Dhokha and Being a Muslim in India

Mukesh Bhatt’s Muzammil Ibrahim starred ‘Dhokha’ or ‘Betrayal’ is the Bollywood’s latest offering that raises several questions about Muslims and their identity in India.

Of Medical Students, Passports and Religous Tolerance

Who am I to declare that Mirza Ghulam Ahmed Quadiani is an impostor nabi? Why on earth am I even being asked the question?

An Ode Called Amritsar

On hearing that I was about to visit her ancestral city, my mother gave me instructions to reach her childhood home from the railway station...

Swat: Can the deal work?

After the peace deal between the Taliban and the government people thought that normal life would return to the troubled district of Swat.

Diabetes: Wrestling with a Twenty-First Century Monster

“Half of world’s population at risk of diabetes by end of next decade.� This disorder is encroaching on the traditional confines of age, ethnicity, and geography—in particular AGE.

Nirad Babu's Ghost

His (Nirad C. Chaudhuri's) discourse could effortlessly vacillate between, say, the role of the Kama sutra in the Indian psyche to the merits of a Chateau d'Yquem.

Anti-Americanism in Pakistan and the Taliban Menace

The Taliban are waging an armed struggle to remake society. They will keep fighting this war even if America were to miraculously evaporate into space.

The Lame Duck Government

The Pakistan army has been once again mobilized in a big way to stamp out the presence of Taliban in the Tribal areas as well as Swat and Mardan.

Music: Muslim Madonna

Performing seated alongside notable ghazal maestros of the subcontinent was the eight years old Deepika Thathaal known by her stage name Deeyah.

Nawaz Sharif’s Moment of Truth

Nawaz Sharif disqualified to run for the national Assembly by none other than the Lahore High Court. How should he react to it? How should he take it?

The Brain Food

Eat your carrots; you’ll see better in the dark. Don’t go swimming until an hour after you eat. It turns out that some of these have stood the test of time.

Aitzaz’s Monumental Blunder

There is all quiet in Pakistan after the lawyers’ long march. The struggle of more than one year was wasted away in matter of hours.

The Bhopal Tragedy Continues

On June 10th a global hunger strike was called to bring justice to Bhopal victims and put the corporation Dow Chemical, to shame, since the Indian government does not seem to be doing its job.

Restoring the Civil Rights of Ahmadis

The persecution of Ahmadis even under the present mangled constitution is patently unconstitutional.

The Cruel Expulsions

Reaction to “Twenty Three Students Expelled From Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad�

Healthcare in Pakistan, Lessons from Cuba

Cuba has the most impressive doctor to patient ratio of 1 to 175. All this and more while facing more than 40 years of US trade and financial embargoes.

Another Lal Masjid in the Making?

The walls were filled with anti-west hate slogans, “Al-Jihad Al-Qital� (holy war, bloody battle) written everywhere around the central mosque. This was not the Bahawalpur I knew.

Paper Trail

To produce five sheets of 8 x 11 inch paper we use the equivalent energy of an 80 watt bulb operating for an hour; but at a cost far greater than that of electricity.

Who Moved My Cheese

Mr Gore wasn’t afraid of looking foolish, he’d take his presentation wherever people would listen. His persistence ended up creating a climate of global acceptance of global warming.

The Emerging Threat

According to some people, Mangal Bagh has the full backing of government. If this is true than another Frankenstein is in the making.

Pakistan (private) Ltd.

‘Why could you not have been brave enough, why do you not have some courage, why did you not ever go to jail, why did you never kill someone, why did you not ever embezzle money – ’

Delayed Justice

Centre’s decision to award a compensation package totaling Rs 330 crores to the victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots can at best be described as a pre-election effort at applying a healing touch.

Confessions of a Religious Fundamentalist

I just want you to understand that never mind the beautiful facades of different ISMS, at the base of it all we are all religious and all fundamentalists.

The Wrong Mix

Refusing to ally with capitalist-democracies of the West and cautious about openly supporting the USSR/communism Islamic Socialists attempted to come up with a "third way."

Whither Enlightened Moderation

The latest patch up between the NWFP provincial government and Taliban of Swat and South Waziristan buries the much touted President Musharraf’s theme of enlightened moderation

30 Days in Afghanistan - Dinner Conversations

I'm in Kabul, Afghanistan. Actually, I'm in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - and across and beside me, people are beginning to get drunk. Muslims are getting drunk.

A Little After Three

I lay face down, pretending to have fallen asleep. Soon I heard random words like boy, Muslim, Sindhi, dowry, next week, dinner, and blood pressure.

I Spy Hindutva

Attempts have been made to 'saffronize' at both the ground level (by editing textbooks) and by challenging conclusions of scholars who have attempted to rewrite history.

Myanmar Disaster

“Dedicated to the people of Burma in their hour of need………but stands there, the government and its obstacles “!!!

The Raj Lives: India In Nepal

Six decades after the British withdrew from the subcontinent, it takes considerable audacity to produce a book titled “The Raj Lives�.

PPP Isn’t Convinced!

Pandering to the presidency, appointment of Mehmood Ali Durrani and Rehman Malik, failure to remove Malik Abdul Qayyum, are signs that establishment isn’t blinking just yet.

Nirmala Deshpande - A Truly Great Soul

Nirmala Deshpande a dedicated Gandhian was a true peace activist.

Prisoner of Conscience

Mr. Afridi is imprisoned because of his peaceful expression of his beliefs. He is victim of an unfair trial.

Kiss of Death

Unlike cigarettes, gutka comes without a health warning and lack of awareness of its impact on health increases its consumption.

Akbar and Alexander

Jodha Akbar has stirred considerable interest in the historic Akbar but it mostly shows his softer romantic side and rather little of his tougher character.

Is It Treason to Question

In the General Hospital in Lahore, in the top most brain surgery institute of Pakistan, people lie in verandas in unhygienic conditions.

Europe and the Film Culture

Despite the speculated aggressive reactions, the film “Fitna� was released on the Internet on March 27, 2008.

The Importance of Natural Selection

Throughout time we have asked ourselves whether we are fallen angels or risen apes. The answer lies in a simple yet tabooed subject.

Color-Blind Love

Worldwide, interracial marriages are on the rise. However, 20 years ago, because of my religion, a German priest would not officiate our marriage nor would a Greek Orthodox priest.

Bhutto’s Judicial Murder Revisited

For an insecure gatecrasher like Zia, Bhutto’s engineered ‘judicial murder’ was a zero sum game: it was either Bhutto on the gallows or his own neck on the chopping block.

A Staircase Connecting Three Worlds

This is a world where hopes are pinned, dreams take form and life’s problems seem to somehow droop their heads like tired banners on an old banyan tree.

Why not hang Surabjit Singh?

Whether it is for illegally crossing borders, overstaying visas or terrorism, Indians and Pakistanis arrested in each other's countries have poor consular and legal access.

Mosquito Music

That’s one form of music
That makes me quite sick,
whose notes are malaria,
dengue or filaria.

Starting from the End

Wapda and the ministry of power have implemented an emergency load shedding plan to plug the gap between electricity supply and demand leading to more misery for millions.

Is Decline of the Fourth-Estate Here and Happening?

Distinguished Editor and Author of our times M J Akbar is removed from the Chairmanship of 'The Asian Age' and 'Deccan Chronicle'.

Student Politics in Pakistan: A Profile

Student politics in Pakistan has had a history of mixed fortunes and shades. Though extremely tumultuous, it is also a history of rich democratic traditions.

Men's Liberation...Better Late Than Never

It is ironic that those men who become caring towards their wives are sometimes called sissy, wimp and 'zan mureed'

The Spring of Discontentment

As of today 27th Feb 2008, the USD has touched its record low against Euro (1.50) while Oil has touched its record peak of 101 dollars.

Ralph Nader Joins 2008 Presidential Race

Attacking both Clinton and Obama in an interview, Nader said, "Obama is an overly cautious captive of his handlers and Clinton is a panderer and a flatterer.�

At Last...Nationalism at Last

Socialism, the destroyer of the civilisations, took the world under its claws after the Second World War. This (Kosovo) win might be the beginning of the end of the anti-nationalist hegemony all round the world.

Pakistan Poll Rigging

When you hear the opposition, particularly PPP and PML-N, describe the details of alleged rigging, it seems they have a great deal of knowledge and expertise in this specialty.

Targeted Taxi Drivers

Day passes and night creeps up over the city,
Suddenly the TV chatters “taxi drivers targeted in Mumbai�

Revival of Passive Resistance in Indian Commercial Cinema

That non-violence is an integral and a much respected part of our culture, seems to have slowly escaped our memory.

Monday Morning Blast in Rawalpindi ... An eyewitness account

This morning marked the first day of classes for the current batch of officers chosen from around the country to take the Unit Command Course. Five of them never signed-in today.

India Chalo - An Anecdotal Look at the Indian Economy

Combining real facts with anecdotes and colourful characters that symbolise the new India, INDIA CHALO written by Brij Raj Singh, is a passionate look at India and its opportunities .

Taliban, Pashtoons and Pakistan

The militants have become so bold that they have started to fight pitch battles against the Army instead of employing hit and run tactics that were the hallmark of tribal battle skills.

Tea Anyone?

I was perplexed at the idea of tea at that hour of the night until I viewed the texture of this liquid I realized this my friends, was no Lipton, it was red wine.

Sunset at Uluwatu

Anjali and I had spent the afternoon in Tanjong Benoa. A small touristy cove off the Southern End of Bali, it had been a typical beach bumming day banana boating, snorkeling...

Shahjahan’s “Moorti� and Other Absurdities in Agra

Agra, the city of Taj, is the ultimate destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. But a recent visit to Agra reveals a scarred city which on the verge of collapse.

Leaders, Heroes and Mountains

He (Sir Admund Hillary) was not a sahib who came, conquered and left having had his adventure in the hills. He established and sustained a lasting bond with the Sherpa people of the Himalayas.

Eight years of Four M's: Musharraf, MQM, Muslim League and Mullah

After eight years of these M’s Pakistan has transformed into a hell filled with price hike, ethnic tensions ... scarcity of basic necessities and above all reactionary suicide bombers.

Pakistan's Flawed and Feudal Princess

It's wrong for the West simply to mourn Benazir Bhutto as a martyred democrat, says this acclaimed south Asia expert. Her legacy is far murkier and more complex.

Ashes in the River

...at that stage all the differences are really wiped out.

Revolutionary for Sale

Clothing plastered with the portrait of socialist revolutionary Che Guevara is possibly one of the oddest and most self contradictory phenomena's of the 21st century.

Psychology of Men's Honour and Women's Sexuality

When Eastern women become financially and emotionally independent their husbands start losing control and become abusive and violent

Movie Review: The Kite Runner

Khalid Hosseini, like many Afghan’s is a poet at heart. Here with the assistance of screenwriter David Benioff, the essence of The Kite Runner remains intact

Interviewing Ayman

I came across the “hilarious news� that Al Qaeda would be now conducting an open interview. Yes my friends.. good old Ayman will be answering your questions.

This Pyre Will Burn…!

Larkana and the entire interior of Sindh and Sindhi/Baloch dominated areas in Karachi resonated with the slogans of Jiya Sindh and Punjabi na Khapan and Pakistan na khapay.

Making a Mockery of Democracy

Waging democracy in the spirit of revenge is the worst form of democracy. This shows the type of democracy which Benazir Bhutto’s (BB) Peoples Party wanted to enforce in Pakistan.

Drifting in the World

“I have to design a website which will host pictures and videos of wet t-shirt competitions. And if I do it well, they’ll give me more projects.�

Abdul Latif Khalid (1944-2007)

My father’s sudden demise at only 63 years of age through a massive heart attack has been by far the most profound life experience I have had to endure.

The Real Issue Facing Pakistan

A cursory look at the main characters in the tribal insurgency would show their strong links with the army in the past.

In Search Of Baby Chips

I switched on the projector inside my head, loaded up a dusty reel from the 1960s, and began: “Once upon a time there lived a little boy who often visited Lahore's Anarkali bazaar...

Shoaib Malik at the cross-roads

Pakistan has let go of another impressive record that they held for almost three decades - that of not losing a test series in India. The series was lost, as was the pride...

Ghazal from Allama Iqbal, translated by M. Shahid Alam

DigarguN hai jahaN taroN ki gardish tez hai Saqi

Home, a state of mind?

Home is not necessarily a four-walled structure that has traces of one’s childhood days and it certainly does not represent the country or city one lives.

Holier Than Thou

As if she possessed the sole ownership to what Allah meant in the Koran she pounced on me in every sense of the word. Well He’s my God too lady was my response.

Fundamentalism and Violence

Human beings are conditioned by their families and communities and violent cultures produce violent people.

6th December 1992

A turning point in Hindu Muslim relations in the post independence Indian history. It was a moment when all truths about religious coexistence suddenly proved false.

Free to Dress

Subhash Chandra Bose, three year old. Jawaharlal Nehru, eight year old. Shivaji, ten year old. Rani Luxmi Bai, five year old. Sounds puzzling?

Mukhtar Mai's December 11th Fundraiser in Sacramento

This effort is not about dwelling on what already happened but what's possible; to change the future of some girls and women in Southern Punjab.

An Insight Into Pakistan Army and Musharraf

A combination of threat perception and indispensability strengthened his quest for legitimacy till it consumed his reformist self.

Six Minutes

The changing world,
Continuation of destruction
Through volcanoes and winds

First it was Bangladesh now it Baluchistan

Baluchistan has a different history than Bangladesh, Bengalis were active for creation of Pakistan but Baloch weren’t part of Pakistan moment.

Nandigram Turmoil, Boiling the Nation

Left Front used a private army to recapture Nandigram in November 2007. 600 people were killed. The Muslim friendly, Kisan Friendly and Labourers friendly mask of Left is torn.

The Cyclone and the Saudi Prince

Patargata - never heard of it, it sounds like a Thai dish. Do I need to worry about it? I've got enough on my mind.

Is this the worst Pakistan team ever?

They have been successful in erasing 24 years of winning record of Pakistan cricket team in India.

Dispensation of Justice is the Main Pillar of Democracy

The three constitutions, framed in Pakistan, proved to be just pieces of paper; their sanctity frequently violated by the men with guns, and by those who authored and approved these documents.

Pakistan: Media Under Siege

Police have attacked and arrested journalists demonstrating all over the country. Over a hundred journalists offered themselves for mass arrest in Karachi on Nov 20.

Kolkata on Fire

On 21st November the protest was more violent than any imagined in recent times in Kolkata and almost all our lives have been violently affected by it.

Secret Life of Gays in New Delhi

On all other days, Pegs N Pints is "normal" - strictly straight. But on Tuesday evenings as the clock struck ten, queers start trickling out of their closets.

Pakistan at War

There is little doubt that Pakistan is under attack by the combined forces of Al Qaeda and Taliban. It is equally clear that the war is not going well.

Pakistan at Sixty

Insightful and relevant article written in October by political activist Tariq Ali on the occasion of 60th anniversary of Pakistan.

Its Time To Follow The 'Pied Piper'

Yesterday I learnt that our own Pakistani police have taken away ‘Imran Khan’, our hero the pride of nation, to put him behind bars.

Whither Emergency

General Musharraf’s self perception of being indispensable to Pakistan is now compounded further as the US affirms him as the most valuable partner in the ‘war on terror’.

Sumera Jawad: The Excavated Linearity

Sumera, through her brush, tries to explore the true image of contemporary woman by exhuming the historical representation of the South Asian woman.

Clarity

“Arunivas! Arunivas! Make sure you get me a gold set! Last Diwali you forgot completely that I am allergic to non-gold. How can you forget such important things?�

Saawariya Targets Eternal Love

Sony Picture’s “Saawariya�, a new Bollywood-Hollywood movie is set to release in the United States and worldwide on November 9th. Based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's short story, White Nights.

The Cost of a Pakistani Journalist Life

What matters more? the media coverage or the person covering it? Ask a media owner of newspaper or the television and it’s the coverage.

The Proposition

The halala was solemnized. At 11, Iqtidar had his first experience of the flesh. Naghma was facilitated in her return to the man she really loved.

The Wild Side Of The Mall

They changed the name of The Mall Road of Lahore to Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam years ago. I was too young then to object and since old habits never die, I will—with a cynical smile—call the lifeline of Lahore by its old name: The Mall.

Religiosity, National Ethos and Governance

Suggestions for modifications in the system of governance in Pakistan.

In the Loving Memory of Waleed Iqbal

Waleed Iqbal is known in the debating fraternity of Pakistan as being one of the finest members of the Pakistan debating Society. ... For a man I refuse to fade away.

Imran Khan at LUMS

Amidst speculation of the imposition of emergency in the country by the state, Imran was here to speak about the role of the youth in the country’s political future.

Fair Game

Review of "My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House" By Valerie Plame Wilson

Mumbai's Farida Khanum Fiasco

Pakistani singer Farida Khanum sang in Mumbai on Friday night for the first time in her 72 years at a concert memorable also for being embarrassingly organised.

Bobby & Jerry : Rise of a Coloured ‘son’ Retold

Bobby has proved that he is more Christian than the Christians, more conservative than the conservatives, and as or more embedded in the Bush-Cheney establishment than the others.

Relevance of English Studies in India

The need of the hour is to decolonise our English Studies by judging English literary texts not by European critical tools, but by Indian critical theories.

Voice from Waziristan

Today on 28th October, 2007 I woke up to the horror stories of killing and beheading of thirteen people in Swat, Pakistan.

On disowning Bhagat Singh and Other Vagaries

“Zia Ul Haq ordered to destroy all Hindi and Gurmukhi books of the library. The books were thrown in a nala (sewage channel) that ran by the library.�

Indian Exceptionalism: Colonial Stereotypes and Postcolonial Realities

Indian exceptionalism manifests itself as nationalist, chauvinist, and fundamentalist sentiment, often mingling unhealthily with other kinds of closed-minded imperatives.

Corruption and Freedom of Press in Pakistan

There have been a number of statements lauding the “freedom� of the press accompanied by a grim reminder of the “dark� days under the democratic governments of the 90s. What does the evidence say?

Superseded

A divorced woman, suspects misfortunes to rob her again in a new turn in her life; this time it didn’t end up tragic.

Media: A Catalyst for Social and Political Change

Media should connect the public spirit of politics by encouraging the people’s participation in political decisions.

Identity and Synergy - Classical Music and Film Song

The popularity of film songs is at a peak today, irrespective of the quality of music. In stark contrast, classical music is getting less patronage and popularity.

The Muffled Rage

These fragmented sentences and paragraphs are like those human parts and our character as a nation dispersed all over these streets of Karachi.

Opportunity Knocks But Once

The story goes into the mind/psyche of a surgeon. A competitive, aggressive, brilliant, trained professional mind.

The Durrani Family Saga

The poor in Pakistan must be given an alternate to the clergy to take them out from the spiral of ignobility in which they are caught.

Jeenay Do BB

A piece of satire targeted on Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's return to Pakistan.

Imperialism and the Writing of History

Occupied Iraq and Colonial India

A tribute: To Revathy Gopal

We talked just once on the phone
I, the hopeful poet,
you, established and acknowledged,
friendly, kind and encouraging.

Footfalls of Indian History

Nivedita shows a remarkable insight into India’s past which comes out in this book. It is not that she accepted India without questioning.

Friends Not, Masters

An overview of the declasified US secret documents, it has been alleged in those documents that the Pakistan is supporting the Taliban

Vanaja: A Movie That Moves Your Heart

Either Writer-Director Rajnesh Domalpalli is one of the luckiest first filmmakers around or true contender for future international movie fame.

Bernard Lewis and the Neocon view of Islam

Lewis has had such a profound influence that according to the Wall Street Journal, “the Lewis doctrine, in effect, had become US policy�.

The First Indian-American Governor in America

Odds are that shortly after October 20th Louisiana, US will have the nation’s first-ever governor-elect of Indian descent.

Alcohol Use and Abuse

Knowledge about alcohol use and abuse allows people to make responsible choices rather than hiding the problem or relying on traditional myths that are hundreds of years old.

Old Wine, Still Older Bottles

If the people of Pakistan don’t take to the streets, the politicians are themselves to blame. They have chosen the politics of convenience and non-agitation.

Memsahib

A Poem should always raise more questions than it answers.

Fall

Do I really have to?
Watch
The slow unwinding of leaves
As they fall ever so slowly from the branches
that nurtured them

Musharraf the Out-smarter

A lot is being said and written these days for and against Musharraf who first introduced the concept of ‘Pakistan First’ (keeping Pakistan before self and all).

An Alternative Approach to International Development

Although many nations have promised 0.7% of GNI to relieve suffering and secure the enjoyment of basic human rights, no one is able to hold them accountable.

Musharraf and Pakistan: A Message for the Secretary General of the Commonwealth

Let not the Commonwealth make Musharraf 'an exception story'. Call a spade a spade. Tell it how it is.

Local Knowledge, Capital, and Social Change in the Age of Globalization

Whether it is selling vegetables or tourism, the local agent does not, by definition, possess anything that cannot be brought from elsewhere in the globe.

Limits of Multiculturalism

The question of reasonable accommodation with cultural minorities has erupted with increasing frequency and friction in almost all countries with multicultural minorities

Floods in Assam

When will Assamese see a permanent solution to the problem they have come to live with. To remove the backwardness of the region, tackling the flood menace is a must.

Why should the West Monopolize and Hijack Philosophy?

The trouble with western books on philosophy is that they seldom cover Oriental philosophies.

Little tales from the Staan

Three stories by Umer M. - A visit to the healers, A chicken for an eye, and Indispensable.

The Transformation of the Punjabi Man: Pashtunization or Militarization?

Khalid Ahmed has opened the door for a serious debate and his words on this subject are and must not be the last.

Ultimate Fate of the Universe

Observations of the supernova carried out by two groups in 1999, showed clearly that the universe was not only expanding but undergoing in a wild accelerated expansion.

The need for De-Bhuttofication of the Pakistan People's Party

In the last 5 years, PPP in the assembly at least has emerged as a strong force against obscurantism.

A Dog's Death

He was tired, hungry, wounded and weak. He looked at a circle of red eyes and white teeth above, and struggled a smile. They could not reach him any more.

Ramadan Special: Tales of Sufi Wisdom

Since Ramadan is supposed to be a month for bringing dead hearts back to life all the episodes here chosen have the theme of life and death.

The Reality of Disposable Kids

Child laborers, Sex workers and factory workers in the third world are all really slaves. Victims of the people's residence in unreality and constant indifference.

An Unconditional Commitment to Pluralism

It means accepting a Hindu as a Hindu, a Muslim as a Muslim, a Jew as a Jew, an atheist as an atheist, an unbeliever as an unbeliever and it means respecting that choice.

Sex Education For the Next Generation

Sex education based on science, medicine and human psychology rather than cultural and religious superstitions help make rational and responsible choices in life.

Who Celebrates the Resident Indian?

Indian (especially, the American NRI) is now held up as an ideal model of Indian identity for the era of globalization.

A Friend of Feudalism

The very reasons that make the west love Benazir Bhutto are the same that leave many Pakistanis with second thoughts.

Twin Blasts in Rawalpindi leaves 27 dead, 70 injured

A chilling response to Musharraf's military operation in tribal areas

The Paradox Cult

The hypocrisy with which the cult leaders lure and seduce; poor and illiterate parents and their children alike, under the banner of Islamic teachings.

Days of Rage

“However flawed democracy here is, it is still the only answer,� she (Asma Jahangir) continued.

India's first Citizen Journalists Meet held in New Delhi

Citizen journalists participating in the meet shared their views and ideas to take the country ahead into the next 60 years of independence.

Living Through a Revolution

An account of my personal experiences in Iran as it went through a transition from a monarchy to an Islamic Republic

Football Madness at Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

Nowhere does football arouse as much passion as in Brazil; and nothing personifies it more than the scene at the Maracana, one of world's largest sporting venues.

No Choice But This

A Three Act Play ... what does a father do for a son paralysed neck down...

naustalgia

obsession speaks
speaks to the walls
where a memory crawls

Dodging Pakistani Sleuths to Cover a War and a Coup

Are there Indian journalist who could come anywhere near the blunt posers that are hurled by Pakistani journalists to people in authority?

Boots, Beards, Burqas and Bombs

The Lal Masjid operation has intensified Gen Musharraf’s problems - An Analysis.

This Is For The Men Who'll Roll Their Eyes

I’m waiting for the day when the word feminism will not be a synonym for extremism.

Of Taufel, Howard And An Apology

Same day that Simon Taufel expressed disappointment with his decision, another Australian, PM John Howard, ruled out an apology to the Indian doctor Mohammad Haneef

Color Me In

My eyes wander around her room – it is clean – each artifact carefully in place as if she arranged her coffin before she decided to die.

Our National Mea Culpa

The Individual, The State and Lal Masjid: The failure of Pakistan to develop a tradition of dissent in its politics

Bovinity

I politely asked the strange being in a language which it could easily understand to reduce the volume. It said: Jee? Avaaz oonchi ker doon?

Jinnah and the Islamic State – Setting the Record Straight

What did Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, want for the country he was destined to create in 1947?

Celebrating Pakistan's 60th Anniversary

What better way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Pakistan's independence from Britain than poetry from Iqbal, the man who is Pakistan's ideological founding father?

The Quest

“Amman can you tell me who my real mother was?� Nazish asked gazing at the wall in front of her.

Book Dropper

Nicholas Nassim Taleb says there are two ways to look at your bookshelf. The books you have read and consider yourself well read or...

Wars of Errors

Evil is self-destructive, you will find if you read Shakespeare; and patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel, said an Englishmen more than two centuries before.

A Pakistani-American in India

A Pakistani-American walks down a road in India named after his great grandfather.

Cause For Celebration

Malaysia is also a former British colony. It’s still developing but it’s taken the first step towards that goal, and its well on its way.

Images

It is almost 8 evening in Mississauga.I am walking outside. There is an urge to get out the house and walk on the pavements.

A New US Vision?

The US Congressional bill designed to implement the '9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007' contains the seeds of new thinking on Pakistan.

Militarily Troubled Pakistan and Terribly Administered Tribals

Strategy that can prevent potential extremism in the Fraudulently Administered Tribal Areas, FATA.

The Corporation That Changed The World

A book exposing the illegalities, tyrannies, immorality, rapacity, frauds and every kind of misfeasance practised by the East India Company.

Lal Masjid: Lessons Learnt

What is the take away for the Government, the Clerics, and the Liberals.

The Future of Iraq

The future of Iraq is dicey, it will fly apart at the seam simply because it does not have a national ethos nor it has strong visionary men leading it.

Moral Policing is the Same Everywhere

The Lal Masjid\'s occupants might have changed, when will the moral policing system in Indian subcontinent change?

The Choice of Leading a Gay Life

‘forcing them to marry hoping he or she will change’ – such a approach invites anger, irritation, tensions and worse absolute breakdown of relations.

Rushdie and the British Establishment

It is certainly true that the attitudes and belief systems of pockets of Muslim youth represent a serious challenge to the ethos of a post-industrial, post-modern society; but it is also true that the terrorism that has taken place on British soil or that

A Letter To President Musharraf

Mr. President – we do not desire any more simpleton rhetoric or illogical declarations. We want you to take positions and then stick to them. … We want to allow alcohol and its attendant sins, regulate them, and use them to generate MUCH NEEDE

Where the Teesta Flows!

What can you say when you see Buddhist monks robed in maroon and saffron perform a ritualistic dance to the music of cymbals, drums and gongs?

Preventing More Lal Masjids

What should the government do after the guns stop firing and the hostages are out, whether dead or alive?

Countering Our Very Own Frankenstein

According to media reports, pro-Taliban elements like the Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Moham have already clashed with the military. The TNSM has reportedly seized all highways in the area, including the Silk Road leading to China.

Better Living through Chemistry

What would you give for a pill that made you happy or thin or helped erase the pain of losing a loved one?

Letter from Pakistan

My American friends, can you imagine your great country without justice for all? Can you live in country where justice is not available? Thanks to your Government who is supporting a military dictator in Pakistan, we cannot experience the same freedoms as

Satanic Verses

No one has really made their own judgment on the person, his work and for the sake of argument his “character”. But we are quick to condone the knighthood. We are quick to support whatever our “community” is saying.

Allama Iqbal- Is he still relevant?

Given the current turmoil, which has made it abundantly clear that the people of Pakistan desire a truly representative democratic civilian order, the question above has become very relevant.

Demystification of the Other

A spiritual journey to places of worship--mosque, church and synagogue

How Prepared are we for Earthquakes?

On October 8, 2005 we rudely awoke to our nightmare that killed 73,000 and rendered about 3.5 million homeless.

Condemned Gods of Darrah Pir

30 kms north-west of our modern capital city, at the foot of great mountains lies the ruins of an ancient city, capital of an empire and the center of a great civilization that thrived on those hills some 2500 years ago. The locals call the site “D

Fox off!

What is sicker? State brutality or the brutality being turned into a sensational slide show by the channels to improve their ratings and attract viewrship?

Worlds Apart

‘Home? Where was home, anyway? Don’t they say home is where the heart is?’

Allama Iqbal and His Women

When we study the psychological aspect of Iqbal’s life, we find out that despite having a sensitive heart and a brilliant mind, he had to struggle against many romantic contradictions through out his life.

Fake

some folks smile easy. for others it is a chore. point is, smiles cannot be cultivated. one is either born with it, else, you just fake it. and when confronted by a mirror, the fake ones fall off...

Daughters of Hajar

Hajar was Prophet Abraham’s wife and the mother of Ismael. Abraham took them to Mecca (at the site of the Masjad-al-Haram) and abandoned them there (at Allah’s command?). Identifying herself with Hajar, Asra chose to call her organization 'Dau

Pakistan – The Threat From Within

It is an open question as to exactly how much further Pakistan will move towards religious radicalism in the years to come.

Female Image in the NWFP

A drive through Peshawar’s main roads shows the most perverse affects of gender selectivity.

The Anatomy of a Smile

“With two years or so of braces, your smile can be improved wonderfully!” So spoke The Dentist.

Just a Woman

I was used to the whistling, the smirks, the humming of latest Bollywood songs or even a religious proclamation of how great God is, this sort of thing, however had me stop and take notice.

The Madness of Crowds

When mention was made of his (Jerry Falwell's) intolerance or his blaming certain segments of society for national tragedies, his defenders would point to the Bible and say that Jerry was only saying what the book says.

Guard of Honour

The outcome of the match between Eaton FC and with Weymouth FC did not evince too much of interest amongst the English football enthusiasts but for the fact that the world was to watch a ‘footballing genius’ one last time.

Chief Justice’s Chess

The chess fable illustrates the consequence of exponential growth! It begins slowly and no one notices. But then before you know it you have reached the center of the chess board and things really begin to make an impact.

Secularism, Positive Communalism and the Pluralist State

What form of secularism works in a pluralist state? Is it the one that bases itself in inclusiveness or that which is premised on insularity of state from religion?

Alex

A tall, broad, handsome 21 year old who loved basketball, on the outside he was the same old Alex. But he had become someone he did not want to be.

Guddi

'Am I forever destined to wish better luck to others when nothing good ever comes my way?'

Militant Liberalism

Do we have liberals amongst us that are willing to carry a Kalashnikov in the name of values of Egalitarianism and Social Justice?

Fake Killings: People as Trophies

The manner in which the fake killing(s) have snowballed into a major embarassment for the ’invincible looking’ Modi regime is for everyone to see.

Home is where the heart is

I remember an episode of Boston Legal where when Alan Shore is feeling schizophrenic, a psychiatrist asks him where does he live. He says in a hotel. I was mildy surprised.

The Lament Of Bengal's Luddites

SEZs (Special Economic Zones) in India are expected to generate 15-17 lakh new jobs in 5 years and attract around INR 2,50,000 crore and boost exports by 25 % in 10 years.

The PG Hamid Talat Khan Show

Hello viewers, I am PG Hamid Talat Khan, with another episode of the PG Hamid Talat Khan Show, in which we talk to some of the country’s leading politicians and also take calls from our viewers.

150 Years: Recounting Untold History

This May of year 2007 is making 150 years of those untold stories of the heroes of the India’s war of freedom.

Reflections on the Virginia Tech School Tragedy

In this land of eminent scientists, avant-garde artists and Oscar award winning actors and directors, we also see the worst serial killers and mass murderers. For some their dreams come true and for others they turn into violent nightmares.

Sanskritization, de-Sanskritization and Colonial Rule

The British did not ‘invent’ the caste system but what they did do was to make it the primary basis of social classification.

Talibanization of Pakistan

By declaring that no law in Pakistan would be made against Islamic beliefs, the constituent assembly gave religious establishment the monopoly over legislative discourse thru which they could influence every part of the society.

An Evening with Ustad Asad Amanat Ali Khan: A Tribute

I met Asad Amanat Ali Khan a few years ago; I didn't think I'd never meet him again.

Façade of Pseudo Feminism

Pseudo feminism unlike positive feminism is guilty of bringing disaccord to human social lives rather then contributing more to the good of every one.

Notes from the Sunderbans

Same place, different times. And now we are told that they may vanish below the surface of the Bay of Bengal in the next few years.

The Power of Positive Thinking

After almost thirteen years working at a large multinational engineering firm, he had attended a workshop conducted by a consulting firm. He was so impressed (and probably so tired of the corporate treadmill) that he immediately began learning more, event

Medical Lessons from the Death of a Poet

Can a breast specialist, however eminent, take over the role of a gynaec specialist? ... Are drugs like combiflam which many people do not tolerate require to be prescribed for our patients?...

The Secret Is: Don’t Worry, Buy Happy

Then mankind became a bit smarter and said no god. But that meant more and more people would ask questions and not do as they are told. So mankind had to be taught to believe in god again and ignore the really difficult questions of why we kill, why there

Girls Gone Wild

The kidnapping of civilians and policemen by the students and teachers of the madrassas associated with the Lal Masjid, as well as recent events in Tank (NWFP) is evidence of a real, escalating and dangerous movement within the ranks of the religious righ

Its media, Jim, but not as we know it

The traditional media is mutating into something that normal users havent really picked up on yet, what’s going on?

Karachi’s Plastic Bag Ban

The ban applies to not just the manufactures and sellers but also the users of the plastic bags. Yes, that means us.

Industrial Dieting: The Myth and the Madness

The idea of a quick fix has taken hold of the global psyche through massive advertising and we struggle to buy a box, a pill, a bottle, a program, a spray and a thing to solve our problem

Pakistans Permanent Revolution

The tradition of judicial spinelessness continued in Pakistan facilitating three martial laws and the judicial murder of atleast one prime minister till last week when it was brought to a crashing halt by the actions of one brave justice, Chief Justice of

Globalization and Human Relationship

Globalization has stressed all relationships. It is imperative to understand this phenomenon and to take steps to adjust to the changing environment.

Impressions about Iran

The world has gone wrong somewhere in understanding them or stereotyping them with other Islamic fundamentalists like the Talibans.

A Nation Reborn

Just when I thought my people would once again silently ignore this new form of oppression, and resign themselves to a fate written by politicians and generals, they responded! They awoke! They said in one voice, “enough is enough!” I have ne

An Unexpected Birthday Gift

It was a case of bad and ill timed advice that ignited a constitutional crisis and unlike any previous crisis, this one has developed a momentum of its own and it is this momentum that has rattled the government in Islamabad.

Pakistan Shinning II - Propoganda or Reality

There is no precedent of any nation having developed economically without consistently saving and reinvesting a substantial portion of its annual GDP.

A Teacup in My Hand

Sonya sat at the kitchen table, early Monday morning, with a cup of hot tea. She had some time to herself before setting off to battle her job, and the tensions that went with the package.

Revathy Gopal: RIP

When I was informed about her demise this evening, I went online to read her column on Chowk and wondered….does one really live on through one’s work? Possibly so, because I now seem to see her essays, specially the ones on religion, in a new

Women’s Day 2007

The modern woman’s struggle isn’t simply or solely about securing absolute equality... This struggle, and its an on-going one, is one of identifying our changing roles within society and our homes, it’s about understanding and accepting

Thar Desert Festival puts Tourism Ministry to Shame

Let no one, however, be under the impression that Umerkot has nothing to offer.

Pandora Box of Television in Pakistan

How can dozens of TV channels run profitably in a country, where the total volume of the advertising industry is not more that six to seven billion rupees?

Terrorists Strike Samjhota Express

Both India and Pakistan have condemned this act which appeas to have been timed to disrupt a high level meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries.

The YouTube Baby

Even though it may have seemed an exciting prospect for many watching a young (bearded) man standing up to the most powerful person in the country, yes, but about what was he standing up for?

Exchange Siachen Madness for Mountain Peace

Glaciers can also be made secure by the use of common sense. It is for opinion-makers in India and Pakistan to tell their respective governments to stop ruining the future of our water supplies and our weather system.

The Worst Form of Banality

Even the ferocity of a European winter could not help me not breaking a cold sweat. 'Super-natural' or 'psychic-connections' or 'ethereal-linkings' or 'telepathic-bullshit'...I believe in none of them, at least until a month ago.

Welfare for the Four-Legged

One is hopeful that in the not so distant future somebody will start a small shelter for the miserably wretched strays in Pakistan.

A Nation without an Identity

During the last few years the political tendency among Kashmiris gave heavy emphasis on religion. Whereas, the indigenous Kashmiri struggle when it started in 1989-1990 was provoked by the socio-economic factors and a growing sense of deprivation.

Dismantling India’s Colonial Past

In matters of foreign policy, India is beginning to abandon the Raj approach to our neighbors

To Have Loved and Lost