On August 1st, the dusty, beloved, and historic Shikarpur, my city of pride and heritage, came alive. In scenes echoed across countries like Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Canada, the U.S., and beyond, children poured into schools after summer vacation, their faces gleaming with joy and anticipation. Rickshaws, motorcycles, and ching-chis buzzed through the lanes of Hathidar, Hazaridar, and Lakhidar, packed with school bags, lunchboxes, and innocent laughter. These radiant faces, brighter than the sun and the fourteenth moon, carried hope, curiosity, and dreams.

Our family’s little ones, Hiba, Hadia, Khadija, Prince Taimur, and Uneza Japani, joined millions across the globe, eager to resume journeys through math, science, literature, and history. Watching children, especially girls in colourful uniforms, rush to their morning assemblies, racing for the national anthem and prayer, was heartwarming. This yearly ritual of returning to school is more than tradition; it is a celebration of life, learning, and the future.

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But my heart sinks as thoughts turn to a different land, torn by fire, fear, and hunger: Gaza.

While children worldwide embrace education, Gaza’s children are denied even the right to survive. Once full of life, Gaza now lies in smouldering ruins. Over 2.3 million people, including nearly a million children, remain trapped under brutal siege, bombardment, and starvation. Food, water, electricity, and medicine, basic necessities, have been cut off with deliberate cruelty. The UN has called........

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