By Syed Shams Uddin The Imperative of Our Time: Peaceful Coexistence and Collective Progress In an age marked by global crises, cultural interdependence, and shared struggles, peaceful coexistence is no longer a choice—it is a matter of survival, dignity, and collective progress. The greatest bond we share is that of humanity. Regardless of religion, sect, ethnicity, or region, we must live together as one people—united not by uniformity of belief, but by a common resolve to build a just and humane society. Let faith, ethnicity, and sect remain personal—where they rightfully belong. Across the globe, people thrive side by side without letting their beliefs become tools of division. Why then should we act differently? Why turn inherited identities into battlegrounds? Hatred, no matter how cleverly disguised—as political disagreement, righteous indignation, or cultural pride—is corrosive. It adds nothing to the public good, erodes the foundation of community, and depletes the energy ...
Digital Accountability and Administrative Apathy: Why Bold Leadership is Crucial in Social Media–Driven Governance
Syed Shams Uddin Digital Accountability and the Ethics of Governance in the Age of Social Media In today’s interconnected world, social media has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionizing how citizens engage with public institutions and how swiftly governance can—and must—respond. What began as a platform for casual interaction has matured into a powerful public arena where grievances are aired, misconduct is exposed, and institutional inertia is challenged in real time. This evolution carries profound significance for developing democracies like Pakistan, where conventional grievance redressal mechanisms are often stifled by bureaucratic lethargy and inaccessibility. Why Responsiveness Matters—Especially for the Voiceless At the heart of any just administrative system lies the capacity to listen to and act upon the concerns of the public—especially the weakest segments of society. These individuals, often poor, undereducated, and geographically marginalized, suffer dispro...