unexpected collapse. If that happens, the chaos could be unimaginable.

9. Pakistan: Battling economic and political storms Pakistan is grappling with an economic crisis deepened by debts and political instability. Extremism, corruption, and worsening relations with neighbors could weaken the country to the point of losing control over its regions.

10. Somalia: A collapse that never ended Somalia has been a failed state for decades. The terrorist group Al-Shabaab still controls large swathes of territory, while the central government remains weak. Without minimal international support, total disintegration seems inevitable.

Why Do Countries Most Of Time Collapse? Normally, the collapse of a state is always the result of a combination of factors:

Economic instability: Hyperinflation, overwhelming debts, or resource shortages.

Political corruption: Weak governments unable to address crises.

Civil conflicts: Wars, ethnic tensions, or regional uprisings.

Climate change: Worsening conditions, natural disasters, and resource depletion.

International isolation: Sanctions or loss of foreign support.

[mariacallous]

The results of Pakistan’s general elections on Feb. 8 reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the country’s civil and military establishment, but they seem to have brought about the opposite of what many voters wanted. Independent candidates affiliated with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party—barred from running under its banner—won more seats in parliament than any major party, but not enough for a majority. Parliamentary arithmetic necessitates a coalition, and Khan, who is in prison on corruption charges, refuses to negotiate with his rivals.

Pakistan’s next government will instead be formed by a coalition of legacy parties, including the center-right Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the center-left Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by former President Asif Ali Zardari and his son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. On Feb. 8, Pakistan’s entrenched political order—in which parties vie for votes as well as the powerful military’s favor—was jolted but did not crumble. Although PTI’s surprising performance damaged the military’s reputation and mystique, the military’s ability to influence the course of events remains intact.

The latest episode in Pakistan’s game of thrones comes amid a serious economic crisis as well as security threats from the resurgent Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups. Political polarization makes it difficult to address Pakistan’s swelling debt and deficit. With a GDP of $340 billion, Pakistan must repay nearly $78 billion in external debt before 2026. Imposing taxes on key sectors of the economy—agriculture, real estate, retail—is difficult without political consensus. And amid the uncertainty, various loss-making state-owned enterprises, from Pakistan International Airlines to the country’s power distribution companies, which collectively cost the government around $1.7 billion annually, cannot be privatized.

Pakistan also needs a comprehensive strategy to deal with jihadi groups, which are now responsible for terrorist attacks inside the country but were once encouraged or tolerated as part of unconventional warfare against India and a way to secure influence in Afghanistan. Populist narratives blaming India, Israel, and the United States for holding back Pakistan’s progress hinder action against extremists, who portray themselves as Islamist heroes. Meanwhile, peace with India, relations with the West, and ties to economic benefactors in the Arab world are now held hostage to Pakistan’s internal divisions: Those holding office at any given time are often accused by their opponents of selling out Pakistan’s interests.

If there was ever a time for Pakistan’s squabbling politicians to form a government of national unity, it would be now. Given the fragmented election results and allegations of vote-rigging, a stable cross-party government could pave the way for the military’s withdrawal from politics. It could also help Pakistan transition away from its long-standing tradition of one major politician or another being in jail—such as Khan—while their supporters are harassed. Parliamentary debates on alternative policy ideas could replace the current shouting matches between rival leaders’ supporters about who is more corrupt.

But rather than inspiring unity, the coalition government that is taking shape will immediately face opposition from Khan’s supporters. As things stand, it seems unlikely that Pakistan’s divisions will end anytime soon. The results of last week’s elections confirmed voters’ weariness with the political elite and dynastic politics, as well as with the meddling—both overt and covert—by the country’s generals. Widespread dissatisfaction with the economy and the absence of opportunities for Pakistan’s burgeoning young population have given rise to populist politics that will not lead to reconciliation.

Khan, the cricket star-turned-quintessential populist leader, dismisses the idea of a negotiated settlement with his political opponents. He has built a powerful narrative of victimhood that blames Pakistan’s political elites and foreign conspiracies for the country’s problems. His grandiloquence may not offer realistic solutions, but it does create an outlet for powerless people to vent their rage and frustration. Khan seems to believe that a revolution could give him greater power than embracing the idea of a new national pact. Instead of using PTI’s electoral success to talk to the other major parties, Khan has offered an alliance proposal to two minor religious parties, although one of them has already refused the partnership.

After his initial arrest in May 2023, the former leader encouraged attacks against military installations, according to an aide; he could now encourage violent protests against alleged election rigging in another attempt to ignite a street revolution. But the May 9 attacks paved the way for a harsher crackdown on PTI than if there had not been violent turmoil. Hundreds of party activists were arrested while thousands faced intimidation from security services. It would be irresponsible of Khan to put his supporters’ lives and freedom at risk.

Ironically, Khan came to power in 2018 with the help of Pakistan’s military and security services as a crusader against corrupt civilian politicians. The generals built up Khan as an alternative to these politicians, many of whom had quarreled with the military at some point in the past. But Khan also ran afoul of the military as prime minister because he defied the generals’ wishes and mismanaged the economy; his populism harmed Pakistan’s precarious external relations. To remove Khan from office, the military turned to the same politicians it had sought to discredit.

After his ouster in a parliamentary no-confidence vote, Khan saw an opportunity to continue his anti-elite bombast, adding the country’s top generals to the list of villains from whom he would save Pakistan. His supporters lapped it up. The military has influenced the country’s politics for decades, but it now faces a unique challenge. Khan has poisoned even traditionally pro-army constituencies by arguing that the generals were acting at the behest of the United States—allegations that Washington denies—and against Pakistan’s interests. Military leaders have now been trying to get an entire nation to change direction away from Khan for nearly two years with little success.

The generals and their new civilian allies may have assumed that jailing Khan, bringing back Sharif from exile, and implementing repressive measures—such as barring PTI-affiliated candidates’ access to the media—would ensure the election result that they wanted. Instead, young PTI activists used social media to mobilize voters and upended the establishment’s plans.

Still, the reaction of voters to the Pakistani military’s highhandedness is unlikely to unleash a revolution. In the short term, the country will continue to have a weak civilian government willing to work closely with the military while Khan will remain in prison and his party will remain out of power. Any widespread political violence will only result in a clamor for the military to take over and restore order.

For years, Pakistan’s military has repeated the cycle of ��elect, dismiss, disqualify, and arrest” for civilian politicians. But in the long term, the country’s leaders must collectively address the widespread frustration and polarization that has contributed the success of Khan’s populism. Although unlikely, Khan changing tack and accepting political compromise could also help ease Pakistan’s pain. In any case, the hostility toward the military’s political role among its former supporters makes it difficult for generals to act as if nothing has changed.

[indizombie]

Pakistan inherited the blasphemy law from the British in the 19th Century. In the 1980s, Islamabad introduced stiffer penalties, including the death sentence for insulting Islam. Around 96% of Pakistan's population is Muslim. Other countries, including Iran, Brunei, and Mauritania also impose capital punishment for insulting religion. Religion-fuelled violence in Pakistan has risen since the country made blasphemy punishable by death, as it "bolsters violent behaviour," Iftekharul Bashar, a researcher at the think-tank RSIS who focuses on political and religious violence in South Asia, said. "The Pakistani society has experienced increased fragmentation, driven by widening economic disparities, leading to an upsurge in violence directed towards minority religious groups," Mr Bashar said. "The emergence of extremist and vigilante factions within Pakistan, some of which exhibit significant financial backing, also contributed to this trouble trend."

‘Pakistan: More than 100 arrested after churches burned’, BBC

[sasindi-mga2023mi6014]

Asian Elephant

Elephas maximus

Endangered EN

Asian Elephant Elephas maximus has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2019. Elephas maximus is listed as Endangered under criteria A2c.

Population estimation or counts, are thought to account for 4,189–6,999 elephants.

The likely estimates for each range country are as follows: Bangladesh 289–437; Bhutan 605–761;

Cambodia 400–600; China 300;

India 29,964;

Indonesia 1,784–1,804;

Lao PDR 500–600;

Malaysia (Peninsular) 1,223–1,677;

Malaysia (Sabah) 2040;

Myanmar 2,000–4,000;

Nepal 109–145;

Sri Lanka 5879;

Thailand 3,126–3,341;

Viet Nam 104–132.��

Extinct in Pakistan

Blake and Hedges (2004) and Hedges (2006) argue that the oft-repeated global population ‘estimate’ of about 40,000 to 50,000 Asian Elephants is no more than a crude guess.

The overall population trend of the Asian Elephant has been downwards, as inferred from the reduction in habitat, probably for centuries.

In most of the countries of South-east Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Lao PDR) where habitat loss and fragmentation has resulted in the disappearance of elephants.

In Sri Lanka, the population has increased. Within India, it is plausible that a sizeable proportion of the large population in the Western Ghats located in the south of the country, has been stable over the last two decades, likely due to effective conservation efforts. 

The Asian Elephant is one of the last few mega-herbivores (i.e. plant-eating mammals that reach an adult body weight in excess of 1,000 kg)

 Sukumar (1992) observed that in southern India, the portion of the diet consisting of browse shifted from around 70% in the dry season, to 45% in the wet season.

However, in an adjoining area, Baskaran et al. (2010) found that browse formed only 15% of the diet in dry deciduous forest and 47% of the diet in the thorn forest in the dry season, while the annual diet was dominated by grass (84%).

Baskaran (2002) also recorded that elephants fed on 82 species of plants (59 woody plant species and 23 grass species).

In Sri Lanka, elephants may feed on more than 60 species of plants belonging to 30 families (McKay 1973). On the other hand, elephants appear to preferentially feed on monocots (Campos-Arceiz and Blake 2011).

Elephants may spend up to 14–19 hrs a day feeding, during which they may consume up to 150 kg of wet weight (Vancuylenberg 1977).

Asian Elephants inhabit grassland, tropical evergreen forest, semi-evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forested and dry thorn forest, in addition to cultivated and secondary forests or scrublands. 

...continue

[mordormr]

Exploring the Europe Bed and Bath Linen Market: Trends, Players, and Outlook 

Introduction 

The Europe Bed and Bath Linen Market is projected to be valued at USD 20.60 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 23.88 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of over 3% during the forecast period (2025–2030). This growth is supported by a rising number of housing developments, increased consumer expenditure on home furnishings, and heightened awareness of the health benefits linked to quality sleep. Additionally, the Europe Bed and Bath Linen market is influenced by the rising demand for larger beds and mattresses, along with a strong shift toward eco-friendly and organic bedding and bath products. 

Key Trends Shaping the Market 

1. Sustainable and Organic Materials 

European consumers are among the most environmentally aware in the world. This has led to rising demand for linens made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, and other eco-friendly materials. Brands are increasingly highlighting sustainable sourcing and chemical-free processing in their product lines. 

2. Rise of Online and Omnichannel Retail 

The online retail channel has emerged as a critical sales driver. From large e-commerce platforms to direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, the digital space offers convenience, customization, and a broader product variety. Companies are adopting omnichannel strategies to combine in-store experiences with online ease. 

3. Customization and Personalization 

There is growing interest in personalized home textiles monogrammed towels, custom bed sizes, color and pattern choices particularly in the premium segment. These features are being promoted as value-added services by brands across Europe. 

4. Premiumization and Luxury Segment Growth 

Consumers are trading up to higher-quality linens. Demand is growing for Egyptian cotton sheets, French linen, and sateen or percale finishes. The hospitality sector is fuelling this trend as hotels upgrade to enhance guest comfort. 

5. Hotel and Hospitality Demand 

The recovery in the European hospitality sector is contributing to higher demand for durable and premium-quality linens. Hotel refurbishments and increased focus on guest experience are key contributors to market growth. 

Major Players in the European Market 

Several established brands and retailers dominate the market, offering products across different price points: 

IKEA – A leading home furnishing brand with a strong presence across Europe, offering affordable and quality bed and bath linens. 

H&M Home – Known for stylish, trend-driven linen collections at accessible prices. 

Zara Home – Focuses on premium and fashion-forward designs, appealing to a style-conscious audience. 

John Lewis & Partners – Popular in the UK for high-quality linens and luxury collections. 

Essenza Home, JYSK, and Ralph Lauren Home Also contribute to the mix of accessible and luxury products. 

Tirotex – A major manufacturer and exporter of home textiles in Eastern Europe. 

These players compete on factors such as quality, sustainability, design innovation, and pricing. 

For More Information Visit Europe Bed and Bath Linen Market Major Players 

Market Challengers 

While established companies enjoy widespread recognition, the market also sees challenges from: 

Local boutique brands that emphasize artisanal, small-batch production. 

Private label brands by large retailers offering competitive pricing. 

Emerging DTC brands that attract younger audiences through sustainability narratives, transparency, and social media marketing. 

Import competition from countries with lower production costs, such as Turkey, India, and Pakistan. 

These challengers are pushing legacy brands to innovate faster and adapt to changing consumer expectations. 

Competitive Landscape 

The market remains moderately fragmented, with no single company holding a dominant share across all of Europe. Competition varies by country and product category. Key competitive factors include: 

Product differentiation (material, design, sustainability) 

Brand equity and customer loyalty 

Retail channel reach (brick-and-mortar, online, wholesale) 

Pricing strategies (value vs. premium offerings) 

Supply chain capabilities and regional manufacturing presence 

European manufacturers are also facing cost pressure due to raw material inflation, regulatory compliance, and shifting logistics patterns. 

Conclusion 

The Europe bed and bath linen market is poised for steady growth, backed by changing lifestyle trends, increased home spending, and the rise of sustainable living. Consumers are no longer simply buying for function they are investing in comfort, aesthetics, and eco-responsibility. While the competition remains strong, companies that focus on quality, transparency, and digital transformation are expected to thrive. 

For brands, the path ahead lies in offering innovative and conscious textile solutions, building trust with the consumer, and staying agile in an increasingly competitive marketplace. 

For a detailed overview and more insights, you can refer to the full market research report by Mordor Intelligence: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-bed-bath-linen-market?utm_source=tumblr 

  About Mordor Intelligence:  

Mordor Intelligence is a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive and actionable market intelligence. Our global reach, expert team, and tailored solutions empower organizations and individuals to make informed decisions, navigate complex markets, and achieve their strategic goals. 

With a team of over 550 domain experts and on-ground specialists spanning 150+ countries, Mordor Intelligence possesses a unique understanding of the global business landscape. This expertise translates into comprehensive syndicated and custom research reports covering a wide spectrum of industries, including aerospace & defense, agriculture, animal nutrition and wellness, automation, automotive, chemicals & materials, consumer goods & services, electronics, energy & power, financial services, food & beverages, healthcare, hospitality & tourism, information & communications technology, investment opportunities, and logistics. 

For any inquiries or to access the full report, please contact: 

media@mordorintelligence.com   https://www.mordorintelligence.com/ 

[hungamaofficial]

A Budget of Relief, Reform and Resilience

The Finance Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Aurangzeb has just announced the federal budget for the FY 2025-26. This budget is more than just an annual fiscal document – it is a powerful signal of economic resilience, maturity and forward-thinking governance in a fragile global economic environment. The world is grappling with economic fragmentation, slowing growth, and climate-induced…