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“Honor” Killings - Murder by Family

 An  "honor killing"  in Pakistani culture refers to the murder of a family member, usually a woman or girl, by relatives who believe that the victim has brought shame or dishonor upon the family. This perceived dishonor can stem from a range of actions that violate traditional norms, like: Marrying someone of one’s own choice (especially without family approval) Having an alleged or real romantic relationship outside of marriage Dressing or behaving in a way deemed “improper” or “inappropriate" Being a victim of sexual assault (tragically, the victims are blamed) Honor killings are rooted in  patriarchal  and  tribal traditions , not in religion. In some parts of rural or conservative Pakistan, family reputation is closely tied to the behavior of female family members. When that reputation is perceived to be damaged, some families feel compelled to "restore" their honor through violence and even murder. Pakistan has historically struggled to effectively pr...
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  What Do We Truly Value? Let’s take a moment to reflect on something fundamental: values. What does the word value even mean in today's world? Is it a universal concept, or does it shift depending on who you ask, where they live, or what they've experienced? In a society that once prided itself on shared ideals, democracy, equal education, and freedom of speech—we now find ourselves divided. Once, you could speak your mind without fear of persecution. Today, people tiptoe around truths, silenced by fear of censorship, ridicule, or even legal consequences. How did we get here? Do you feel secure in your home, in your rights, in your future? If so, why? And if not, what has changed? A new reality is forming around us, often quietly, almost imperceptibly. Systems we once trusted are shifting. Narratives are being rewritten. And we must ask: will we passively accept this transformation, or will we rise to challenge it? Standing up for what you believe in is never easy. It of...
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  A Broken System: One Student's Perspective on Modern Higher Education A Broken System As a 40+ year-old student who returned to school with the sincere goal of furthering my education and expanding my career, I find today’s education system both offensive and comical.  Offensive, because it insults the very idea of what education is supposed to be.  Comical, because what passes for "earning a degree" in many institutions today is little more than a hollow performance. Over the past several years, my return to academia has taught me more about our broken educational system than I ever expected. What I’ve witnessed isn’t just disappointing, it’s alarming in many ways. Many students from the younger generation have grown comfortable floating by on the efforts of others. Group projects often feel less like collaboration and more like exploitation with a handful of committed individuals carrying the weight while the rest disengage or vanish until the final submission. When y...