Why I Left Social Media

Why I Left Social Media Again

In this fast world, everything is online. We wake up and check our phones. We scroll, we compare, we react. I was doing the same for years. But now, I’ve stepped back again. I’ve deactivated my entire social media and I am almost 85% away from the internet. I only use it now for watching YouTube sometimes, playing games, or downloading a movie or serial.

Why did I do this?

Because I noticed something deep inside me changing emotionally and mentally. I started feeling low. I saw my friends posting their achievements, travels, new jobs, relationships and even though I was happy for them, something inside me felt behind. I know that life is not a race, and there is no final "settled" title. Life is a struggle, and struggle is normal. But even after knowing this, the emotional pressure was real.

Sometimes I felt like I was stuck, still struggling while others moved ahead. I hadn’t posted anything on social media for months. Not because I was lazy but because I felt I had nothing to post. I didn’t want to upload random selfies or fake happy moments just to get likes. So I stopped.

And I don’t plan to return soon. Maybe I’ll stay away for 5 or 6 years this time. I’ve done this before too from 2017 to 2020, I was off social media for almost 3 years. I saw a real change in myself. My mind was more peaceful. I was more connected with real life and real people around me.

This situation reminds me of the TV series Black Mirror. It shows how technology and social media can change us sometimes in dangerous ways. One episode called "Nosedive" shows a girl named Lacie who lives in a world where everyone rates each other. Her life falls apart because she keeps trying to look perfect and get good ratings. It’s like how we try to get likes and followers.

Another episode, "Smithereens", shows a man named Chris who becomes angry at a big social media company because he believes it distracted a driver who caused an accident. This shows how social media takes our focus away from real life and sometimes leads to tragedy.

These episodes hit me hard. Because I see parts of them in real life. In myself, and in people around me.

So this is why I stepped back. I want to live in the real world more than the digital one. I want peace in my mind more than attention online. And I want to grow quietly without comparing my journey with someone else’s.

If you are also feeling tired mentally, maybe try taking a break too. You might find the real you waiting quietly behind the screen.

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Can Saudi Arabia Survive War?

How Strong is the Saudi Arabian Military? Can It Survive a War?

Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the Middle East, and it has used its wealth to build a powerful and advanced military. In this blog post, we will explore how strong Saudi Arabia’s military really is, and what might happen if the country goes to war with another powerful country like India.

Military Power and Budget

Saudi Arabia spends a huge amount of money on its defense. Every year, the government spends over $70 billion on the military. This money goes into buying the latest weapons, fighter jets, tanks, and missile defense systems. The Saudi military has around 260,000 active soldiers, and each branch of the military is equipped with modern tools.

The Royal Saudi Air Force is especially strong. It owns hundreds of advanced jets like the F-15, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Tornado. These jets give Saudi Arabia a major advantage in the sky. The Air Force also practices regularly and has taken part in real combat operations in places like Yemen.

On land, Saudi Arabia has thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. It also has a separate group called the National Guard, which acts as a second army, mostly to protect the country from internal threats.

The Saudi Navy controls the Red Sea and parts of the Arabian Gulf. It has several powerful warships, patrol boats, and helicopters to keep the sea routes safe.

Missile and Air Defense

One of Saudi Arabia’s top strengths is its missile and air defense. The country uses advanced American-made systems like the Patriot missile defense system. These systems can shoot down enemy missiles and protect important cities and oil fields. Saudi Arabia also has its own missile force, which can fire medium-range missiles in case of war.

Military Partners

Saudi Arabia is a close ally of the United States, and it also works with countries like the UK and France. These countries sell Saudi Arabia advanced weapons and help train its soldiers. This partnership gives Saudi Arabia access to top-level technology and intelligence.

Can Saudi Arabia Survive a War with Another Country Like India?

This is a big question. If Saudi Arabia ever goes to war with a powerful country like India, the situation would depend on many things: the reason for the war, where it starts, and whether Saudi Arabia has allies by its side.

India has a much larger population, a huge army, nuclear weapons, and advanced technology. In a long war, India has more manpower and resources. Saudi Arabia, however, has strong air power, good defenses, and very high-tech equipment. Its army may not be as large, but it is well-funded.

In a short war, Saudi Arabia can defend itself well, especially with help from allies like the U.S. But in a long, full-scale war without help, Saudi Arabia might face problems. It does not produce all of its weapons and depends on other countries for many parts and ammunition. Also, it does not have experience in long ground wars.

If war lasts for a few weeks, Saudi Arabia can hold out using its air force, missiles, and defense systems. But if the war continues for many months, with heavy ground fighting and no outside help, it may struggle.

Saudi Arabia has a very powerful military for its size. It is rich, well-equipped, and has strong air power and missile defense. In a short conflict, especially in its own region, Saudi Arabia can defend itself well. But against a large and experienced military like India’s in a long war, Saudi Arabia would need strong allies and fast supply chains to survive. In war, strength is not just about weapons, but also about strategy, experience, and lasting power.

This is why Saudi Arabia focuses more on defense and diplomacy than starting wars. It prepares for the worst but hopes to keep peace in the region.

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The Financial Infrastructure of Pakistan

The Financial Infrastructure of Pakistan: A Comprehensive Overview (2025)

(Research and data compiled by Abdullah Mahmood. Errors, if any, are due to omission.)

Introduction

Pakistan's financial infrastructure in 2025 is a complex and evolving system that includes a wide range of institutions, regulatory bodies, and digital innovations. Over the past decade, the country has made significant progress in expanding financial inclusion, promoting Islamic banking, and developing secure, tech-driven solutions. This comprehensive overview explores all key sectors of Pakistan's financial system, including commercial banking, Islamic finance, digital payments, SME financing, remittances, monetary policy, fintech, and regulatory structures.

Banking Sector Overview

Structure and Composition

As of mid-2024, Pakistan’s banking sector includes 55 banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), operating through more than 18,450 branches. The sector has demonstrated robust growth, with an 11.5% expansion in the first half of 2024, largely driven by asset growth, increased investments in government securities, and a surge in deposits.

Profitability and Asset Quality

In 2023, the banking sector's after-tax profit rose to Rs. 642.2 billion, nearly double the previous year's earnings, largely due to the high policy rate and increased returns on government securities. Non-performing loans (NPLs) remained under control, with a slight increase, while the provisioning coverage ratio improved to 105.3% by June 2024. This reflects banks' prudent risk management and stronger balance sheets.

Capital Adequacy and Solvency

The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) improved from 17.8% in 2023 to 20.0% in mid-2024. This increase indicates a well-capitalized banking sector capable of absorbing shocks. The adoption of IFRS-9 and stronger supervisory mechanisms by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have further enhanced the sector's solvency.

Islamic Banking

Growth and Market Share

Islamic banking in Pakistan has grown rapidly. By the end of 2024, Islamic banking assets reached nearly Rs. 10 trillion and deposits crossed Rs. 8 trillion. There are now over 4,500 Islamic banking branches across the country. The market share of Islamic banking in total assets stands around 22%, showing strong public demand for Shariah-compliant products.

Regulatory Developments

Following the Federal Shariat Court’s ruling in 2022 to eliminate Riba (interest) from the economy, a constitutional amendment was passed in 2024, targeting a fully interest-free financial system by January 1, 2028. The SBP has issued multiple guidelines to streamline Islamic finance, including a mandate that Islamic banks must pay at least 75% of gross yield as profit on savings deposits.

Financial Inclusion and Digital Transformation

National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS)

The NFIS was launched in 2015 with the target of increasing formal financial account ownership among adults from 16% to 75% by 2028. As of 2023, the inclusion rate had reached 64%. The strategy focuses on improving access to financial services for women, rural populations, and youth. Key pillars include digital payments, rural financing, SME access, and consumer protection.

Digital Payment Systems

Pakistan has made tremendous progress in digital finance. The Raast payment system, launched by SBP, now facilitates peer-to-peer (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions. As of early 2025, SBP mandated that all e-commerce platforms and major payment gateways integrate with Raast P2M. Leading players like Payfast, 1Link, and Easypaisa are already integrated. This digitization helps reduce cash dependency and supports the formal economy.

Remittances and Cross-Border Integration

Remittances are a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings. In 2024, remittance inflows from abroad crossed $35 billion. To enhance efficiency, SBP signed an MoU with the Arab Monetary Fund to integrate Raast with the “Buna” regional payment system, making remittance flows from GCC countries faster, safer, and cheaper.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Financing Initiatives

SMEs contribute nearly 40% to Pakistan’s GDP and employ over 80% of the non-agricultural labor force. To promote SME financing, SBP revised exposure limits in 2023 and introduced a risk-sharing scheme that offers partial credit guarantees. The goal is to double SME lending to Rs. 1.1 trillion by 2029. SBP has also allowed simplified KYC procedures for smaller enterprises.

Challenges

Despite these measures, SMEs face difficulties in accessing affordable credit due to high interest rates and collateral requirements. Furthermore, financial literacy and limited formal documentation remain major hurdles.

Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs)

Growth and Diversification

NBFIs include leasing companies, investment banks, housing finance companies, and modarabas. These institutions are playing an increasingly important role, particularly in real estate and consumer financing. In 2021, growth in NBFIs stood at 190%, and the trend continued into 2023-24 with diversification into agri-finance and micro-mortgages.

Microfinance Sector

Microfinance has seen strong growth with providers like Khushhali Bank, FINCA, and U Microfinance Bank expanding their reach. The sector caters to underserved populations in rural areas and supports small entrepreneurs. Innovative digital lending products and mobile wallet integration have helped microfinance institutions (MFIs) increase their outreach in remote regions.

Regulatory Framework and Supervision

Legal and Regulatory Environment

The regulatory environment is governed primarily by the State Bank of Pakistan Act, 1956; the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962; and the Microfinance Institutions Ordinance, 2001. These laws establish a strong framework for the licensing, supervision, and governance of banks and financial institutions. Pakistan has also adopted international standards such as Basel III.

Supervisory Measures

To address emerging risks, SBP has established dedicated departments such as the Cyber Risk Management Department (CRMD) and the Financial Institutions Resolution Department (FIRD). These units monitor cybersecurity and ensure timely intervention for distressed institutions, respectively.

Monetary Policy and Interest Rates

Policy Rate Adjustments

In 2023, Pakistan maintained a high policy rate of 22% to manage inflationary pressures. However, by the end of 2024, the rate was gradually brought down to 13% to stimulate growth and support credit expansion. This easing cycle was aligned with declining inflation and currency stabilization.

Impact on Deposits and Lending

The high-interest rate environment during 2023-24 encouraged deposit growth, reaching Rs. 31.4 trillion by November 2024. However, private sector lending remained sluggish, partly due to high borrowing costs and economic uncertainty.

Fintech Ecosystem

Growth and Innovation

Fintech startups have expanded rapidly in Pakistan, offering digital wallets, peer-to-peer lending, wealth management apps, and e-commerce payment solutions. By 2025, there are over 250 active fintech firms. Popular platforms include Easypaisa, JazzCash, Nayapay, and SadaPay. These firms are helping bring banking services to the unbanked and underbanked populations.

Digital KYC and E-Money Institutions

SBP introduced a digital Know-Your-Customer (KYC) framework that allows banks and fintechs to open accounts via mobile apps and biometrics. Several Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) have been licensed and are offering innovative services such as prepaid cards, utility bill payments, and budget planning tools.

Insurance and Takaful Sector

Conventional and Islamic Insurance

Pakistan’s insurance penetration remains low at around 0.9% of GDP. However, the sector is gradually expanding, with a growing preference for Islamic insurance (Takaful). The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) regulates this sector and has introduced digital insurance models to boost coverage and efficiency.

Pension and Capital Markets

The National Savings Scheme (NSS), Voluntary Pension Schemes (VPS), and Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) form the backbone of Pakistan’s pension system. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has launched new products like ETFs and Sukuk listings to attract investors. Capital market reforms are being implemented to boost transparency and liquidity.

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Why Release Matters

Ejaculation is a normal and natural thing for both guys and girls once they hit adulthood. It’s part of how the body works, keeping everything running smoothly, both physically and mentally. If you don’t release, you can feel irritated, stressed, or even get random mood swings. It’s like the body’s way of saying, "Hey, I need a break!"

For guys, ejaculation clears out old sperm, which is important for keeping the reproductive system fresh. Plus, it helps with hormone balance, keeping testosterone levels stable. Regular release is also linked to a lower risk of prostate problems later in life. And let’s not forget that feeling of relaxation afterward—it’s because the body releases feel-good hormones that reduce stress and help with sleep.

Girls might not "ejaculate" the same way, but orgasms are just as important. They help with blood circulation in the pelvic area, keep the muscles down there active, and even reduce period cramps. Some women experience squirting, which is also completely normal. Sex or masturbation can improve mood, relieve stress, and even make sleep better.

Masturbation, whether you're a guy or a girl, is completely normal. It’s a safe way to explore your body, learn what feels good, and release built-up tension. There are no negative side effects unless it’s interfering with daily life. In fact, science backs it up—it helps with relaxation, reduces anxiety, and even boosts confidence.

Ignoring your sexual urges can lead to frustration and unnecessary stress. Some cultures or beliefs might make people feel guilty about it, but medically speaking, it’s a natural part of life. As long as it’s balanced and not taking over responsibilities, it’s actually good for you.

At the end of the day, taking care of your sexual health is just as important as taking care of your physical and mental well-being. So, whether through sex or self-pleasure, regular release keeps your body in check and your mind at ease.

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WHAT is NFT Treasure?

Greed blinds people, making them easy prey for scams like NFT Treasure. This scheme, just like before, is nothing but a fraud designed to loot hard-earned money from innocent Pakistanis. It will run for a short time, lure in thousands of investors with false promises, collect a massive amount of money, and then vanish just like every other Ponzi scheme before it.

Every year, countless pyramid schemes emerge in Pakistan, all following the same pattern. They attract people with fake success stories, unrealistic profit margins, and flashy advertisements. The sad reality is that despite witnessing so many financial scams in the past, Pakistanis continue to fall for them.

The root cause is not just greed but also ignorance. A lack of financial awareness makes people easy targets, while desperation for quick wealth blinds them to the obvious red flags. Instead of questioning the legitimacy of such schemes, they rush in, hoping to make easy money only to be left with nothing when the scam collapses.

The cycle repeats every year. A new name, the same fraud, and yet another wave of victims. People never learn, and that’s why these scams keep thriving.

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