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Grassroots Power in Crisis: Lessons from Climate Forward Pakistan’s Disaster Response

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September 30, 2025

Grassroots Power in Crisis: Lessons from Climate Forward Pakistan’s Disaster Response

I will never forget the summer of 2022. That was when the Kabul River rose and swallowed my hometown, Charsadda. Even now, it feels like it happened just yesterday. I remember the water rushing in with a force no one could stop. Within hours, the flood tore through our streets, our fields, and our homes. Schools, houses, everything disappeared under thick, muddy water. Families climbed onto rooftops, waving helplessly as their belongings and memories were washed away.

What I saw still haunts me: friends and relatives standing in shock, children shivering and crying from hunger, mothers holding their babies under the open sky, fathers watching their life’s work vanish in a single night. The silence was the hardest to bear, a heavy silence broken only by the cries of those left behind. That flood was not just a natural disaster; it was a human tragedy. It robbed people not only of their homes and livelihoods, but also of their hope.

Living through those days taught me something I will never forget: disasters don’t arrive gently. They strike without warning, and the destruction they bring is beyond anything you can imagine.

But amidst that overwhelming devastation, I saw something incredible rise. Climate Forward Pakistan (CFP), a youth-led organization I’m proud to be part of, stepped into the void. While we waited for government relief to mobilize, our volunteers were already on the ground, moving fast to reach those who needed help most. We moved from one makeshift shelter to another, distributing food, tents, and medicine to families who had lost everything. But what made CFP different was that we saw the wounds you couldn’t see.

We saw the trauma and the quiet grief carried by the women and children. So, we set up small counselling circles, safe spaces where survivors could share their pain and start to heal. I’ll never forget watching women who had lost their homes and their livelihoods slowly find the strength to smile again. Their dignity was being rebuilt through simple compassion. That experience changed me. It made me understand that disaster relief isn’t just about rebuilding houses; it’s about rebuilding lives, mending broken emotions, and restoring hope

In times like these, community-based organizations (CBOs) like CFP play a role that no one else can. They know their people, their culture, and their daily struggles in a way outsiders never will. Because they live right here, they understand the small, crucial details, the vulnerabilities, the traditions, the unspoken fears that big, official relief operations often miss. This closeness lets them cut through the red tape and act immediately.

When disaster strikes, CBOs are always the first on the scene with essentials: food, shelter, and basic medical care. Yet their role goes deeper than physical needs. They stand with people emotionally, helping to restore dignity when all feels lost. Most importantly, they focus on those who are most often forgotten: women, children, and marginalized groups.

In a disaster, every second counts, and the ability of a CBO to respond with both speed and sensitivity can literally mean the difference between life and death, between despair and resilience.

This brings me to the second reason CBOs are so vital: trust. In a crisis, people accept help from those they know. That inherent trust allows local groups to organize evacuations, distribute aid fairly, and ensure everything is done in a way that respects local culture and sensitivities. I saw this firsthand in Charsadda. Many families were hesitant to speak with government officials, but when we, as CFP volunteers, approached them, they welcomed us without a second thought.

Why? Because we were their neighbors. They knew we understood. In contrast, formal state aid often arrived late and felt distant, disconnected from the reality on the ground. This is the strength of youth-led organizations: we move with urgency, we act with empathy, and we get the culture in a way a bureaucracy never can

CFP’s work has now reached far beyond Charsadda, touching disaster-prone areas across Pakistan. Time and again, we’ve brought young people together to respond to climate crises, from floods to heatwaves to landslides. I’ve seen our energy and dedication make a real, tangible difference.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, for example, awareness campaigns led by young volunteers convinced families to evacuate before landslides hit, saving countless lives. What’s special is that these efforts are never one-size-fits-all. Every community has its own unique challenges, and CFP adapts, providing immediate help while also working to build long-term resilience.

As our leaders at CFP always say, relief and resilience must go hand in hand. One of our coordinators put it perfectly: “Relief helps us survive today, but resilience prepares us for tomorrow. If we empower our communities, we can reduce the destruction before it even begins.” Guided by this belief, we’ve invested in disaster preparedness programs in schools, trained volunteer first responders, and run awareness campaigns focused on women.

In Charsadda, women who once battled trauma are now local advocates for preparedness. In northern Pakistan, the youth volunteers we trained have successfully led pre-emptive evacuations. These results prove a powerful point: when empowered, communities are not passive victims; they become active agents of their own resilience.

The 2022 floods in Charsadda and everything that followed taught me one crucial lesson: Pakistan cannot rely on government institutions alone to manage disasters. As climate disasters become more frequent and fiercer, the role of youth-led, community-based organizations like Climate Forward Pakistan isn’t just valuable, it is essential.

We respond quickly, with empathy and a deep understanding that large systems often lack. Supporting organizations like ours isn’t just charity; it’s a critical investment in protecting lives, strengthening our nation’s resilience, and preserving the dignity of our most vulnerable people.

References:

Abid, S. K., ul Haq, M., Rizwan-ul-Haq, H., Ali, S., Iqbal, N., Raza, M., & Ejaz, A. (2020). Strengthening community resilience: Developing a community-based model for sustainable volunteer engagement in emergency and disaster management in Pakistan. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences.
Shah, A. A., Ullah, A., Khan, N. A., Tariq, M. A. U. R., & Xu, C. (2023). Community social barriers to non-technical aspects of flood early warning systems and NGO-led interventions: The case of Pakistan. Frontiers in Earth Science, 11, 1068721
World Bank. (2022). Pakistan floods 2022: Post-disaster needs assessment. Government of Pakistan.

Note: This article was prepared in collaboration with Climate Forward Pakistan, cfpakistan.org

Cosmic Breakthrough: JWST Identifies Mysterious New Class of Black Hole Stars!

Scientia

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September 28, 2025

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Cosmic Breakthrough: JWST Identifies Mysterious New Class of Black Hole Stars!

Astronomers may have finally found a clue to explain the strange “little red dots” that the James Webb Space Telescope spotted in 2022. The newly discovered object, nicknamed the Cliff, hints that these dots could be something entirely new in the universe — “a black hole star.” This happens when a black hole feeds so quickly that the gas around it lights up, making it look like a glowing star.

Before this, scientists thought the red dots might be huge early galaxies or supermassive black holes actively consuming matter.

Scientists are still debating what the mysterious “little red dots” really are. They might be exotic new objects, or perhaps just a stage in how galaxies and black holes grow. When the James Webb Space Telescope first spotted them in 2022, researchers even nicknamed them “universe breakers” because they looked too old to exist so early in cosmic history.

To explain them, astronomers have put forward two main ideas. One is that these dots are incredibly compact galaxies, packed with stars forming at an unusually fast rate. If true, they would represent a brand-new kind of dense galaxy shaped by processes we’ve never seen before.

The other idea is that the dots are powered by huge black holes sitting at their centers. In this case, the redness would come from thick clouds of dust surrounding the black hole. These galaxies would act like active galactic nuclei (AGN) — galaxies lit up by a feeding black hole. But unlike quasars, which are also black hole–powered and shine brightly without dust hiding them, these dusty AGNs would be much harder to spot.

At the moment, scientists don’t know how — or if — these two types of objects are connected. The mystery remains open.

Similar to Single Stars!

With this unmissable, unusual feature, The Cliff looked like it did not fit any of the interpretations that had been proposed for little red dots. But lead scientist De Graaff and her colleagues wanted to make sure. They constructed diverse variations of all the models that tried to cast little red dots either as massive star-forming galaxies or as dust-shrouded active galactic nuclei, attempted to reproduce the spectrum of The Cliff with each one, and failed every single time.

On this basis, de Graaff and her team of scientists developed a model, giving it the name “black hole star,” written as BH*: An active galactic nucleus, that is, a supermassive black hole with an accretion disk, but surrounded and reddened not by dust, but by virtue of being embedded in a thick envelope of hydrogen gas. The BH* is not a star in the strict sense, since there is no nuclear fusion reactor in its center.

In addition, the gas in the envelope is swirling much more violently (there is much stronger turbulence) than in any ordinary stellar atmosphere. But the basic physics is similar: The active galactic nucleus heats the surrounding gas envelope, just like the nuclear-fusion-driven center of a star heats the star’s outer layers, so the external appearance has marked similarities.

References:

https://www.mpg.de/25316826/black-hole-stars

https://www.livescience.com/space/black-holes/the-james-webb-telescope-may-have-discovered-a-brand-new-class-of-cosmic-object-the-black-hole-star

The Modern Alchemy at CERN: Turning Lead into Gold is Possible Now!

Physics

Abdul Wahab

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September 25, 2025

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The Modern Alchemy at CERN: Turning Lead into Gold is Possible Now!

For centuries, alchemists from ancient China, India, and Europe dreamed of transforming base metals like lead into precious gold. This long-standing quest, known as Chrysopoeia. They believed in a mysterious substance called the “philosopher’s stone” that could unlock this secret. While their dreams never came true, modern science has finally achieved what they could only imagine, thanks to the incredible work of scientists at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Switzerland.

A Medieval Dream Realized – Through Science

This isn’t magic. It’s the realization of an ancient alchemist’s dream through modern nuclear physics. In the 20th century, we learned that heavy nuclei can transmute, either by radioactive decay or by particle bombardment in the lab. Recently, at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), scientists ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) collaboration have observed the transmutation of lead atoms into gold.

However, this transmutation did not come from direct collisions, but through a phenomenon involving near-miss interactions between lead nuclei moving at nearly the speed of light. These near-collisions generate extremely powerful electromagnetic fields that can knock three protons out of a lead atom. Since gold has three fewer protons than lead, this results in the formation of a gold atom, at least for a very short moment (Space.com, 2024).

The Science Behind the Magic

Let’s break it down. An atom of gold has 79 protons, while lead has 82. So, turning lead into gold is essentially a matter of removing three protons. But protons are tightly bound in the nucleus by something called the strong nuclear force, one of nature’s strongest forces. To overcome this force, scientists used the LHC (the world’s largest and highest-energy particle accelerator) to speed up lead nuclei to 99.999993% the speed of light. When these nuclei barely miss each other, rather than crashing head-on, they generate a huge electromagnetic pulse (The Conversation, 2024).

This pulse triggers what’s called “electromagnetic dissociation,” where the atomic nucleus shakes and ejects neutrons and protons. If exactly three protons are removed, the lead atom becomes gold. These interactions are incredibly rare and last for just microseconds, but they are real, measurable, and profoundly significant. (CERN News, 2024).

Before you get excited about getting rich, here’s the reality check: between 2015 and 2018, scientists at CERN produced approximately 86 billion gold nuclei. Sounds like a lot? It only adds up to about 29 picograms, or 29 trillionths of a gram (Journee Mondiale, 2025). That’s so tiny it wouldn’t even be visible, let alone useful for making jewelry.

The production rate was impressive, to 89,000 gold nuclei per second during active experiments, but the atoms broke apart almost instantly after forming. They collided with the LHC’s beam pipe or other components and decayed into other particles (Space.com, 2024).

So why is this important if it doesn’t make us rich?

According to Dr. Elena Markov, a researcher on the ALICE experiment, this is about far more than gold. “It’s a beautiful demonstration of Einstein’s E = mc2 in action, showing how energy and matter can be transformed” (Journee Mondiale, 2025). The findings help scientists understand nuclear stability and reactions, and even how elements form in cosmic events like neutron star collisions.

What’s more, the advanced detection technology used, particularly the zero-degree calorimeters (ZDC) that detect subtle nuclear changes, opens new research pathways potentially beneficial for nuclear medicine, particle physics, and future clean energy sources (CERN News, 2024).

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time humans have made gold from lead. In the 1970s, Nuclear chemist and Nobel laureate Glenn Seaborg and his team at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory achieved lead-to-gold conversion using a powerful particle accelerator. While the result was groundbreaking at the time, the method was extremely expensive. A senator even criticized it for wasting taxpayer money.

Even earlier, in 1937, physicist and Nobel laureate Ed McMillan created the first artificial isotopes of gold using early particle accelerators known as cyclotrons. Since then, nuclear transmutation has become routine in laboratories worldwide. Today, nuclear scientists regularly create elements and isotopes previously unseen in nature, contributing significantly to our understanding of atomic structure and fundamental physics. (Discover magazine 2024)

From Myth to Measurement

The success of this experiment at CERN beautifully shows how ancient curiosities still inspire modern science. Alchemists, despite their mistaken theories and mythical approaches, were right to ask fundamental questions about matter. Today, with powerful machines and brilliant minds, scientists have not only proven that transmutation is possible but have also expanded humanity’s understanding of nature at its most fundamental level.

Scientists emphasize that the true goal of modern nuclear physics is not the production of gold but rather achieving gold-standard knowledge. The tiny amounts of gold produced in the LHC experiments symbolize something far greater: the extraordinary power of science to transform our understanding of the universe itself.

These advancements in nuclear transmutation could influence numerous scientific fields. As nuclear physics progresses, understanding these elemental transformations might inspire innovative approaches in medicine, such as targeted radiotherapy utilizing gold nanoparticles, or even in developing new materials and clean energy technologies.

Moreover, understanding nuclear processes at a deeper level helps predict and manage challenges in future particle accelerators. Insights from these experiments inform scientists about beam stability, energy losses, and potential enhancements to collider performance, guiding future technological advancements for exploring the tiny building blocks of the universe.

The CERN discovery bridges ancient alchemical dreams with modern science. While medieval alchemists tried to make gold for wealth and immortality. Today, scientists are not after wealth; they want to understand how the universe works. The tiny gold atoms created at CERN may be insignificant as treasure, but as scientific milestones, they’re invaluable.

The transformation of lead into gold at CERN is thus symbolic of a broader human quest: understanding the universe’s deepest secrets. The true wealth lies not in the tiny amounts of gold produced but in the immeasurable knowledge that emerges from pushing the boundaries of science.

Reference:

Harvest at Risk: The Alarming Impact of Climate Change on Wheat Production in Sind

Bushra Mehmood Lakho

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September 25, 2025

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Harvest at Risk: The Alarming Impact of Climate Change on Wheat Production in Sind

Once called the “grain basket of the region,” Sindh now stands at a crossroads. The Indus River, which carved life into this desert province, is under threat; not from war or politics, but from climate change. Extreme heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and worsening water scarcity have turned once-fertile fields into barren soil.

In just the past five years, wheat production in Sindh has declined significantly (due to various reasons, including climate change), posing a challenge not only to the livelihoods of farmers but to national food security. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, wheat yield per hectare in Sindh dropped from 2,763 kg/ha in 2018 to 2,588 kg/ha in 2023, a 6.3% decline in a province responsible for nearly 15% of the country’s wheat output.

For centuries, Sindh has spoken through its soil. Its fields once swayed to the rhythm of Bhittai’s verses, its farmers rooted like Marvi; loyal to the land through drought and dust storms alike. But today, the land is falling silent. Wheat, the lifeline of its people, is wilting under a new storm: climate change.

In this quiet crisis, a humble institution in Sakrand rises like a disciple of that legacy, protecting Sindh’s golden grain. For them, it is not a matter of providing food, but of saving livelihoods as agriculture remains the backbone of rural communities. It is estimated, from rural household data, that around 70% of the population directly depends on agriculture.

Against this backdrop, researchers at the Wheat Research Center in Sakrand are racing against time. In an interview with Sir Jay Kumar, Scientific Officer, it becomes clear: this is not just a battle for better yields, it’s a mission to adapt wheat to an entirely new climate reality.

Sakrand Wheat Research Center, established in 1986, has been working tirelessly for its province. The institution has released 13 approved varieties; the most widely cultivated are IV‑2 (released in 2020 with a potential of 70 maunds per acre) and IV‑3 (released in 2024 with a potential of 75 maunds per acre), known for high yield potential, pest resistance, and adaptation to Sindh’s saline soils.

The centre develops tailor-made wheat varieties, the most celebrated of which is TD‑1 (released in 2004 with a potential of 80 maunds per acre), a high‑yielding, short-statured cultivar that transformed wheat farming across Sindh. Reports indicate up to 20 million acres nationwide were planted with TD‑1 at its peak.

Its popularity soared to such heights that it was later introduced to Punjab, Pakistan’s traditional wheat powerhouse. But success came with new challenges. In Punjab’s warmer, more humid climate, TD‑1 succumbed to rust, a fungal disease caused by Puccinia spp. that devastates wheat. “It was a victim of its own success, underlining the delicate balance between adaptability and disease resistance,” remarked Sir Jay Kumar, Scientific Officer, Wheat Breeding Institute, Wheat Research Center, Sakrand

With the looming threat of climate change and Sindh being the most affected province of Pakistan, wheat is in dire need of another generation of improvements, specifically heat and drought tolerance. This represents a new frontier for Sakrand’s scientists. All previous varieties have been developed through the breeding selection method (F1–F7 selection cycles), not via genetic modification or genome editing.

Until now, breeding focused on increasing yield and resistance to pests; traits for abiotic stress tolerance, like heat or drought, were not systematically selected. “This wasn’t seen as urgent because water scarcity had always been a chronic issue in Sindh,” said Sir Jay Kumar, “but as climate change accelerates, it was short-sighted not to develop climate-resilient traits earlier.”

To close this gap, the center has forged partnerships with leading institutions such as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). CIMMYT has contributed several elite germplasm lines, selected for drought tolerance, osmotic adjustment, canopy-temperature depression, and high pre-anthesis biomass, traits that international breeding models call part of the “drought-resistant ideotype”.

ICARDA brings expertise in arid-zone breeding adapted to salinity and water stress conditions. These global nurseries provide genetic starting points that Sakrand scientists adapt locally through multi-locational trials and farmer feedback cycles.

To protect the golden grain, the Wheat Research Center has begun trials for a new experimental variety, HT‑25 (High Temperature 25), derived from CIMMYT nurseries. Though still in early-stage lab trials and not yet released, HT‑25 is being bred for drought resilience, rust resistance, and yield performance equal to or above IV‑3, traits critical for Sindh’s food security.

Developing a stable variety via conventional breeding takes 10–12 years, and HT‑25 has just started this long cycle. But with wheat being a staple for millions in Sindh, the success of such varieties may determine how farmers survive the escalating climate crisis.

References:

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Agricultural Statistics Report – Wheat yield data.
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Labour Force Survey – 70% of the rural population depends on agriculture.
World Bank. (2022). Climate Risk Profile: Pakistan – On heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and water issues.
Asian Development Bank. (2021). Climate Risk Country Profile: Pakistan – Effects of climate change on crops.
Interview with Sir Jay Kumar, Scientific Officer, Wheat Breeding Institute, Wheat Research Center, Sakrand – About IV-2, IV-3 wheat, HT-25.
Sindhi folklore references – Inspired by Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s Shah Jo Risalo.
Pakistan Meteorological Department. (2023). Climate Summary – For recent heatwaves/drought trends.

Tiny Giants: Bizarre and Mind-Blowing Tales from the Land of Ants!

Biology

Abeer Asif

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September 22, 2025

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Tiny Giants: Bizarre and Mind-Blowing Tales from the Land of Ants!

“Oh no!” I jumped towards the bag of chocolates, which now had a parade of dots moving out in perfect congregation. I squinted to look closer, Ants.

Somehow, these insects had so thoroughly and seamlessly integrated themselves into homes, hotels, pavement cracks, and construction sites. One can think of any place, particularly in Pakistan, and know with an awkward sense of comfort that their one and only friend, the ants, will be ever-present. With there being over 16,000 identified species of ants, there’s no shortage of these pesky pests. However, as prevalent as they are, very few of us have taken the time to actually study them. [1]

Tiny Giants Bizarre and Mind-Blowing Tales from the Land of Ants!

Edward O. Wilson, author of Tales from the Ant World, talks about how a million years ago, ants, from an external lens, seem almost omnipresent. Even in the past hundred million years, ants seem to have had a strong grip on the world’s insect biomass, dominating a large part of the world’s fauna and flora, yet somehow keeping the ecosystem healthy and intact. [2]

In fact, biologist Danielle Mersch says, “Ants are everywhere and rival humans for the greatest diversity of lifestyles. Ants invented farming and slavery way before the first humans walked the earth. They thrive in deserts, conquer rainforests, and can invade and destroy your house”. [3]

Expanding the nest

Interestingly, ants are a completely matriarchal system with all the roles of foragers, workers, fighters, and caretakers appointed to females. Male ants are strictly required for reproduction and are unable to care for themselves, nor do they provide additional help in the nest, which explains their smaller brain size than the queen’s. Male larvae are kept in underdeveloped nests, which are essentially unable to retain large amounts of heat, to allow for their appropriate growth and development. The future queens, on the other hand, are raised in well-built nests that can retain a lot of heat. [2]

During mating season, both the female and male ants leave the nest in a ceremonious graduation called the ‘nuptial flight’. Ironically, any male or female ant that attempts to leave the nest before the right moment is dragged back by worker ants, which hold onto it by its wings.

After mating, the male ant succumbs to a guaranteed death due to its inability to survive outside or return to its nest. It is usually fed one last meal before it leaves the nest, and if found to have come back, it is pushed out by its initial caretakers.

The female, on the other hand, now begins a long, tiring journey to build a nest of her own. It uses its legs to physically clip off its wings to allow it to move around faster. It can no longer return to its original nest as that would be a threat to her previous ‘ant home’.

Worker ants recognize members of their own nest by the queen’s scent, which eventually spreads and rubs off on all the members of the nest. Hence, the new female queen has no choice but to go on and build a new nest of her own. She must care for the eggs and perform all the common duties until the first set of worker ants are born. Additionally, she may also adopt a technique called social parasitism. Here, the traveling queen ant trespasses into the nest of a different, yet related, ant species and kills their queen.

Without a shred of loyalty, the workers now accept the new stranger as their queen and begin raising the imposter’s eggs until her offspring outnumber the older nest, resulting in a pure colony.

Ants: The intelligent savages

Ants are renowned in the natural world for their cruel, unforgiving nature. In a human society and most of the animal kingdom, older animals are appointed less strenuous duties, and the youth are pushed to do the difficult, gruesome tasks.

However, in the world of ants, there is quite the opposite trend. The younger worker ants are initially appointed to take care of the brood, eventually shifting to interior repair duties. The older the ant gets, the more it is pushed to foraging and protection duties, the equivalent of equipping the aunties in the neighborhood to go fight wars with their jharoos.

Despite their harsh nature, ants are known to be calculatedly collaborative. Armin Scheib, in his illustrative book ‘The Ant Collective’, mentions that a single worker ant that consumes food stores it inside itself as a ball called the crop, which is enough to feed 80 other workers [4]. Two-thirds of the ant’s diet is plant-based, and one-third is animal-based. Ant trails that lead to more permanent sources of food, like an aphid nest, may actually persist for years!

Ants are also extremely hygienic creatures. They carry all their waste out of their nest and place it in heaps far away from their nest and hunting area, forming a sort of ‘trash boundary’.

One may wonder what happens if an ant drops dead inside the nest. If it’s dead and has started decomposing, the ants will dispose of it immediately. However, if the ant is just mangled and dying, the other ants may actually end up snacking on their dying sister.

Ants can be fascinating creatures, and the more I look into them for this article, the more fascinated I am! I’ve tried to share the most interesting tidbits in hopes that they may push you to explore more on your own.

To help you, I’ve compiled a list of future recommendations that are a nice evening read regardless of one’s initial knowledge in science.

Further Recommendations

The Ant Collective: Inside the World of an Ant Colony by Armin Shieb is a wonderful book that handpicks the most interesting facts and expands on them with beautiful illustrations. It is a truly fun experience reading through this book, regardless of whether you are fascinated by insects or accidentally stumbled upon this page [2].
Tales from the Ant World by E. O. Wilson is an amazing book that lives up to the praise enjoyed by the author. Dr. Wilson paints an awesome picture which leaves you flickering between laughter, feeling mortified, to losing yourself deep in thought [4]!
Build a DIY ant nest! For all those readers who want to practically observe ants at work, a fun way to do so is to form a DIY glass jar ant farm! You need 2 jars, some soil, a couple of ants, and some time to let them do some digging [4]!

References:

Wetterer, J. K. (2009). Worldwide spread of the ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Myrmecological News, 12, 23-33.

Schieb, A. (2024). The ant collective: Inside the world of an ant colony. Princeton University Press.
TEDx Talks. (2014, Nov 20). Fascinating ants — lessons for humans? | Danielle Mersch | TEDxZurich [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUu1kXT7tXE
Wilson, E. O. (2021a). Tales from the ant world. Liverright Publishing Corporation, a division of W.W. Norton & Company.

“Seena Roshan Ho”: Lahore Science Mela Inspires a New Generation of Innovators!

Opinions

Saadeqa Khan

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September 21, 2025

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“Seena Roshan Ho”: Lahore Science Mela Inspires a New Generation of Innovators!

In Pakistani society, daily life is a relentless 24/7 grind, leaving little room for creativity or the pursuit of solutions to pressing issues through scientific understanding. From overwhelming disasters to critical challenges like water and food scarcity, as well as ineffective waste management, these problems are often viewed as solely the government’s responsibility. Consequently, children growing up in this environment often develop a lack of interest in practical science and hands-on work, becoming preoccupied with rote memorization of textbooks and theories.

Many are conditioned to believe that earning a medical or engineering degree is the only pathway to a stable income and a life of luxury, missing the opportunity to explore innovative solutions that could transform their communities. This is precisely why our educational institutions fail to cultivate the next generation of scientists, researchers, and inventors. Instead, they churn out students who become mere cogs in the bureaucratic machine or opt for a comfortable life abroad, abandoning their potential. In this context, the task of emphasizing the significance of celebrations and scientific fairs to foster scientific awareness becomes a formidable challenge.

Ashar, a few years ago, was a bright student in Lahore. His life was consumed by a relentless cycle of commuting between home, school, coaching centers, and exam preparations. All of his intelligence and latent abilities were stifled beneath the weight of mountain ranges of textbooks.

Then, a pivotal event transformed his life: a grand science fair was being organized in their city, in partnership with diverse science societies and organizations. The school administration enthusiastically invited students to submit their innovative project ideas, offering a unique opportunity for creative expression.

“This was our first chance to think outside the box,” Ashar remarked. “While our textbooks provided us with a foundation of ideas, we had little knowledge about how to bring those concepts to life.” Eager to explore their potential, they turned to their dedicated teacher, Sir Umar, whose unwavering support and enthusiasm for fresh ideas made him an invaluable resource. He encouraged them to ask questions—no matter how trivial—fostering an environment rich with curiosity and exploration.

He taught us that every scientific endeavor begins with the careful selection of a topic that is not only intriguing and complex but also capable of unveiling the hidden talents and potential of students. This initial step is vital, as it sets the direction for our research journey. To build a strong foundation, we must delve into the subject, seeking comprehensive knowledge from a variety of sources, including textbooks, practical journals, and the vast resources available on the Internet. If one feels apprehensive about venturing into an unknown field with a new topic, there’s no harm in exploring an existing project.

However, it’s essential to infuse it with a fresh concept or innovative angle, approached with meticulous research over one or two weeks. At the outset, tackling overly complex projects should be avoided; such challenges can quickly become daunting for newbies.

Sir Umar further illuminated the path forward: once you have chosen your project, the next crucial step is to construct a model in the laboratory and assemble the requisite equipment. This phase requires you to adopt the perspective of a seasoned scientist, ensuring that your approach is thoughtful and systematic, rather than the tentative approach of an inexperienced student.

“Bear in mind that experiences such as these scientific festivals serve as the vital first steps on your journey to becoming a scientist, researcher, engineer, or whatever exciting path you envision for your future. Unfortunately, many educational institutions struggle to nurture true scientific minds; instead, they often confine students to rote memorization of theories, laws, and equations, stifling their curiosity and discouraging them from pursuing independent inquiry and innovative research.

Sir Umar passionately underscored an essential principle: when presenting any project, judges are more likely to award recognition to those who showcase brilliant ideas using minimal resources and exemplify cost-effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate a mindset akin to that of a determined scientist, navigating the challenges of limited budgets and resources while striving to bring your vision to life.

Above all, remember this: science thrives on the process of invention through experimentation and, yes, MISTAKES! Every great scientist, from Galileo to Stephen Hawking, has faced setbacks along their journeys. These early failures, however daunting, were not the end; instead, they served as invaluable lessons, teaching perseverance and resilience. Embrace each stumble as a stepping stone toward success.”

Sir Umar further explained that the main objective of organizing science festivals is to encourage students to actively test and apply scientific laws and theories, rather than merely memorizing them to pass exams. This hands-on approach fosters critical thinking and creativity, motivating students to explore concepts that extend beyond their textbooks and standard lab experiments.

He emphasized, “The next phase of building a project is about developing confidence and recognizing your own mistakes. Rather than providing immediate corrections, a teacher will allow you to struggle and discover what went wrong on your own. When you encounter an unexpected result, you will repeat the process, identify the source of your error, and make the necessary adjustments independently.

This self-guided learning experience is invaluable, as the skills you cultivate through this process will not only enhance your professional capabilities but will also enrich your personal life by instilling a habit of critical thinking and problem-solving.”

I was initially confused about how a science project could teach me a lesson that would impact my life for years to come. “Dear students, mistakes are an inevitable part of our daily lives. You might take a wrong turn in your journey, choose an unsuitable career, or even select the wrong life partner.”

“The key lesson here is that whenever you find yourself feeling stuck, stagnant, or trapped in a situation, it’s crucial to recognize your mistake and start to navigate your way back. Remember, the longer you continue down the wrong path, the more challenging and prolonged your return journey will be.” Sir Umar overcame my confusion with these insights.

He continued to illustrate this idea by comparing it to building a project. Throughout the process, you will likely encounter numerous challenges and moments of discouragement. You may need to conduct the same experiment multiple times, feeling overwhelmed or tempted to give up along the way. However, perseverance is essential, and ultimately, success will be yours if you stay committed.

As many of you are participating in a science competition for the first time, I want to emphasize some additional benefits of the science festival. Students who excel in these competitions can achieve national recognition, often gaining popularity for their innovative ideas and research. If they continually produce groundbreaking work while maintaining their success, they may even be invited to represent their school or country in international scientific competitions.

In addition, their findings can be documented and published in prestigious scientific journals, further establishing their credibility and contributing to the scientific community.

On one hand, developing strong writing skills can unlock a world of opportunities for higher education abroad, paving the way for exciting academic journeys. Moreover, engaging in competitions not only hones our presentation skills but also significantly boosts our self-esteem—both crucial attributes for anyone aspiring to become a scientist.

After an enlightening hour-long lecture by the esteemed Sir Omar Khan, we came out from the lab with our confusion completely dissipated.

While our group did manage to participate in the science fair that year, our exhibit fell short of being extraordinary. Yet, instead of feeling disheartened, we were fueled by determination and began eagerly preparing for the next year’s science fair. The following year, we returned with an innovative project focused on robotic motion, brimming with enthusiasm and fresh ideas.

This journey deepened my understanding of mechanics and robotics, and it was during this transformative experience that I realized I wanted to pursue a career in robotic engineering. Now, after seven years filled with challenges, dedication, and relentless hard work, I find myself conducting research with Boston Dynamics, a pioneer in the field of robotics. I am filled with optimism for the future that lies ahead. I owe much of this newfound direction to the science festival that forever changed the course of my life.

Note: All the characters and details in this text are fictional, except for one significant reality: the “Lahore Science Mela (LSM)”. This vibrant event is organized annually in Lahore by the Khwarizmi Science Society, a dedicated organization focused on promoting scientific literacy and enthusiasm.

LSM serves as a dynamic platform to popularize science and technology by making these fields accessible, enjoyable, and engaging for individuals of all ages. Visitors can participate in a variety of hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and captivating demonstrations that spark curiosity and foster a love for learning.

This year’s Lahore Science Mela will be held on October 25-26 at Crescent Model Boys High School, Shadman, Lahore. The tagline for this year is “SEENA ROSHAN HO,” which translates to “Your heart enlightens with the light of knowledge and curiosity”, inspired by the poetry of Allama Iqbal.

This tagline embodies the spirit of the event, encouraging attendees to explore and expand their understanding of the world around them. Expect to see an array of exciting projects and innovative exhibits from both local and international scientists and researchers. They will showcase their groundbreaking inventions and scientific experiments, providing a unique opportunity for the public to engage with and learn from experts in various scientific fields.

The event aims to promote student confidence and scientific exploration, seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the critical role that science plays in our everyday lives and in the future development of society. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of science. Mark your calendars and prepare for a feast of knowledge and discovery at the Lahore Science Mela!

Beyond Relief: The Missing Link In Pakistan’s Disaster Recovery Process—Physical Therapy

Dawood Choudhary

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September 20, 2025

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Beyond Relief: The Missing Link In Pakistan’s Disaster Recovery Process—Physical Therapy

Almost everyone is aware of the toll disasters take on the citizens of Pakistan, especially during the monsoon season. But what most people aren’t aware of is an important stage of the recovery process—rehabilitation. Before starting the “recovery” process, understanding what truly happens when a disaster strikes is crucial. As soon as the disaster occurs, alerts and warnings are issued nationwide. With the mission to rescue affected people and to save their lives, emergency response teams are immediately sent to the impacted areas.

Despite the efforts, many lives are lost during this time, properties and facilities may be destroyed, and people face physical injuries requiring physical therapy, as well as the mental trauma that follows. For many survivors, the emotional pressure may make them feel as though they have lost their sense of purpose.

According to the data collected for a study, a total of 714 spinal injury cases were received in major hospitals in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar following the earthquake in October 2005. Some cases showed neurological deficits, while some did not. Another 713 cases experienced various kinds of limb trauma leading to major and minor amputations.

Floods also cause physical injuries in adolescents, such as they may be at risk of drowning, particularly when caught in fast-moving flood water currents. Adolescents may suffer cuts from sharp objects or debris as well as fractures due to collisions with debris, falls, or accidents during rescue operations.

This data, along with the major earthquakes of the last decade, has highlighted the importance of medical rehabilitation in disasters, specifically physical therapy. Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, storms, and even man-made disasters like bombings and wars cause a large number of severe impairments, which result in long-term disability.

A study published in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association iterates the need for medical rehabilitation following a disaster and rehabilitation professionals’ teams should be led by Physiatrists. But in Pakistan, this medical specialty, although emerging and important, is less known. This is where Physical Therapy steps in.

In times of disaster, when healthcare systems are strained and infrastructure is damaged, physical therapists serve as essential emergency healthcare workers, providing first aid, wound care, and other services. Disasters commonly strike rural and underdeveloped communities, displacing people with disabilities and leaving them with few resources, particularly those who have limited mobility. Physical Therapists bridge hospital and community health services with strong multidisciplinary links, targeting various aspects of rehabilitation, including bodily functions, activities, participation, and overall independence.

Physical Therapists play a vital role in disaster response and recovery by coordinating care, assessing needs, and providing rehabilitation to affected groups, particularly those with chronic conditions or disabilities. In addition to assisting multidisciplinary teams and providing psycho-social care and advocacy, they may also educate other professionals. Further, by developing management plans and participating in crisis response training, physical therapists are able to prepare for disasters.

Physical Therapy emerged with World War I. The key figure here was Mary McMillan—the Mother of Physical Therapy. She is known for the way she entirely changed the course of this profession. Her first steps were taking care of the wounded soldiers during the war. She later used her expertise to help polio patients, worked in the US army, and penned down her experiences in a book about the field and practices of Physical Therapy in its early stages. Her life and work are a testament to the importance of physical therapy in emergency response.

The health system response to disasters requires disaster preparedness on three levels: prevention, medical treatment, and rehabilitation. Physical therapists are essential in connecting response to recovery, and disasters offer a chance to enhance rehabilitation services. Planning for recovery should begin early, be led locally, and involve a range of stakeholders.

Both individuals with injuries and those with pre-existing disabilities should be the focus. A key component of this planning may be community-based rehabilitation(CBR ). Building local capacity through training, service development, and the establishment of educational programs where necessary should be the top priority of international efforts.

Physical Therapy — Physical Therapist helping a victim on the ground.

In the Nepal Earthquake of 2015, Physiotherapists played a vital role in triaging patients, dressing wounds, providing assistive devices, and mobilizing patients to prevent complications using physical therapy.

By offering specialized care that aided in recovery and enhanced results, physical therapists were instrumental in disaster response and public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Survivors frequently suffered severe injuries, such as fractures, amputations, and spinal cord damage, after natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. Early rehabilitation interventions, especially through physical therapy, greatly improved recovery in these cases, assisted patients in safely leaving hospitals, and decreased overall medical expenses.

Respiratory distress was one of the main symptoms that COVID-19 patients experienced. Patients with COVID-19-related respiratory and neuromuscular disorders are complicated and present a wide range of clinical issues that must be assessed and managed by a multidisciplinary team.

In order to help patients return to their homes or rehabilitation centers, physical therapists can help develop protocols for muscular rehabilitation, evaluation, and treatments to maximize recovery and function, physical conditioning and exercise, functional mobility, and the assessment of the home environment and assistive devices, all forms of physical therapy.

Organizations like Handicap International are worth mentioning when it comes to providing rehabilitation services across various countries. HI has embedded physical and functional rehabilitation components into many of its projects over the last 35 years. From their rehabilitation actions in 2023, a total of 536,309 people have benefited. This number shows the impact of access to rehabilitation services across the world.

The Guidance Note on Disability and Emergency Risk Management for Health by the WHO clearly says to: “Include rehabilitation professionals in emergency teams as soon as possible to ensure that rehabilitation needs are identified and addressed as early as possible.”

Physical Therapists should be integrated into disaster management plans, ensuring preparedness through training, resource mapping, and collaboration with other health professionals.

Their roles may include direct patient care, training community workers, and advocating for the needs of vulnerable groups, emphasizing a holistic approach to recovery in both immediate and long-term contexts.

What started as an accessible treatment for recovery and rehabilitation is now often misinterpreted as a “luxury” due to high charges in private practices and less access than is needed. A major factor in Pakistan affecting both the practitioners and patients is the opportunities. In many hospitals in Pakistan, there is only a single Physical Therapist, and many graduates face problems in finding a good job. “Nepotism over merit” is a long-standing challenge in the country, as many have experienced.

Physical Therapy education in Pakistan is a 5-year professional degree accredited by the HEC and in accordance with international standards.

Courses like Emergency Procedures and Primary Care, Community Medicine, Wound Management, Surgery, and various specialities under physical therapy like Neurological, Cardiopulmonary, Obstetrics and Gynaecological, Sports, Pediatrics, and Geriatrics, equip graduates with the knowledge and skill set to work alongside emergency teams in disaster response with a variety of age groups and conditions.

Actions can be taken to incorporate rehabilitation services in disaster response ,which will positively impact both professionals and survivors.

Policy makers and non-profit organizations that cater to disaster response must reevaluate the members of a disaster response team, and initiatives like training and volunteering programs must be organized across the country to help students and professionals gain exposure to disaster situations and response.

Universities and faculty members must promote active learning and keep updating the curriculum with current needs. An emphasis on the clinical aspects of the field is stressed to enhance the skills of prospective graduates.

By incorporating such ideas, not only would the field grow and diversify, but with rehabilitation as an accessible part of the emergency response, every survivor of these disasters will feel that they matter.

References:

Karachi’s First Science Writing Workshop Set to Transform Public Understanding of Science

Opinions

Saadeqa Khan

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September 18, 2025

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Karachi’s First Science Writing Workshop Set to Transform Public Understanding of Science

Karachi: Scientia Pakistan successfully organized the 1st Science Writing Workshop in Karachi on September 12-13 at Habib University. The event was generously sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery – Women (ACM-W) as part of their “Celebrating Women in Computing” initiative. ACM is the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting computing professionals, educators, and researchers to share knowledge, advance the field of computing, and promote ethical standards.

Scientia is a leading science magazine in Pakistan that spotlights young science writers and communicators. Since February 2019, it has been publishing monthly and bi-monthly editions focused on various specific science themes. The organization also conducts remote “Science Writing Internships/Workshops” biennially, starting in 2023, and has established University Ambassador Programs across the nation.

Scientia provides a genuine platform for students, researchers, scientists, and communicators, promoting scientific awareness and critical thinking in a society often influenced by misinformation and pseudoscience. Additionally, the platform focuses on amplifying and connecting the voices of the Global South.

The two-day workshop was one of the first in-person events organised in collaboration with the Natural Science Club (NSC), Habib University, Karachi, aimed to promote scientific writing and critical thinking among students, professionals, and researchers across the city. The workshop attracted a large number of students from Habib University and outsiders, demonstrating their enthusiasm for scientific research, science journalism, and communication.

The participants and speakers expressed immense appreciation to the entire Scientia team, sponsors from ACM-W, the NSC’s volunteers, and contributors both on and off-campus for making this event a success. This achievement was made possible by the energetic, dynamic, and professional speakers and facilitators. The audience comprised a diverse range of age groups, from teenagers to middle-aged adults.

The two-day event featured several major highlights, including training sessions, keynote speeches, virtual lectures, and panel discussions. Renowned journalists and trainers conducted the training sessions, including Aleezah Fatima Hashmi, Sheema Siddiqui, Suhail Yusuf, and Ms. Rizwana Naseem.

These experts emphasised the importance of science stories in driving societal change and development. They taught participants the fundamentals of discovering stories in labs, fields, or communities, as well as “How to Pitch those Stories to Editors” and write them compellingly and engagingly for the general public.

Over 65 students and professionals from Karachi, Hyderabad, Nawab Shah, and other parts of the province attended these sessions, demonstrating their enthusiasm for learning and supporting Scientia’s mission to reshape the narrative of science journalism in Pakistan. These events will help increase public understanding of science and bring it into the mainstream, consequently, bridging the gap between media and academia in the country.

Another highlight of the event was the panel discussion featuring “four diverse people from science and interdisciplinary backgrounds; renowned independent journalist and Scientia advisory board member Ms. Zofeen T. Ebrahim, Co-producer of the biopic “Salam – the Film”, Mr. Zakir Thaver, Prof. Dr Humaira Jamshed, a faculty member at Habib University and Scientia’s cofounder Fouz Siddiqui and moderated by Ms. Maham Maqsood (Managing Editor of Scientia).

The “Panel of Experts” consisted of Ms Zofeen T. Ebrahim (Sr. Independent Journalist), Mr Zakir Thaver (Science Films Producer), Dr Humaira Jamshed (Prof. of Biosciences) and Fouz Siddiqui (Cofounder of Scientia)

The panel discussion was a thought-provoking exploration of the theme “Open Science & Accessibility,” emphasizing the critical need to democratize scientific knowledge. It commenced with a series of pivotal questions aimed at stimulating deep reflection: “Why is Open Science crucial for societal progress?” “In what ways can we, as journalists, writers, scientists, and academics, work collaboratively to enhance the accessibility of scientific information for the general public?” and “What are some prevailing misconceptions that professionals within the science field continue to hold?”

Each panelist, an expert in their respective fields, enriched the conversation with their diverse perspectives, addressing not only the posed questions but also engaging with numerous queries from the audience. This created a vibrant atmosphere for exchange, making it feel as though the experts were gathered in an intimate drawing room, sharing candidly and comfortably about the numerous challenges they face in advocating for Open Science, as well as emphasizing its undeniable significance.

One participant expressed how the dynamic dialogue illuminated the complexities of Open Science, fostering a deeper understanding of its pivotal role in promoting transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity in scientific research.

The audience and participants particularly praised the virtual sessions featuring Mr. Ehsan Masood, a world-renowned science journalist and editor at Nature; Dr. Alex Dainis, an internationally acclaimed science communicator; Dr. Salman Hameed, an astrophysicist and founder of Kainaat Studios; Dr Faisal Ur Rehman, a Space Scientist; and Syed Fawwad Raza, former editor at ARY News. They shared their experiences from working in newsrooms and laboratories, discussing the challenges posed by flawed science. They emphasised the importance of the scientific process in driving national progress by pushing boundaries and offering new perspectives.

There was also a session with Dr Rukiye Altin, ACM – Global Chair, in which she focused on the differences ACM is making worldwide through sponsorships and other critical steps.

Ameen, a participant in the workshop associated with a prominent public research organization, expressed his excitement about attending the event alongside his niece, daughter, son, and research collaborators. “The workshop was very well organised, featuring hands-on sessions on science communication, keynote speakers, live online interactions with experts from around the world, and an onsite panel discussion,” he said. Ameen noted that the event was planned and conducted professionally, especially for a first-time initiative, and anticipates that it will become a regular annual or biennial activity.

Tahira Nasir, an active participant, expressed her delight in being part of such an amazing event. She commended the entire team of Scientia and the volunteers from Habib University for organising a successful and impactful workshop. “It was a refreshing change in an environment where discussions about science and science communication are often lacking. The workshop was informative, comprehensive, and provided practical insights. Each speaker excelled in conveying their expertise to the audience in an engaging manner,” she added.

Tahira also expressed her appreciation for the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for sponsoring the event, noting that securing funding for science communication initiatives can be quite challenging in countries like Pakistan.

Several participants articulated interest in collaborating with Scientia for future events, leveraging the collaborative efforts of multiple universities in Karachi and across the province to expand the activities to a broader audience.

The first-of-its-kind workshop in Karachi was organized under challenging conditions, as the city’s roads were flooded and more rain was expected. The organizing team from Scientia and Habib’s Natural Science Club, primarily made up of students and young professionals, faced several obstacles during these difficult circumstances. Nevertheless, they remained determined and enthusiastic about the event, successfully overcoming each barrier to make it a reality. The teams are eager to organize more events like this in the coming months.

Here are a few more glimpses from the Scientia x ACM – First Science Writing Workshop.

Participants of the workshop attending talks/virtual sessions at the Habib Auditorium, Karachi. Photo: Scientia

Ms Zofeen Ebrahim, giving a talk titled “How to Write a Compelling Science Story with a Non-Science Background”. Photo: Scientia

Ms Rizwana Naseem, one of the workshop trainers, is presenting at the workshop. Photo: Scientia

A candid photo of participants enjoying the lunch break at the venue. Photo: Scientia

Ms Sheema Siddiqui and Mr Suhail Yusuf as they conduct the workshop session during Day 01 of the event. Photo: Scientia

Participants, at the Habib Horizon, attended a virtual talk by Dr Alex Dainis (Scientia’s Advisory Board Member); the session had amazing feedback, focused on the “Uncertainity in Science”. Photo: Scientia

Dr. Salman Hameed joined the workshop from Ahmerst, Massachussets, U.S for his talk, “This Talk Will Change Everything”, focused on examples of bad science communications. Photo: Scientia

Dr Syed Faisal Ur Rahman giving a talk focused on, “Media 3.0: Blockchain and AI for Science Writers”. Photo: Scientia

Workshop participants attend Dr. Alex’s virtual session. Photo: Scientia

Another photo from Day 1 talks: By Scientia’s cofounder, Fouz Siddiqui, discussing “Science Writing as a Calling!”; Photo: Scientia

Training Tomorrow’s Lifesavers: Why Schools Should Lead in Disaster Preparedness

Sadaf Sarfraz

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September 16, 2025

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Training Tomorrow’s Lifesavers: Why Schools Should Lead in Disaster Preparedness

Every school day starts with a bell. But what if, one day, it’s the fire alarm instead? Disasters are unpredictable, but their impact doesn’t have to be. While schools across the world teach young minds about atoms and algebra, many still neglect something far more urgent: how to survive a disaster?. In 2023, the World Bank reported that over 875 million school-aged children live in areas at high risk of natural disasters.

Yet, the majority of educational institutions fail to produce a well-equipped disaster response. This isn’t just an oversight; it is a life-threatening gap. Disaster response education and training in schools are not optional courses or programs; they are essential life skills, as critical as reading or science.

Why does Disaster Response Education Matter?

Educational institutions are among the most densely populated buildings in any community. A fire, earthquake, or violent incident can escalate within seconds. Without a clear disaster response plan and trained individuals, the consequences can be devastating. Children are especially vulnerable not only physically but also emotionally. But when trained properly, they can recognize danger, respond calmly, and even assist others. In 2021, a global study conducted by UNESCO found that schools with trained staff and students had a 30–50 percent higher rate of injury prevention during disasters.

Disaster Preparedness: More Than a Drill

Being prepared for disasters is not about ticking boxes or sounding alarms; it’s about caring for each other when life becomes unpredictable. It starts with awareness by noticing the risks around us, the cracks in a wall, the smell of gas, or the floodwater rising. It means knowing where to go, how to stay safe, and how to reach loved ones in the middle of chaos.

But it is also about people. A simple act of stopping a bleeding wound, calming a panicked friend, or remembering CPR can save a life. And sometimes, the most powerful help is just being there, steady and reassuring, when fear takes over. Preparedness and Disaster Response is not about fear; it’s about compassion, courage, and standing together when it matters most.

Training for Disaster Response: Models and Best Practices

Effective disaster preparedness training goes beyond lectures; it relies on practice and repetition. Schools often conduct regular mock drills, sometimes unannounced, to test awareness and response speed. In Japan, earthquake drills are routine, teaching children to “Drop, Cover, and Hold” while following supervised evacuation routes. Hands-on workshops with fire departments, rescue teams, and paramedics further build confidence, offering demonstrations on CPR, first aid, and fire safety.

Equally important is the training of teachers and staff. Through Training of Trainers (ToT) programs, faculty members complete certified courses that equip them to guide students in emergencies. In Pakistan, for example, the NDMA partners with the Red Crescent to train educators in evacuation protocols, first aid, and psychosocial support.

tsunami evacuation drill — Tsunami evacuation drill performed in a Gawadar school. Credit: UNESCO

Many schools also integrate disaster awareness into the curriculum, using science, geography, and civics lessons to reinforce preparedness. Visual tools such as safety maps, posters, handbooks, and mobile alert systems help keep awareness in daily school life.

Barriers to Implementation

Supporting these practices are simple but effective tools: emergency maps and signage throughout school buildings, posters showing “what to do” in a fire or earthquake, handbooks and checklists shared with parents, stocked school emergency kits, and mobile alert systems that link directly to families and local emergency teams. These everyday reinforcements ensure that safety is not treated as an occasional exercise, but as part of the culture of learning.

Still, challenges remain. Schools often struggle with limited budgets, a lack of trained staff, or a general underestimation of risk. These barriers can be overcome with partnerships, national-level training programs, and consistent advocacy for policy integration. When disaster education is aligned with global best practices and national guidelines, it creates a framework that is both practical and sustainable.

Ultimately, investing in school safety is investing in the future. Disasters are not rare anomalies; they are part of the world we live in. The question is not if an emergency will happen, but when. And when that moment comes, will our students know what to do?

Preparedness does not require sweeping changes overnight. It can begin with a single drill, a safety committee, or a first aid certification. It can grow through open conversations with students, listening to their fears, and teaching them how to face those fears with confidence. Because when the alarms sound, it is not fear that saves lives, it is knowledge, preparation, and the courage to act.

References:

Şükrü, E. and K. Ali, Disasters and earthquake preparedness of children and schools in Istanbul, Turkey. Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, 2016. 7(4): p. 1307–1336.
https://www.unesco.org/en/disaster-risk-reduction/school-safety.
https://www.shakeout.org/dropcoverholdon/
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan

Against All Odds: HPV Vaccination Rollout Begins in Flood-Affected Regions Despite Societal Pushback

Biology
News

Mariam Mushtaq

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September 15, 2025

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Against All Odds: HPV Vaccination Rollout Begins in Flood-Affected Regions Despite Societal Pushback

In Pakistan, an HPV vaccination campaign targeting girls aged 9–14 years is being held from September 15 to 27, 2025, across Punjab, Sindh, AJK, and Islamabad. This campaign is part of the government’s initiative, supported by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, the Global Vaccine Alliance (GAVI), to introduce the HPV vaccine and prevent cervical cancer.

Although the vaccination of 2.5 million out-of-school girls after the floods and rains, especially in remote areas and marginalised communities, could be challenging for the health teams.

This nation-wide vaccination drive is part of larger global strategy for elimination of cervical cancer and Pakistan is also a signatory of the 71st World Health Assembly Resolution of 2018 that sets a goal of 90-70-90 by year 2030, which means 90pc of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70pc of women screened by age 35 and again by 45, and 90pc of women with cervical cancer disease receive treatment/palliative care.

Societal Taboos: A Major Barrier in Immunization Drives!

Let’s just agree that we are no novices to the very obvious deterrence of our nation towards vaccination. In fact, the occurrence of Polio and the negativity towards what we call ‘Science-derived protection’ is a loud screaming example in itself of how out of touch the views of the masses are when it comes to believing and blindly following harmful narratives.

Now, imagine persuading the same group of people to get their adolescent girls rightfully vaccinated against a potentially life-threatening cervical cancer.

Oh yes, the pitchforks will be pointed at you for wanting to provide healthcare to their daughters. So, what takes priority, medical care or superstitious taboos? What a conundrum for a conservative society!

But first, let us understand what HPV actually is and how it impacts the lives of women.

What is HPV?

As per the WHO, HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. It is an infection that affects the genital area, skin, and throat. HPV infections may go away on their own, but some lead to genital warts and the development of abnormal cells, which often lead to cancers. HPV infections affect all individuals regardless of gender, triggering anal, vulvar, vaginal, mouth/throat, and penile cancers, among which cervical cancer is the most prevalent.

To counter this, the prophylactic usage of the HPV vaccine became the pillar for the WHO to eradicate cervical cancer globally. This approach could prevent 60 million individuals from potential cancerous cells and over 45 million deaths from it over the course of 100 years.

But Why Mostly Women?

It must be kept in mind that while HPV contraction occurs regardless of gender, women with a cervix are the most affected among all individuals.

According to a review published in the OAMJMS by researchers Sadia et al, it was highlighted that about 7431 individuals in Pakistan have been tested for HPV between 2007 and 2018, out of which there were 80.4% reported cases of cervical cancer.

HPV Information Center, a project of WHO, shared key data in 2023, highlighting that every year over 5000 women in Pakistan are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer, while 3197 women die from the disease, making cervical cancer the 3^rd most common cancer among women in Pakistan.

John Doorbar and Heather Griffin, in their study, discuss that HPV is commonly known to attack the squamous and columnar epithelium cells at the cervical transformation zone (a site where stratified simple epithelium can develop from simple columnar epithelium), which is why it affects the cervix more, as the cervical lining is rich with these cells. With the unique environment of the cervical mucosa and constant hormonal changes, the susceptibility of HPV in women increases. It is also easier for the virus to infect the basal layers due to microabrasions during intercourse.

Past, Present, and Future of HPV in Pakistan

The HPV vaccine was initially introduced in Pakistan in 2019 for girls aged 9-14, as part of the Expanded Program Immunization, but was not integrated within the National Immunization Program and, in fact, was discontinued for unknown reasons.

Moreover, there is no National Screening program for cervical cancer. Although some urban areas offer pap smears but even that is limited to the privileged few. By 2019, it was reported that less than 1% of women had themselves screened against the life-threatening disease.

The Government of Sindh had also announced the initiation of the HPV Vaccination Program in 2022, which did not come to fruition. With a delay of 3 years, the campaign is promised to start within the province from September 2025. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also amplifying its efforts for the launch of the HPV vaccination campaign in the province in 2026.

Allison et al, in a comparative modelling study, predicted that the successful incorporation of HPV immunization would lead to the prevention of up to 133,000 cervical cancer cases in Pakistan.

HPV — Dr Aminah emphasized that “No girl should be left behind”. Photo, EPI Sind

Dr Aminah Khan, Country Director of Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego) and with 20 years of Public Health experience, is the leading force striving for the national integration of the HPV vaccine. Aminah Khan is playing an active role in the development and implementation of SBCC (Social and Behavioural Change Communication) for maximum impact.

Dr Aminah says that nearly 70% of the targeted aims can be achieved despite the obviously regressive environment. According to her, KAB (Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour) studies will be conducted to gather insights from all provinces so that effective policies can be devised.

Dr Aminah further added that targeted awareness messages and capacity building of all stakeholders will serve as a strong base against cultural and religious barriers. Not only this, she mentioned that the HPV vaccine will be supplied for free and will become part of routine Immunization.

Dr Aminah informed that the funds for this will be sought from GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) for domestic financing, just like other routine vaccines. To ensure smooth execution, a potential collaboration will be nurtured with Health, Education, Religious leaders, Media, and Institutes.

She emphasized that “No girl should be left behind”.

Awareness in Youth about HPV Vaccination

A small survey of 39-40 students was conducted to observe their thought processes regarding HPV. Upon asking whether they were pro or anti-vaccinator, 64.1% (Fig. A) responded with being pro, while 20.5% fell into the anti-vaccinator category. 53.8% (Fig-B) didn’t even know about HPV or the HPV vaccine. 15.4% (Fig-C) of them had received the HPV vaccine, while 84.6% voted in favour of HPV vaccination for women.

Within this small sample, 10 individuals (Fig-D), all university-going students studying STEM, didn’t even know what cervical cancer was. When asked if they thought that men could also contract HPV, 23.1% answered “No” (Fig-E). These results indicate that although there are advocates for the HPV vaccine in the shape of young students, there is still a need for massive awareness throughout educational campuses.

In a country where women’s needs are considered secondary, Dr. Aminah Khan and her team have taken it upon themselves to ensure the protection of these women against HPV. However, the lack of understanding between the masses, compounded by the associated stigmas and the conservative social and cultural environment of Pakistan, stands as a steel wall against these efforts.

Furthermore, while the campaign targets young girls, young boys at an equal risk of contracting HPV are being overlooked. Provinces are making strides to overcome these barriers by training health workers and making HPV part of the educational curriculum. But the question is, is this enough?!

References:

SCIENTIA

SCIENTIA

Scientia Magazine

Scientia

Grassroots Power in Crisis: Lessons from Climate Forward Pakistan’s Disaster Response

Cosmic Breakthrough: JWST Identifies Mysterious New Class of Black Hole Stars!

Similar to Single Stars!

References:

The Modern Alchemy at CERN: Turning Lead into Gold is Possible Now!

A Medieval Dream Realized – Through Science

The Science Behind the Magic

From Myth to Measurement

Reference:

Harvest at Risk: The Alarming Impact of Climate Change on Wheat Production in Sind

References:

Tiny Giants: Bizarre and Mind-Blowing Tales from the Land of Ants!

Expanding the nest

Ants: The intelligent savages

Further Recommendations

References:

“Seena Roshan Ho”: Lahore Science Mela Inspires a New Generation of Innovators!

Beyond Relief: The Missing Link In Pakistan’s Disaster Recovery Process—Physical Therapy

References:

Karachi’s First Science Writing Workshop Set to Transform Public Understanding of Science

Training Tomorrow’s Lifesavers: Why Schools Should Lead in Disaster Preparedness

Why does Disaster Response Education Matter?

Disaster Preparedness: More Than a Drill

Training for Disaster Response: Models and Best Practices

Barriers to Implementation

References:

Against All Odds: HPV Vaccination Rollout Begins in Flood-Affected Regions Despite Societal Pushback

Societal Taboos: A Major Barrier in Immunization Drives!

What is HPV?

But Why Mostly Women?

Past, Present, and Future of HPV in Pakistan

Awareness in Youth about HPV Vaccination

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