Morality of Lawyers' Movement

In a parliamentary democracy those who are now championing the cause of democracy in this country are themselves non-democratic forces who are putting the popular vote of the masses of Pakistan under their boots.

Uneven Democracy : The Cry from Chhattisgarh

Our democracy is patchy. Our democracy is uneven. Even in our cities it is the experience of every ordinary citizen that law is not applied to everyone evenhandedly.

On Reason, Freedom and Democracy

In the absence of a self-educating, self-reflecting public and the resulting movements for social change, what we know as ‘democracy’ is one of form only and not of substance.

Tariq Ahsan: A Forgotten Foot-soldier of Democracy

This kind of interrogation ought to be banned everywhere, since although it leaves no marks or injuries on the body, thus making it difficult to recognize it as a form of torture, it does irreparable damage to the mind.

Who Was the Afghan Elections For?

It was not to elect a president of Afghanistan, but to put in a place a ruler for the United States to rule through.

Student Politics

While government does away with the ban on student unions, can that alone suffice to address the campus realities?

Vindictive at Their Best-Pakistan Army

Pakistan's three infamous A's: The Army, Allah and America. We blame the Islamic fundamentalists and USA for all the chaos in Pakistan. But if we take a closer look the real culprit seems to be Pakistan army.

Am I a Skeptical Muslim?

The story of Islam from the rift on the succession of the prophet, the end of the Muslim glory in Spain in 1492, to the end of Ottoman caliphate in 1924, is all about the struggle for power.

Greatest Challenge Before Obama

4 July, 2009 is a special day for the people of United States of America. The dream that Martin Luther King visualized has attained reality.

Ahmedinejad Wins Surprise Landslide Victory in Iran

The reaction of rich and upper middle class Iranians, specially those who are abroad is like BJP’s ‘Shining India’ group, who were shocked at their defeat in 2004 elections in India.

Jihad for the Sake of Environment

The Water Table is dying. Without constant cooperation now the Earth will begin to die bit by bit. Like the Vedanta Brahman, all Humanity is One. The Earth is One. The People are One.

Democracy, Pakistan Style

Unlike 1990s, when demonstrations were carried out by PPP or PML hired thugs, today’s rallies are full of people, Pakistani citizens demanding accountability and full restoration of democracy.

And the Hits Just Keep on Coming

Another day, another catastrophe in Pakistan. For all intent and purpose international cricket is done in Pakistan for years to come, you can put a fork in it.

Who Keeps the Deadly Duo in Business

Salman Taseer now rules supreme in Punjab, reporting, every so often, to Zardari who now rules supreme from his hideout in the President’s House.

Islamic Justice or Talibanisation of Pakistan

The Swat agreement between the provincial government of NWFP and the Taliban led by Maulana Sufi Mohammad is of greater significance than what the government has perceived.

Hail Obama

Surely you, who are a veritable crossroads yourself, black, white, Muslim, Kenyan, Indonesian, American and under 50, you can see further than others have been able to.

General Colin Powell – A Day Late and a Dollar Short

Why blame the selection of Palin as one of the reasons for parting with McCain? Was this selection any worse than a warholes such as Wolfowitz, Ashcroft, Rove, Bolton, Cheney

Seeking a way out of the 'war on terror'

The calls by decision makers for political engagement rather than military means to end the ‘war on terror’ in Afghanistan reflects a major change in US policy.

A Weak Pakistan is a Threat to Neighbours

Thanks to past policies, Pakistanis are caught between a rock and a hard place - American military attacks on the border and suicide bombings and sectarian violence around the country...

Pakistani-Americans or American-Pakistanis?

How long will it before Pakistani-Americans will let their voices be heard as a group?

The Marriott Bombing: ‘Pakistan’s 9/11’?

The message was clear: they can strike Pakistan’s capital, and they care nothing for democracy or for religion.

Musharraf's Resignation and Beyond

Musharraf’s departure is just one step in the process of democracy, for the continuation of which Pakistan and its allies will need all the patience they can muster.

Why is Karachi Turning Into a Sell-Out?

Isn't this the same city that lost 20,000 of its young men in 1990's at the hands of this same military establishment that we seem to be so fond of these days?

Democracy is the Best Revenge?

2007 – 2008 will certainly be remembered as one of the most historically significant and turbulent for Pakistan with unprecedented public protests and mass revenges.

The Chips are Down

Mr. Zardari once again asked the president either to resign voluntarily or be prepared for his unceremonious and rather dishonorable ouster by the parliament via an impeachment.

Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State

"I have not found a single period that I could in all honesty say I would trade for my 21st-century existence as a Muslim living in a secular democratic society."

Can the Judiciary Save the Coalition?

Handing the Supreme Court back to a judge and his team that stood up to the COAS and the President amounts to adding a new player in the already confusing power politics in Pakistan.

Benazir’s Legacy

How could Pakistan’s all-powerful president and chief of the army staff be dislodged -- other than through the political process?

How to End Politics of Hate and Intolerance

The man behind the politics of intolerance and hate, symbol of discord rather than harmony as president of State, is responsible for present state of affairs.

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.

Mother of all Elections

In this most dangerous place on earth, almost 37 million men and women stood in queues to vote and by mid-night almost all had reached back to their homes, safe and sound.

People's Verdict

A left-of-center Pashtun nationalist party and Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) bags more than 60% of the seats in provinces neighboring Afghanistan.

Long Road Ahead

PML(Q) showed a very dismal performance with managing just 38 seats against the boastful claims of more than 110 seats in national assembly before the elections.

The More Things Change...

Almost every election ever held in the country has been replete with allegations of fraud and duplicity.

Drama of Succession - Pakistan People’s Party

The way, events took shape after her (Benazir Bhutto's) death over the party leadership under the superb directorship of her husband (Zardari) can put any Hollywood plot to shame.

Pakistan's Moment of Democracy?

Even as many conceded that ‘Musharraf is not going anywhere’, a response of Pakistanis around the world who seemed beset with an intangible urge to 'do something'.

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.

Goodbye Pinky

When she conspired with the Army and the establishment for the dismissal of Nawaz Sharif government in 1993, I got disillusioned with her leadership and left PPP for good.

Whither Pakistan?

The best possible thing has happened: Musharraf gave up power. But the worst has also happened: Pakistan has lost a charismatic and popular leader.

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.

Political Quandary in Pakistan

You can install a political government by popular vote but there are no effective checks and balances to keep it on the straight, narrow and workable path.

Musharraf and Alternative

General Musharraf, return the power to people, restore the judiciary and reinstate the constitution of Pakistan. We have had enough of you and its not working anymore.

Emergency:What Lies Ahead For Pakistan?

The politic body, already decimated, raped and largely turned into a mob of opportunist has yet again been put on the dissecting table for surgical procedure by butchers.

Jeenay Do BB

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

A Sad Day for Pakistan

September 28, 2007 was a sad day for every citizen who hoped that the courts may finally bury the doctrine of necessity.

Media and Civil Society

The power struggle between the military and the political elite under the watchful eye of media and a new-born judiciary in Pakistan.

Days of Rage

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

Please back off, Benazir!

No matter who finally comes to power in Pakistan, he/she will have to deal with an impatient US administration.

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.

Is this Pakistan’s Democratic Revolution?

After almost seven years of arbitrariness, Musharraf’s attack on the judiciary has the potential of being the last straw that broke the camel’s back?

Get over the Victim Syndrome

The real issues that affect our daily lives are never addressed by opposition or the government, instead we are enamored with non-issues like huddod ordinance, attire of mushy, Kashmir, women’s face on hoardings, music in public buses and other crap

Do Pakistanis deserve a democratic system?

We should not expect that a heavenly voice will say “kun (do it)”, and we would get democracy.

Understanding Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

Trying to understand Z. A. Bhutto is hard, and to understand that period of Pakistan’s history is harder still.

The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions

The Muslim Policeman who refused to guard the Israeli Embassy in London, the European Union trying to force the working time directive in the UK, a state in India to removing learning of English in schools and the decision by the Iranian Government to res

Thought Control and Dictators

Certainly writ of the state is a must to be restored at any price, but what about the means? Bombing the whole swathes and target killings of political figures is no solution.

Waiting for Enlightenment

After almost five years of ‘enlightened moderation,’ it seems there is more continuity than change. And, with each passing day, it becomes harder to see how such a policy can hope to stem the tide of religious radicalism that is overwhelming P

Lament of a Disillusioned Citizen

You know how Wasi Zafar could have scored major brownie points in my book? All he had to do was come out and say: “Pervez Musharraf won’t take off his uniform until he damn well feels like it and there isn’t a damn thing anyone can do ab

Kalabagh Dam

So, what does Mr. Musharraf mean by “at every cost”? Is it so, KBD will be built even if it is tantamount to further dismemberment of Pakistan?

Pakistan’s Territorial Integrity: Lessons from American Democracy

Kalabagh Dam issue divides us today. Pakistanis can take a leaf from the USA.What was true of American states in the 1770s and 80s is true for Pakistani provinces today. We must hang together or else we would hang separately

Political Sustainability, Media Freedom and Women

The general’s regime has been utterly impotent to even initiate any semblance of a debate on real issues plaguing women in Pakistan, such as rampant domestic violence, education and the infamous Zina Ordinance.

The Last Moments of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Mr. Bhutto’s back was almost touching the floor while he was being brought out of the cell. The lower part of his shirt got entangled in the warder’s shoes and I heard the sound of the shirt being torn.

Ban on Play Mr. Jinnah

If you feel that you have got the hatred for Pakistan as a heritage and do not want to pass on this hatred to the next generations...what we need today is to revisit history and forgive and forget and carry on as good neighbours then read on.

Iranian Puzzle

What the current election signifies and what it means for the future

General Musharraf goes on Struggling for Legitimacy

On May 18th the Pakistani official spokesman said that General Pervaiz Musharraf, who also happens to be the Chief of the Army, would continue to hold office beyond 2007.

Thus Fare Fake Democracies

This government has gone completely bananas. On World Press Freedom Day, it chose to thrash journalists in Islamabad and Lahore.

Mr. Ahmed

With his grave manner and impeccable dress, one could imagine him to be, oh, a partner in a law firm, or maybe a funeral director. But he was a salesman, and a good salesman at that...

Return of Democracy to the Global Agenda

Whether forced, subsidised, organically discovered or artificially contrived, the world is seeing a widespread assertion of democracy, at least in rhetoric...

Planting Democracy in the World – A Mantra for Freedom

I realized for the first time in my life in the U.S. that I had some basic rights; such a thought had never crossed my mind when I was in Pakistan where a police constable could, at will, rob you of your rights, if you thought you had any, and dignity.

The Rise of Illiberal Democracy

An essay by Fareed Zakaria on the rise of democratically elected governments which deprive citizens of their natural rights.

Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere

It would be better for the US if it pursues the policy of positive peace which is the presence of justice and which can be achieved by letting the democracy takes it roots in its real term and promotes liberty and freedom not for the sake of security, but

The Baluchistan Issue

Two days ago, 'tribals' or 'nationalists' or 'foreign interests' launched an attack on the largest natural gas production facility in Sui, Baluchistan... The escalation comes after on-going sporadic violence in the region against the Pakistani military fo

Musharraf and Robin Hood

The positive steps Musharraf have taken may look positive in the short term but are actually very detrimental for the Pakistani people, democracy and last but not least the army itself.

Engaging India

If Nawaz Sharif is portrayed as...a mugger “who was holding a pistol to his head and threatening to blow his brains out if you didn’t hand over your wallet”, LK Advani is an ominous figure dwelling fondly on a South Asia under Indian heg

The Hazardous Mix: A Peculiar Act and the Perilous Energy

India's Atomic Energy Act 1962 - its intent and the reality

In Ukraine, a franchised revolution

2 million anti-war demonstrators who streamed the streets of London and New York against the war on Iraq in March 2003 were politically ignored, but some tens of thousands in central Kiev are proclaimed to be 'the people'.

Democracy!

Another victorious candidate from the state of Bihar was unavailable for comment on his win, even though he’d just won the right to sit in India’s Parliament. Why? Well, the prison rules didn’t allow for media visits.

If This be Treason, then Make the Most of It

After having freed from the Western Colonialists almost all Muslim Asian countries have had been under the influence of dictators and kings, who control the absolute power -- the root-cause of Islamic fundamentalism, which has engulfed the Middle Eastern

Free Speech and Intolerance

At the end of the day we must be morally coherent and cohesive, and protect democracy and the civil society, even if this means sending the far-right and the fascists to hell in a handcart.

Cat is Out of the Bag

The reneging on solemn public promises to the nation is nothing new; the precedence for this mendacious and abominable practice was set by Zia ul Haq, through his infamous promise to hold elections on 90 days

Recipe for Anarchy

They seem to be interested on anything but peace and social order. They are running a parallel administration in the countryside of Andhra Pradesh, indulging in extortions, rendering instant justice, pulling up the government officials, stopping developme

Military Intervention vs. Institutions’ Growth

Jamali came with a smile and left with the same smile on his face. Between his two smiles nation lost some 19 months. Who should the people hold accountable for that?

A Dangerous Gift

In the name of democracy, Washington’s latest misadventure has killed thousands and is now set to kill many more.

Voting in Historical Perspective

The little ballot itself holds within it a deep history of its own and is moving into a whole new future of ideas.

Feeling Good

Leaders – self-styled or elected – must accept responsibility for the actions of those they lead. Secondly, a government is responsible to all its citizens and not just a privileged few... Pakistanis look forward to the day when they too are a

India Votes - and How!

Gujarat results, the Left wave, and the dark lining of the silver cloud.

Musharrafising a monarchy?

The reference to Pakistan’s president goes further with allegations that the king (Gyanendra of Nepal) will push a “guided democracy” even if he gives in to political demands for elections.

How real is Musharraf’s real democracy?

Now the stage is set for the real issue. Musharraf and his real democracy, is it really real or just another hoax to occupy ‘the seat’ and further the interests of the military? Let’s briefly examine his policies, one by one.

A Shameless Polemic Against the Nehru-Gandhi Dynasty

One of the most pathetic sights in India today is to watch various Congress party officials beating their breasts over secularism and the rise of Hindu nationalism.

Letter to an American Muslim

Now you are as American as the Poles who came to work like slaves in the steel mills of Pittsburgh, the Irish who escaped persecution in their homeland to inhabit ghettoes in Boston and Philadelphia … Now it is your turn to do what it takes to arriv

From Silent Majority to Innocent Civilians

To me, it seems to be more of a silenced majority, one that does not speak, because it is denied the right to speak, and since it is too busy trying to survive, literally, it is less concerned with demanding the right to speak.

India and Pakistan: The Stark Reality

A tattered country inflicted with sectarian violence, terrorism, and fractured political and judicial systems, Pakistan offers little hope to its people and is an easy target for destabilization by its enemies.

Musharraf : Self Styled Saviour Stuck in a Rut

Musharraf is in a bit of a quandary, and while he’s stuck so is Pakistan.

The Last Trumpets

The choices are whether to adopt a presidential or a prime ministerial form of government and the second set of choices are whether Pakistan needs to be governed as an administrative state or as a democracy

The Razor’s Edge

The United States seems to be losing the proverbial battle for the “hearts and minds” of the Afghans. The biggest problem was that the United States was not prepared for the post-war situation and had no plans to tackle the problems

Many Questions, No Answers

Solutions do not rest in either Democracy or in the Shariah. The answers are in Education and Social Equality. Only this will invalidate the Bush Doctrine and Extremist Fatwas.

The Scandal of Fake and Madrassa Degrees

a federal minister whose only real qualification is an O-level certificate

The Follies of the Natives

A circus called Pakistan

When Democracy Failed: The Warnings of History

The 70th anniversary wasn't noticed in the United States

Doctors or the Disease

Analysis of the khaki-clad messiahs of Pakistan

An Answer to the Pro War Surrealists

If you feel that your way of life is better than us, than live it, but stop trying to impose it upon us.

A Stable Political Order in Post-War Iraq?

A new political order in Iraq is likely to be strife-ridden

The Wages Of Death

Wars are political acts of concentrated violence and yet, there is violence in this war, but there is no rhyme to its logic.

Open Letter to Those Opposing the Iraq War

And the truth shall prevail. Whether someone likes it or not.

Pakistan The Land of the pure - A Myth or Reality

Land of the Pure

Excavating India

I say, thank god for Babar, for the dear departed Mughal badshah has revealed how the purring cats are jumping on a hot tin roof.

Three Arguments Against a War

As America prepares for war, I want to present three arguments for peace:

The March of Folly

Imran Khan Needs Money

Wake up and smell the coffee, Imran

Generals: A case study (I)

For generals, on the other hand, any deviation from regimental loyalty and unquestioning obedience is sin

Changing The Thana Culture

as time passes land holdings of Feudals continue to decrease through an ongoing evolutionary process

Games Generals Play

the General deserves to be applauded for forcing a semblance of democracy to the working of political parties

An All-Inclusive Rejoinder to All the Chronic Complainers

there are few nations on the face of earth blessed with such an omnipotent uniformed force

Failure of Democracy in Pakistan

Time for a Change

Sobho: the struggle continues

I still believe in the revolution, in a society that provides justice for all

The Election Burp

Don’t stand around wondering what to do, trying to please everybody—take a stick and throw it.

Myopic, Malevolent, Megalomaniac

Musharraf knows that PPP (P) and PML (N) would not like to join hands with MMA because it displeases USA

Democracy is Like Virginity

What I Saw In Okara

An investigation into the Okara land dispute

The Day Of All Days

Pakistan will re-take its first fledging steps towards democracy

Road Blocks in Normalising Relations

If cross border terrorism ceases, facilitating a dialogue between India and Pakistan, will a dividend of long term peace follow?

Piece of What?

I left home for a gathering of peaceniks and ended up at the social event of the year. The card in my hand said ‘Arundhati Roy: keynote speaker: seminar on peace and freedom in south Asia’

Peace in South Asia

Arundhati Roy gave the Pakistanis a glimpse of what free-thinking is

Of Errant Politicians And The Kashmir Cause

In politics being good is not necessarily good enough

Of Violent Birth and Peaceful Death

I have a dream for South Asia

A Contrary Opinion

why not give the goodwill to someone who has only been brutally honest with us

Deja Vu

General Musharraf should be open and honest

The Future Is Another Country: 2050 And Beyond

Osama bin Laden has his own vision of a perfect world and millions will die

Indian Diplomacy : Time To Recheck

The year saw a marked upswing in new Delhi’s relations with the US, Russia, Japan, Germany and France

A Reason For Change

What is really interesting about Marianne Pearl’s interview with CNN is not what she said

Taliban : An Analysis

an ideal Islamic society.

An International Failure

do the Pakistanis know who they are themselves

Here Are the Muslim Feminist Voices, Mr. Rushdie!

Muslim women HAVE been speaking out against the obscurantist Islam he decries

The Laying to Waste of the World: a Memory of I.H Burney

Anything is better than Bhutto, he said

Whither Democracy?

Musharraf appears to have killed two birds with one stone

Benazir Bhutto in Sacramento

the terrorist’s greatest fear is the spread of information, social equality and democracy

Jihad: Paradoxes and Defining Moments

There will always be a lunatic fringe in the Muslim society

The Countdown Begins

... the contours of Pakistan’s emerging political scenario point to the first signs of an uneasy coexistence between the military regime and the political forces ...

The Chicken Hawks Of Pakistan

The military should accept the fact that it is a dictatorship

Democracy in Pakistan: The Missing Link?

Democracy has long been a buzzword in Pakistan

The Mandir Mirage

The Babri Masjid may itself not be important to the Muslims in India, but where will this end? A Holocaust?

A Long Night’s Odyssey

we do not have the luxury of time

Bigotry, Racism and American Media

all of us have vividly seen that Israeli security forces consistently breached all international human rights standards

Should Pakistan Honor the Lahore Resolution?

why Pakistan failed to become a confederation in accordance with the spirit and content of the Lahore resolution?.

The Autonomy is for India

greater autonomy for states is the only way

Protest in New York!

Stop killing Christians in Pakistan ...

Would Devolution Empower “We the People”?

Musharraf’s devolution plan is likely to empower the people of Pakistan. But, how?

1971 in 2000

... this singular event is consigned to the dustbin of history.

Lahore Notes, March 2000

I took the famous Bus to Lahore

The Flip Side of Democracy

The US public allows its government to make decisions that can alienate a billion people

The People’s Initiative

Exposure to ordinary people serves as a powerful perception changer ...

Negotiating Peace in Kashmir

President Clinton should also exhort the Indian leaders

A Rumor Of Lies

Pakistan, as a nation, seems to have entered a political terra incognita from which it is unlikely to return

Where did Pakistan go wrong?

...you will find that in the course of time Hindus will cease to be Hindus and Muslims would cease to be Muslims...

Game Theory and Pakistan

the elite in Pakistan are nothing short of omnivorous parasites

Pssst...This is Rest of South Asia speaking

for every Indian dollar-billionaire, there are at least a hundred million paupers

Pakistan - The Way Forward

An Activist’s Appeal

Famous Last Words or a Messiah in Khakis?

Can the army deliver?

Yet we share the same home - Our Indus Valley

Clinton’s visit is unlikely to have a drastic immediate influence on the dynamics of the region.

Talibanization or the Turkish Model?

My son is a U.S Citizen, and he is going to Afghanistan to join the Taliban.

In the Supreme National Interest

the days of loot and plunder are over

International Monetary Fund (IMF) __ Friend or Foe?

The friendship of IMF is like that of a bear. Its embrace will kill you.

Who will Bell the Bad, Fat Cats?

A scathing look at journalism in Pakistan

Hegemony of the Ruling Elite in Pakistan

We have a chequered past in our experiments with democracy

In Defence of Benevolent Dictators

More democracy ? More of the same ? No thanks

Farce

I think I’ll smoke anyway

Compilation of Opinions on the Military Takeover in Pakistan

Peoples opinions and reactions

Our Man From Delhi

saade dilli daa mundaa hai jee

Text of Speech by Gen. Pervez Musharraf

The choice before us on Oct 12th was between saving the body - that is the nation, at the cost of a limb - which is the Constitution, or saving the limb and losing the whole body

Compilation of Articles on the Military Takeover in Pakistan

Views and reviews on the recent events in Pakistan

Pakistan Alert: Revolution in the Making?

Perhaps, this will be the beginning of the World War III

Masala Democracy

Only in South Asia would a masala mix of militancy, neglect of the masses, and elite politics pass for democracy

Why An Interim Civilian Government will Fail

Putting up a front government will achieve simply nothing

He had no Choice!

A personal perspective on the suspension of parliament

A State of Confusion

Will Pakistan benefit from a change of government?

Connected to: Harsh Kapoor

SPIDER talks to Cyber Warrior Harsh Kapoor about his stance on the recent blocking of the Dawn Internet Edition in India

Kargil and the Myth of Losing the Media War

Consider for a moment that you are NOT a Pakistani

Save India

A martial law administration has to take over the country

Falsehoods Galore

Pakistan has thus turned into an oligarchy well versed in the art of making things disappear

Nuclear powers can count too!

Can we implement a new census at the dawn of the new millenium?

The Decline and Fall of Pakistan

Pakistan on the crossroads of a dilemma

The Dark Tower

The editor of Pakistani most outspoken English weekly was arrested in a most undemocratic manner for going abroad and saying what we all say in our living rooms

WW III? An Analysis of Yugoslavia

The media has been lying to the world about the crisis in Kosova

Evolution of South Asia

Information revolution and the future of the sub-continent

Getting Ready for ‘Bus Diplomacy’

Vajpayee and Sharif get creative. First bombs then bus rides.

A Matter of Principle

Anatomy of the governments vendetta against a leading newspaper in Pakistan

India is South Asia’s Natural Hegemon

Pakistan is more an army with a state than a state with an army.

The Gentleman Must Go

Crisis in the shadows of power: Is Pakistan entering an institutional crisis acknowledging Nawaz Sharif’s imperial designs?

Talking of Talks

...the Prime Ministers have had a telephone talk

What Price Sharif Propaganda?

The marriage of Bollywood and Pakistani politics. What will the kids look like?

Pride and Potatoes: Trade with India

Is importing Potatoes a source of pride?

The Short-Circuiting of Democracy

The Clinton scandal as the unraveling of America.

Giving Way to Intolerance

During the last many years, religious intolerance and sectarian fanaticism have created a war-like situation in Pakistan

Communists and Congress Should Give Birth to ’Red Indians’

The Communist parties and the Congress (I) are toying with the idea of coming closer to form an alternative political dispensation

The Man Who Stooped to Conquer

And he did it all with a smile

Repercussions of Nuclearization

The question of women and public space in the nuclear debate hardly exists in the popular imagination

Cry my Beloved Country

Thoughts on the nature of democracy in Pakistan.

Nuclear Bomb for Sale

the demand for nuclear bombs outstripped that of mangoes, movies, health services, designer labels, paan, clean water,

Onwards to the Nuclear Abyss

India, Pakistan and the March of Folly

So, We Are Nuclear Too!!

Scenes from a nuclear world

Patriot Games

Pass out the barfis. It could be a hockey match. A Tendulkar century. A riot or a nuclear blast.

UN Sanctions Against Iraq: 10 Myths

Economic sanctions against industrialized countries, which include a ban on foreign trade, can be more lethal than limited military attacks.

Time For Contempt

In today’s Pakistan, the word Contempt is what the Government of Pakistan thinks of the people of Pakistan.

Entrepreneurship Under the Microscope: The MIT Stanford Venture Lab

Learn of a place where VCs, start-up gurus, and hot-shot technocrats set young CEOs on the couch and analyze their entrepreneurial dreams for them....for free.

Islamic Economic Model: La Riba (Interest-free) Banking

No wonder, the Islamic system is gaining popularity. In Pakistan, mutual funds and industrial joint ventures on Mudaraba basis have been established...