MALALA YOUSAFZAI'S ‘FINDING MY WAY' LIFTS THE VEIL ON HER SECRET LOVE AFFAIR

Finding My Way explores not only Nobel Laureate's romance but also her personal growth, family conflicts, and resilience during her Oxford years

Mahtab Bashir
Islamabad
0333 53 63 248
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

Malala Yousafzai’s upcoming memoir, Finding My Way, reveals deeply personal insights into her secret relationship with now-husband, Asser Malik, during her time at Oxford University. The memoir, set for release on October 21, takes readers behind the scenes of a love story that was kept hidden from both the public and Malala's family due to cultural and familial expectations.

Malala recalls the secrecy surrounding their budding romance, describing how she and Asser would navigate their time together, including private meetings and wardrobe changes to avoid suspicion. She reminisces about one particular moment when she swapped her modest shalwar kameez for a pink, sleeveless dress. "When I returned to the table, Asser sat up straight, his mouth broke into a smile I hadn’t seen before,” Malala writes. “He whispered, ‘You’re a sex bomb!'"

Malala posing with her husband

However, the romance wasn’t without its challenges. Malala’s family, particularly her mother, strongly disapproved of the relationship, partly due to Asser not meeting the expectations of a Pashtun suitor. "Absolutely not! Does he even speak Pashto? She must marry a Pashtun man!" her mother reportedly exclaimed. The pressure from her family became so intense that Malala even asked Asser if they could "pause" their feelings until after she finished her studies. To which, Asser responded, “I’m not sure feelings work that way. But, for you, I’m willing to try."

Despite the tension, their commitment to each other remained strong. Nearly four years after their intimate wedding in Birmingham, Malala is offering fans a rare and heartfelt look at their journey, including the obstacles they faced in keeping their love private.

In addition to exploring her romance with Asser, Finding My Way digs into Nobel Laureate Malala’s self-discovery journey at Oxford, documenting her triumphs, struggles, and the resilience she built in the face of adversity. The memoir promises to be a deeply revealing and powerful account of her life, one that showcases her continued evolution, not just as a global advocate for girls’ education but also as a woman navigating love, family conflict, and personal growth.

A multi-city book tour will follow the release, where Malala will share her experiences of love, family, and resilience with readers across the world. Finding My Way will be available on October 21.

TRUMP BLAMES UN FOR BROKEN TELEPROMPTER AND ESCALATOR

US President New Prescription: Less Paracetamol, More Paranoia

Mahtab Bashir
Islamabad
+92 333 53 63 248
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

The United Nations has cracked the case behind the sudden halt of an escalator, right after none other than President Donald Trump stepped onto it. The culprit? Apparently, a videographer’s accidental push of a safety feature turned the escalator into a stationary monument.

During his speech to the world’s leaders on September 23, Trump took the incident in stride, quipping, “These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,” eliciting chuckles from the assembly. Who knew international diplomacy could be so... escalator-ly amusing?

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took a more serious tone, warning that if someone at the UN deliberately stopped the escalator to embarrass the President, they should be promptly fired and investigated. Because nothing says “diplomatic decorum” like a suspiciously halted escalator.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric explained that the escalator’s central processing unit had a built-in safety mechanism that kicked in when a comb step was triggered at the top, likely by Trump’s videographer, who was busy filming the President’s grand entrance while moving backwards up the escalator. Apparently, in the quest for the perfect shot, the videographer accidentally pressed the “pause” button on safety.

As for the teleprompter troubles, Trump joked that whoever was operating it was “in big trouble,” though the UN clarified that the White House was using its own teleprompter, so perhaps the real culprit remains at large.

In the end, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock assured everyone, “The UN teleprompters are working perfectly,” leaving the world to wonder if perhaps the real comedy was happening behind the scenes all along.

Trump Blames Pills, Science Blames the Script

A day earlier, President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the stage to deliver a blockbuster announcement that left the medical community scratching their heads, and the public wondering if they had accidentally tuned into a parody.

            Video Courtesy BBC 

The duo declared that paracetamol, the humble over-the-counter hero known as Tylenol, might be secretly plotting to cause autism when used during pregnancy. Yes, you read that right. The medication, which has been safely trusted by millions for decades, was suddenly cast as a villain in a drama with no script, no evidence, and certainly no scientific backing.

During a White House press conference that felt more like a stand-up routine, President Trump urged pregnant women to “fight like hell not to take” Tylenol, unless, of course, they’re battling a very high fever. His advice, candidly admitted to be based on personal opinion rather than science, was followed by a swift directive to the FDA to slap warning labels on the drug, warning of a supposed link that experts say doesn’t exist.

Adding fuel to the fire, the administration announced plans to fast-track approval for leucovorin as an autism treatment, despite limited evidence, because who needs facts when you have bold claims? The president also threw in unverified assertions about vaccines and autism, turning the press conference into a veritable carnival of conjecture.

The scientific community responded with the speed of a well-oiled machine, condemning the statements as “irresponsible” and “dangerous.” Major organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, reminded everyone that Tylenol remains the safest pain relief for pregnant women, emphasizing that untreated fevers can be more harmful than a hypothetical autism risk.

Experts pointed out that while some observational studies have flirted with the idea of a link, they don’t prove causation, kind of like saying eating ice cream causes rain because they both happen in summer. Larger, more rigorous studies have found no such connection, especially when considering other factors like parental neurodivergence.

The World Health Organization chimed in, urging caution and reminding everyone that science is a process, not a guessing game. Meanwhile, Kenvue, Tylenol’s manufacturer, issued a firm statement: “Sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” adding that the real danger lies in avoiding necessary treatment and risking dangerous fevers.

This episode highlights President Trump’s penchant for making sweeping statements that often outpace the facts, sometimes turning serious health topics into a comedy of errors. As the public navigates this whirlwind of claims, one thing remains clear: when it comes to science, it’s best to stick with the experts, and perhaps keep the Tylenol close, just in case.

HOW MYTHS UNDERMINE PAKISTAN'S FIGHT AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER

Pakistan’s HPV Campaign Faces Cultural and Digital Barriers

Mahtab Bashir
ISLAMABAD

Pakistan's groundbreaking nationwide initiative to jab the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to over 13 million girls aged 9 to 14 marks a monumental stride in the fight against cervical cancer. The campaign, set to unfold from September 15 to 27, aims to reach every corner of schools and communities, symbolising a bold commitment to public health. Amidst this ambitious effort lies a formidable obstacle: the persistent shadows of public mistrust, the spread of misinformation, and a critical gap in awareness. Overcoming these challenges will be essential to ensure the success of this pioneering endeavour and to safeguard the health of future generations.

From the outset, social media has become a battleground of falsehoods, ranging from fears of infertility and halal concerns to conspiracy theories questioning the vaccine’s origins and intentions. These myths are spreading rapidly, creating a barrier that threatens to derail a life-saving campaign.

Understanding the Silent Threat

Cervical cancer, a malignant growth in the cervix, the passage connecting the uterus to the vagina, often develops unnoticed, with early symptoms rarely apparent. When symptoms do appear, they may be mistaken for common ailments, such as irregular bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or urinary discomfort. Early detection is crucial, yet awareness remains alarmingly low.

The Urgency of Vaccination

The vaccine in use, Cecolin, developed in China and introduced globally in 2006, is designed to protect against HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. Already adopted by over 150 countries, this vaccine is a cornerstone of the World Health Organisation's strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

                 Courtesy BBC 

In Pakistan, where over 5,000 women are diagnosed annually and survival rates are dishearteningly low, the vaccination campaign is a critical intervention. It targets regions including Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with phased plans to expand to other provinces.

Early Challenges and Rising Hesitancy

The HPV vaccination effort currently underway features Cecolin, a pioneering Chinese-made, single-dose, bivalent vaccine introduced worldwide in 2006. This vaccine targets HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. With adoption in over 150 countries, Cecolin is part of the World Health Organization’s ambitious global strategy to eradicate cervical cancer by 2030, Dr. Rashida Batool, District Health Officer (DHO), Islamabad, told this scribe.

In Pakistan, where cervical cancer claims the lives of over 5,000 women annually and the survival rate remains alarmingly low at 36%, the urgency for vaccination is critical. The ongoing campaign initially covers regions including Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with plans to expand to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2026, and Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan in 2027.

A Consent Form circulated in a private educational institution in Islamabad, Pakistan 

Dr. Rashida shared that the Islamabad campaign aims to immunise 147,000 girls aged 9 to 14, encompassing both school-attending and out-of-school populations.

However, she noted that by the third day of the campaign (September 15-27, 2025), unforeseen challenges emerged, notably vaccine refusals. Despite positive initial reactions from teachers, principals, students, and parents, misinformation spread via social media caused a surge in hesitancy. “Our teams, alongside civil society organisations, are now actively engaging with school authorities, lawmakers, and communities through counselling and awareness initiatives to transform resistance into acceptance,” she explained.

Addressing concerns, Dr. Rashida reaffirmed that the HPV vaccine is well-established and not new. “Since its global debut in 2006, it has been utilised in over 150 countries, significantly reducing cervical cancer incidences. Our goal is to integrate this vaccine into Pakistan’s routine immunisation schedule.”

She further clarified that the vaccine in use, Cecolin, is a single-dose, bivalent formulation that shields against HPV types 16 and 18, strains linked to roughly 70% of cervical cancers.

The DHO acknowledged that resistance and negative narratives are common in vaccination campaigns. “But with accurate information and persistent outreach, we can dispel fears and save countless lives.”

Federal Health Minister vaccinates daughter to fight cervical cancer vaccine misinformation

In a move to dispel myths and misinformation surrounding the cervical cancer vaccine, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal vaccinated his own daughter on Saturday, hoping to set a powerful national example. 

Speaking at a cervical cancer awareness event in Karachi, Kamal highlighted the long and difficult journey to bring the vaccine to Pakistan, making it the 191st country to introduce this vital protection, a step already taken safely by many Islamic nations. 

Expressing deep concern over the spread of false claims, he stressed that no child’s life should be put at risk due to baseless fears. 

Kamal shared that his daughter agreed to receive the jab after a thoughtful conversation, and though his family typically stays away from the spotlight, he chose to make this moment public to demonstrate trust in the vaccine and urge parents across the country to do the same.

Addressing Concerns and Building Trust

The vaccine, administered as a single dose, has a proven track record in reducing cervical cancer globally. Yet, misconceptions persist: questions about its safety, halal status, and origins continue to circulate. Experts emphasize that the vaccine is safe, effective, and part of a global effort supported by extensive research and testing.

A directive from District Edu. Authority, Rawalpindi

The Role of Schools and Community Engagement

Private schools find themselves caught between parental apprehensions and government mandates. Dr. Muhammad Afzal Babar of the Private Schools Network (PSN) highlights the need for grassroots awareness. “Parents are confused and fearful, often due to misinformation. Without proper outreach, trust cannot be built,” he asserts.

Data Reveals Critical Gaps

A recent survey by Jhpiego underscores the depth of the challenge: only 19% of caregivers have heard of cervical cancer, 5% know about HPV, and just 2% are aware of the vaccine. Half of those familiar with HPV mistakenly believe a cure exists, illustrating widespread misconceptions.

Collaborative Strategies for Change

The campaign’s success hinges on partnerships, local civil society organizations, teachers, health workers, media, and religious leaders are all vital in fostering confidence. Tailored communication, from animated videos to community dialogues, aims to replace fear with facts.

Looking Toward Sustainability

Post-campaign, the government plans to incorporate the HPV vaccine into routine immunisation schedules, ensuring long-term protection. This integration, supported by Gavi, aims to make cervical cancer prevention a standard part of Pakistan’s health landscape.

A Collective Call to Action

The fight against cervical cancer extends beyond science; it demands community trust, cultural sensitivity, and collective responsibility. As Dr. Khurram Shahzad, Director, Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI), emphasises, “If we unite, parents, healthcare providers, educators, religious leaders, we can forge a future where no girl suffers from a preventable cancer.”

Now, the message is clear: facts must triumph over fear, and trust must be built brick by brick to safeguard the health of Pakistan’s daughters.

Mahtab Bashir is an Islamabad-based journalist with an MPhil in International Relations and Politics from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. 

TRIBUTE TO BASHIR HUSSAIN NAZIM - A LIFE OF GRACE, WISDOM AND DEVOTION

Mahtab Bashir
Islamabad
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

If someone asked me to describe my father in a few words, I would not speak of wealth or worldly accomplishments. I would simply say: he was a man built not of gold, but of grace. In a world dazzled by materialism, he walked a quieter path, one where thought was richer than treasure, and wisdom shone brighter than jewels.

Bashir Hussain Nazim (1937–2012) was not just my father; he was an institution. A self-taught scholar fluent in Urdu, Arabic, Persian, English, Punjabi, and more, he lived not for the spotlight but for the soul. He authored over 37 books, translated rare Sufi masterpieces, wrote and judged Naat poetry with an unmatched linguistic command, and quietly carried the weight of knowledge with humility that made him unforgettable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuF25zl2Iao

He has garnered immense acclaim within the realm of mysticism for his translations of remarkable works on Tasawwuf. His contributions include the revered 'Kashf-al-Mahjoob' by Hazrat Data Ali Hajveri (RA), 'Shawahidun Nabuwwat' by Maulana Jami (RA), 'Darul Muarif' by Hazrat Shah Ghulam Ali Dehlvi (RA), 'Zubdatul Muarif' by Hazrat Khawaja Hashim Kishmi, and 'Fayyuzatul Rabbaniya' by Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), among many others.

In his capacity as Deputy DG in the Ministry of Religious Affairs, my father took on the esteemed role of speechwriter for the Prime Ministers and Presidents of Pakistan. His keen insights as a literary critic, especially within the Naat Genre, underscored his astute judgment and significant impact in the world of literature.

On one memorable 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, my father, serving as the stage secretary at the National Seerat-un-Nabi Conference, also recited a Naat. As his voice filled the hall with reverence, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the chief guest, stood up in deep admiration and kissed my father's hands. So moved, he requested another recitation. Yet, not even this rare honour stirred pride in my father’s heart.

He had the distinction of being a Presidential Pride of Performance awardee and the recipient of the Iqbal Gold Medal, yet he often rode public buses and walked the same dusty roads as the common man. While majority chased fame, he chased meaning. While others counted riches, he counted the recitation of Durood-e-Pak, over eighty millions (eight crore) times in his life, a number more profound than any bank balance.

I distinctly remember once, as I stood before a mirror, running a comb through my hair, he glanced at me and said, “Allah has blessed you with health, a graceful face, intelligence, and...” My heart swelled with joy, but before I could bask in it, he gently finished, “…and have you thanked Him for it? Go, and offer a prayer.” That was his way, redirecting every praise back to the Divine.

Also Read: 
https://mahtabbashir.blogspot.com/2024/09/bashir-hussain-nazim-staunch-lover-of.html

He loved the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) with a devotion that permeated every day, especially 12th Rabi-ul-Awal, which he turned into a day of service, celebration, and scholarship. He judged national Seerat and Naat competitions, wrote weekly articles for over three decades, and corrected even seasoned scholars on Quranic wording with a sincerity that stemmed not from arrogance, but from deep reverence for the sacred.

He once scolded me for writing “رحمت للعالمین” with an addition of Alif, saying, “You are writing like an illiterate Maulvi. Erase it.” And this was just one example. To him, even a misplaced letter was a deviation from truth.

I remember driving him on my CD-70 motorcycle to Constitution Avenue, unaware that he had an appointment with the President of Pakistan. While luxury cars passed us by, my father entered the gates of power, not with pomp, but with books in his lap and sincerity in his heart. This was him: a scholar invited to the palace, arriving on the seat of humility.

He was called “Ustaad” by poets like Iftikhar Arif and Ehsan Akbar, consulted by the likes of Pir Naseeruddin of Golra, and deeply admired in mystic and literary circles across the globe. His Persian verses are inscribed at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) in Lahore, a poetic immortality that few can claim:

تاجدار ملک و معنی، پیر پیراں گنج بخش
کو کب رشد و ہدایت، نجم ایقاں گنج بخش
ہستی او مزرع اسلام را ابر کرم
خطہ پنجاب را احسان یزداں گنج بخش
— بشیر حسین ناظم

The writer believes that a noble character outlives wealth and endures long after death.

BLAMING GOD, DODGING GUILT: A NATION SUBMERGED IN EXCUSES

Drenched Thoughts

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

Islamabad 

When floods drown villages, when earthquakes level homes, and when lives are lost not by dozens but by thousands, a familiar chorus rises in Pakistan: “It is the wrath of God.”

It’s a refrain repeated with solemnity, broadcast from pulpits and parliaments alike. But is this divine anger or human failure dressed in spiritual language?

Let’s ask a simple question:
Why is it always the poor who face God's so-called wrath?
Why do slums collapse while gated colonies stay standing?
Why do tin roofs fly, but ministerial mansions hold firm?

Every year, as monsoon rains swell rivers and inundate cities and villages across Pakistan, devastating floods become a grim routine rather than an unforeseen disaster. Yet, instead of proactive planning, investment in infrastructure, or timely relief measures, the state often responds with complacency wrapped in fatalism. Leaders and officials deflect blame by calling these disasters the “wrath of the Almighty,” using divine attribution as a shield against scrutiny. This narrative conveniently masks decades of mal-governance, rampant corruption, and institutional decay that have left the country vulnerable to predictable natural events.

For countless years, the blueprint for building dams and water reservoirs has gathered dust, while clogged drainage systems and crumbling embankments are left to rot with indifference. Emergency protocols, if they exist at all, are relics of a forgotten era, ignored until disaster strikes. These floods are not acts of God, but symptoms of man-made apathy, where corruption drowns responsibility, and pious rhetoric becomes a smokescreen for failure.

Why do countries like Japan and the Netherlands, where religion is often a private affair, not public policy, survive nature’s worst with minimal loss of life? Why does Tokyo stand when tremors shake its core? Why doesn’t Amsterdam drown beneath the sea?

Because they plan.

Because they prepare.
Because they do not blame the skies for what they failed to fix on the ground.

In Pakistan, however, we hide behind faith like a curtain. A broken dam is not an engineering failure; it is a “test from Allah.” A collapsed school was not poor construction; it was “God’s will.” This mindset is not humility - it is a refusal to take responsibility.

It is easier to declare a flood a punishment than to ask why illegal housing projects were allowed in floodplains.

It is easier to weep and pray than to admit that funds were eaten by corruption and roads were built without drainage.

It is easier to blame “sin” than to confess to incompetence.

This is not piety, it’s escapism.

And this escape has a cost: real human lives. Children buried under rubble. Families swept away by rivers that should’ve been dammed, diverted, or at least warned of. Each time we declare these disasters "divine tests," we pass the blame upwards, and in doing so, we fail every test of governance below.

Let’s be clear: God is not in the negligence that failed to reinforce a bridge.
God is not in the embezzlement that left relief camps empty.
God is not the one who rejected science, disaster training, and early warnings.
If anything, God endowed us with the intellect to prevent such tragedies, and we chose to ignore it.

The Quran itself encourages reflection, planning, and the pursuit of knowledge. Yet, in Pakistan, we have made faith an excuse to not think, to not build, to not prepare. We have confused surrender with laziness, and patience with passivity.

If natural disasters were punishments, then the sinful capitals of the world would be dust. But they stand - protected not by morality, but by infrastructure. They don't rely on divine mercy alone. They rely on policies, systems, and respect for the laws of nature that God Himself set in motion.

As pledges of aid begin pouring in from countries around the world, Pakistan’s political leadership and bureaucracy wait eagerly, not to rescue the flood victims, but to oversee the inflow of funds they see as yet another opportunity for personal gain. While the poor wade through stagnant waters, salvaging what little remains of their lives, the powerful prepare to count donations and quietly channel them within their own circles.

By the time the funds are "disbursed," the floodwaters will have receded, leaving behind devastated communities and forgotten promises. For the victims, survival means bracing for yet another monsoon, another year, another flood, the same betrayal.

So, quite an emotional stuff. But, again, the question is:

When disaster strikes in Pakistan, is it really God’s wrath, or our own betrayal of the duty to protect our people?

Until we stop blaming heaven for what we haven’t done on earth, we will continue to dig graves with our negligence and blame the heavens for the deaths.

75-YEAR-OLD LEAVES WIFE FOR AI SWEETHEART

Till Tech Do Us Apart ... 

Mahtab Bashir

Islamabad

+92 333 53 63 248

mahtabbashir@gmail.com

 

In a plot twist fit for a sci-fi romance, a 75-year-old man in China - identified only as Jiang - reportedly asked his wife for a divorce after falling head over heels for… an AI chatbot.

 

Jiang stumbled across a virtual female avatar on social media - her voice robotic, her expressions slightly off - but to him, she was nothing short of enchanting. She greeted him every morning, tossed in just enough flirtation, and - most importantly - never argued or aged, according to Beijing Daily.

 

Hooked by her digital charm, Jiang began spending hours glued to his phone, eagerly awaiting her next pre-scripted, saccharine message calling him “brother” and thanking him for his attention. The more attached he became, the more distant he grew from his actual wife of many years - until, eventually, he asked for a divorce.

His real-life partner, understandably baffled and heartbroken, couldn’t compete with the virtual vixen’s 24/7 affection. It wasn’t until their adult children intervened - explaining that the AI was not a sentient lover but a cleverly coded marketing tool - that Jiang began to snap out of his digital daze.

 

The incident is far from isolated. China has seen a boom in “virtual digital people” - hyper-realistic AI avatars targeting lonely seniors. These bots don’t just flirt; they sell. From camel milk to calcium supplements with questionable science, these AI figures blend emotional manipulation with aggressive product placement.

 

Experts are warning of a growing trend where the elderly are falling into emotional traps, building one-sided attachments with digital personalities that only exist to sell and deceive. “These relationships may seem harmless,” one analyst noted, “but they can lead to real-world losses - financial, emotional, even marital.”

Also read:

https://wenewsenglish.com/80-of-gen-z-open-to-ai-marriage-and-emotional-bonds-study-finds/

Jiang eventually saw the wires behind the curtain. But for a fleeting moment, the illusion of love with an algorithm was enough to make him walk away from a lifetime of real memories, for a chatbot that only pretended to care.

 

And that’s the most unsettling part: the love wasn’t real. But the heartbreak was.

FROM GENES TO IDENTITY: HOW DNA SHAPES WHO WE ARE

* DNA is life’s master blueprint, holding the instructions for everything from your eye colour to how your body grows and heals
* Your entire DNA, if uncoiled, could stretch across the Solar System twice, yet it fits into microscopic cells through incredible coiling
* DNA testing has become easy and widespread in Pakistan, with labs offering health and relationship tests at varying prices
* Privacy risks loom over online DNA tests, as sensitive genetic data can be hacked, stored overseas, or misused - like in the 23andMe data breach
* Despite popular belief, Genghis Khan didn’t father half of Asia - the widespread Y-chromosome predates him and tells a much older genetic tale

Mahtab Bashir
ISLAMABAD

+92 333 53 63 248

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the essential molecule that carries the genetic instructions needed for the development, function, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms. It acts as the hereditary material, meaning it is passed from parents to their offspring and carries the information that determines how an organism looks and functions. In humans and most other organisms, DNA is found inside the nucleus of cells and is organised into structures called chromosomes.

Structure and Function of DNA

DNA is made up of two long strands that twist around each other in the shape of a double helix, similar to a twisted ladder. Each strand is made of smaller units called nucleotides, which include a sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). These bases pair in specific ways- A with T, and G with C - forming the "rungs" of the ladder.

The unique sequence of these bases creates a genetic code that gives instructions for making proteins, which are complex molecules that carry out nearly all functions in the body. Segments of DNA called genes are the specific parts of this code responsible for building different proteins.

DNA: A Tiny String with a Giant Story

Inside every cell of your body, there’s a tiny control centre called the nucleus and hidden inside that is your DNA. This amazing molecule carries the instructions that make you YOU! But here’s the twist (literally): DNA is a very long, twisty strand, about 2 meters long in just one cell. So how does it all fit?

Imagine holding a piece of string. Now start twisting it. As you keep twisting, the string begins to curl up into loops, then loops of loops, and soon it becomes a super-tangled, coiled-up bundle. That’s exactly what happens with your DNA. It doesn’t just twist into a helix (like a spiral staircase), it coils again and again and again, until it fits neatly into 46 tiny packages called chromosomes inside the nucleus, which is only 6 microns wide (that’s smaller than a red blood cell!).

This super-tight packing is done with the help of special proteins and enzymes that work like expert organisers. Even though it’s packed so small, if you stretched out all the DNA from just one of your cells, it would be about 2 meters long - taller than most people! And if you added up all the DNA from every cell in your body, it would stretch so far it could go across the Solar System and back - twice! That's the incredible power of the tiniest blueprint in your body.

Why is DNA Important?

DNA is crucial for several reasons. First, it is the material of inheritance. It ensures that traits are passed from one generation to the next, maintaining the continuity of life. Second, DNA controls cellular function by providing the exact instructions for building proteins, which play vital roles in everything from muscle movement to hormone production. Third, it determines individual traits such as eye colour, height, and even the risk of developing certain diseases.

Each person’s DNA sequence is unique, making it a personal blueprint that defines their identity. Finally, DNA plays a key role in evolution. Through changes and mutations over generations, DNA allows species to adapt and evolve, making it the foundation of life’s diversity on Earth.

How a DNA Test Works: A Journey from Cheek to Code

A DNA test begins with a simple act - collecting a sample from your body. This can be as easy as gently rubbing a cotton swab inside your cheek to gather some cells, or it may involve drawing a small amount of blood from your arm. In some cases, samples might come from saliva, hair, skin, or even amniotic fluid during pregnancy. For cancer-related testing, DNA is often taken directly from a tumour removed during a biopsy.

Once the sample is collected, it’s sent off to a specialised laboratory where the real magic happens. Scientists use chemical processes to carefully extract the DNA from your cells, like pulling the thread of a story out of a complex book. With advanced tools, lab technicians then zoom in on your genes and chromosomes, scanning for tiny changes or "spelling mistakes" in the DNA - known as mutations. These changes can reveal a lot: whether someone is at risk for a genetic condition, whether a disease is present, or even confirm biological relationships like paternity.

When the analysis is complete, the lab prepares a report and sends it to your doctor or directly to you, depending on your request. These results can be incredibly valuable - not just for understanding health risks or diagnosing conditions, but also for unlocking family connections and discovering what makes your genetic story uniquely yours.

Getting a DNA Test in Pakistan: Where to Go and What It Costs

If you're looking to take a DNA test in Pakistan, you’ll find several trusted labs and providers offering services in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and even Quetta. Accredited labs such as Genetrack Pakistan and Chughtai Lab are among the leading names, offering a range of genetic and relationship testing options to meet different needs - from health screenings to paternity verification.

Genetrack Pakistan is popular for family-related tests such as paternity and sibling DNA checks, while Chughtai Lab, a nationwide diagnostic centre, provides advanced genetic services, including cancer risk screening like the BRCA 1/2 analysis. DNA Worldwide and AlphaBiolabs are international providers with service points in Pakistan, often specialising in immigration-related DNA testing. If your test is for immigration purposes, the U.S. Embassy may guide you through specific approved channels.

Prices can vary widely depending on the type of test and the lab. For example, a DNA paternity test from Genetrack Pakistan costs around PKR 41,330, while a sibling test is priced at PKR 62,630. Chughtai Lab’s BRCA genetic test, which assesses breast cancer risk, is about PKR 90,000. Other services, like a twin zygosity test at dnatellsall.com, may charge an extra PKR 21,500 for additional participants.

Whether you're confirming family ties or checking your health risks, DNA testing in Pakistan is accessible, with flexible options and varying price points depending on what you're looking for.

Can hackers hack DNA?

Buying a DNA test online has become easy and popular, thanks to the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies like 23andMe and Ancestry. These services offer insights into ancestry, health risks, and family connections by analysing a saliva or cheek swab sample. However, this convenience comes with serious concerns. DNA data is permanent and deeply personal - once shared, it can’t be changed or taken back. Storing this sensitive information digitally raises major privacy risks, not only for the individual but for their family members as well.

There are also concerns about unclear privacy policies, weak contracts, and the way companies store and use genetic data, sometimes across borders and for commercial partnerships. A recent example of these dangers is the massive 2023 data breach at 23andMe, where hackers accessed and targeted nearly 7 million users, with racial profiling and dark web data sales involved. This breach triggered multiple lawsuits and highlighted the lack of proper oversight in the industry.

The urges consumers to think carefully before purchasing DNA tests and calls for stronger international rules, better data protection, and clearer contracts to safeguard users. An animated public awareness video and related research aim to inform people of the risks and push for fairer, more secure practices in this fast-growing field.

Scientists Prove DNA Can Carry Malware and Hack Computers

The next cyber security threat could come from DNA. This is no sci-fi fantasy, but the findings of new research presented at the 26th USENIX Security Symposium in Vancouver, Canada. For the first time, researchers have shown that it's possible to encode malware in DNA and take control of a sequencing machine as it sequences the DNA strands. Although the average hacker wouldn't be able to launch such an attack, DNA-encoded cyber threats might become more likely as sequencing becomes cheaper and more popular, the scientists say.

Debunking the Myth: No, 50% of Men Aren’t Descended from Genghis Khan

The popular claim that half of all men are descendants of Genghis Khan may sound epic - but it’s a big misunderstanding of genetics. While it's true that scientists discovered a certain Y-chromosome lineage spread widely across Asia, this doesn’t mean Genghis Khan fathered half the continent. In fact, the lineage in question is much older than Khan himself, dating back around 2,600 years - nearly a thousand years before the famous Mongol leader was even born.

Why the 50% Story Falls Apart

At the heart of the confusion is a shared Y chromosome found in many men across Central Asia. Originally, some believed this genetic signature came directly from Genghis Khan due to its rapid spread - but further analysis showed that the lineage was already common long before his rise. It likely belonged to an ancient ancestor of all Mongolic-speaking peoples, spreading through migration, trade, and intermixing along the Silk Road, not solely through the conquests of one man.

There’s also no direct genealogical proof that this chromosome belonged to Genghis Khan or his known descendants. So far, none of the men carrying it today can trace their family tree back to the emperor himself.

What the DNA Really Tells Us

One well-known genetic study found that about 8% of men living in regions once ruled by the Mongol Empire share a similar Y chromosome, which equates to roughly 16 million men today. This dramatic spread is believed to be tied to the social structure, conquests, and dynastic power of the Mongol Empire. Still, while Genghis Khan’s family certainly influenced history (and genetics), this Y-chromosome lineage is not uniquely his, but a relic of a much older and broader genetic story written long before his time.

In short, the claim makes for a great headline, but the truth is far more ancient - and far more complex.

Mahtab Bashir, an independent blogger and a nature enthusiast, can be accessed at mahtabbashir@gmail.com