The Republican Red Scare

If McCain and Palin want to play the guilt by association game, their own questionable ties must be examined.

They Will Seal The Case Sheets!

How are doctors affected when their treatment plans go wrong? What is the difference between complications, difference of opinion and negligence?

Ahmed Faraz (1931-2008) – The Romantic Rebel

To the end of his life, Faraz remained fully committed to the ideals of democracy and justice as witnessed by his close involvement in the lawyers movement of last year.

Muhammad Aslam Khan Khattak: A Man for All Seasons

His greatest disappointment he says is that he was withdrawn as Ambassador before he could bring about the confederation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Losing the Battle, Losing the Faith

The car is an old Toyota Mazda with two gentlemen with long beards. Few years back I would've thought how blessed are they for practicing the religion of peace. Today ...

Not to Forget the Devastation of October 8, 2005 Earthquake

We are yet to get out of the planning stage while people continue to strive for their survival braving the dilapidated conditions of the relief camps

Rape Survivor Families Struggle Against Odds

Even the high-profile case of Mukhtaran Mai, gang-raped by locally influential people in 2002, is still pending before the Supreme Court.

Better Times

It is Akhtar’s fifth year in captivity. Like the others, he too is given the food confiscated from the UN and other aids which came in frequently at different locations in the city.

Love at Shara Zawia

Muneer and Emily had gone to Tangiers to register their marriage, as many foreigners who marry in Libya do.
Emily does not like to talk about these things.

‘Dustbin of history’ or ‘history of sorts’

Omar Abdullah the president of the National Conference opines that complete independence for both sides of Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC) is not a viable option at all.

Cockroaches of Disruption

The process of peace, the process of change
As the deal are struck, as deal are brokered
Through rumors and disobedience
To the nation, the silent witness

Salt N Pepper

I asked him about his wife and children. He loved kids but didn't have any. His wife, he said, was a loving person. He'd often say, "I have gray hair but I'm not that old!"

Fathers and Daughters

When Abu liked to talk of the moon, sitting by the sea, he was quite the man. He would tell me complicated things about life, and how to live it as a running clock with no hands. To feel its essential present.

MQM - History and Origins

The Mohajir-Sindhi alliance provided the only real chance to thwart the Punjabi dominance in Pakistani politics.

Living Gandhi and King Today: Unbroken Historic Continuity

In the current hopeless global situation, Gandhian way has a promise for a better world. It promotes consciousness of peace and harmony, the foundation to build a peaceful society

Dueling Partners: Pakistan and America

In this exclusive interview, Tariq Ali, a seasoned journalist and Pakistani insider, focuses on all major players, including the Bush Administration, Zardari, Bhutto, Musharraf, military

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...

Historian Amaresh Misra on South Asia

Left alone, South Asia would have evolved more smoothly into the Industrial age, says historian Amaresh Misra

Whose Dog?

The way the Sangh Parivar has co-opted the working class and youth militants while serving the interests of the rich and powerful is a phenomenon which has torn India apart.

Coming to America

It's both surreal and frightening that these two (Palin and Zardari) upstart political figures could very well be significant actors in deciding the fate of global relations.

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.

The Frontier Mail

Are the bomb-blasts in India and Pakistan all part of a greater plan, and if so, whose?

Boot Point

Party chief Altaf Hussain and the MQM Rabita Committee cancelled Liaquat's membership after accusing him of "spreading religious hatred through his TV shows"

Hotel Babylon: The Marriot Hotel Explosion

The latest reports from Geo News, as I write, are that a small car entered the front of the hotel and a man came out screaming for those who wanted to save themselves to run.

Resisting Subjugation

Foreign debt is $48 billion after devaluation of rupee and domestic debt is over Rs. 3.4 trillion now. The way we are managing our resources is leading us to self-annihilation.

Emerging Pakistan-U.S. relations

On September 12, 2008, Army Chief Ashfaq Kiyani sought to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty by authorizing the Army to retaliate to any attempts by ‘foreign troops’.

National Survey on Student Politics

A vast majority of university students (63.6 percent) wants reserved quota for girls in the student unions, according to a recent national survey on student politics.

The Prejudices Pakistan’s New President Faces

Asif Ali Zardari's presidential nomination was widely condemned - but the fact is that he is now the democratically elected President of Pakistan.

A Dismal Performance!

His (Asif Ali Zardari) only answer to the economic meltdown was to raise the purchase price of wheat.

Muslim Psyche After September 11, 2001

When we reflect upon the reactions of Muslims from different parts of the world we see certain tendencies emerging in the last few years.

Automobiles Can Banish Unemployment and Poverty

The Nano is however belatedly making India's economists, planners and politicians realize that the automotive Industry is a huge driver of employment and growth.

My Encounter with Ahmed Faraz

As students at Peshawar, we often saw Faraz on campus. He was a noted poet even then but, among the students on campus, he was equally known, if not more, for his bohemian lifestyle.

Dr Afia Siddiqui's Case

While there is no dearth of people asking for her release and her handing over to Pakistan, I maintain my demand that a complete inquiry be made into whereabouts of Prisoner 650.

It's A Deal After All!

In the long run, however, it will be difficult to ignore Pakistan’s demand for a similar deal once it establishes a clean record of nuclear safety and non-proliferation.

Is Mumbai a hub of dirty politics?

After rejection from West Bengal Trinamool Congress, Tata received invitation from Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to start Nano project from Maharashtra.

Greek Tragedy

There is no one left to punish me. I’m the last Mannon; I’ve got to punish myself. Living alone here with the dead is a worse act of justice than death or poison.

US Commando Strike in Waziristan

They have decided that the centre of gravity of all the trouble is Pakistan. Right or wrong this appears to be the central US perception now.

Why Zardari Should Be President!

The matter that is debatable is not whether Asif Zardari should or should not run for the presidency but what steps he should take if he becomes the president.

A New Kind of Charity this Ramadan

Being vigilant and demanding transparency is not optional but imperative. We must learn to treat our donations as investments in the future of Pakistan.

Alcohol and Teenagers: A Lethal Mixture

If one can Vote and join the Army and sent to Iraq when 18, why not being able to buy a beer in the USA?

In Memory of Ahmed Faraz

We will miss him and words
That breathed revolution
Death can only bring whispers
But words, a torrent of revolution

Ahmed Faraz: The Light Stays

"woh koh-kun to naheeN tha leikin
karree chatanouN se larr chuka hei
woh thhak chuka tha aur us ka teisha
usi ke seenay mein garr chuka hei" - Ahmed Faraz

How real is your politik?

According to many political pundits and media luminaries, people like you and me don’t understand it so we should mutely accept the PPP’s push for Zardari as president!!!

Writings on the Wall

I have been in a state of stupor for the last couple of days, ever since Mr. Zardari’s got himself nominated for the position of the President of Pakistan.

Time for Medals

The PPP has done it once again -- so true to its philosophy of challenging the powerful and the mighty and coming out victorious despite all the unfavorable odds stacked against it.

Black Pencils

jehad in a woman?
daggers in a jar full of berry-nectar
pleasant as honey-sugar
ordinary, crowd senses as usual.

Poet for Paperless People

Darwish was paperless and, because of his defiant words and politics, he was often imprisoned. He kept on honing his words as if they were weapons

Celebrating 61 Years of Broken Dreams

"Missing in Pakistan", a 29-minute documentary capturing Pakistan's gross human rights violations tacitly supported by the US Government, followed by a talk by Safdar Sarki.

Remembering the Jallianwala Bagh, Gandhi, Churchill and Jinnah

Reviewing positions of three key players on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre - the watershed event of India’s independence.

School Days

I was passing through St Patrick’s the other day when quite out of nowhere memories of my time spent in that gentle and noble place came flooding in.

Thinking of an Obama presidency, what ‘change’ may we really see?

the debate about how to lead the world in this era of Post-modernity and post-Cold War, has taken a new dimension which symbolizes itself in the ‘change’ mantra of Barack Obama.

Is this Amnesia or Dementia?

I am addressing this to myself, and to the Pakistani awam to which I belong. More than anything, I 'd like to talk to us about two words: Escape and Hope.

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.

My Dear President Musharraf

Mr. President, you are a man of honour and character. We do not appreciate such men.

The Aftermath of Musharraf’s Departure

After Musharraf’s departure, there might be some respite in the escalating insurgency and intensifying turmoil in Pakistan’s Northern scenic valley of Swat and Tribal regions.

Musharraf and Me

Musharraf will learn for the first time that Truth is the most elusive thing in the world and innocence the hardest to prove when the onus is on the innocent to prove his innocence

Global Warming: Green with Controversy

Its effects will happen 30 years down the road, and then you say, "Okay, do something about it."

17 August 1988

An army chief who should never have been the chief in the first place and should have instutionally retired by 1980 was finally terminated by divine design on 17 August 1988.

It's Politics Uber Alles In Kashmir ..... And India

The BJP, while paying lip service to maintaining peace, did nothing to calm the situation in Jammu; instead, its troops have taken to the streets in other cities in India.

Reviving the Pakistani cinema

For those who have been patiently awaiting a quality film by a Pakistani director, Mehreen Jabbar has just provided a cause for excitement.

Toward a Pakistani Media Strategy

Being disgusted with the way things are is not a sufficient response, and the Pakistani community needs to take the lead in changing its own image.

Long Live Pakistan

From 1947, the day we became free
As we stand, to celebrate another year
From Waziristan to distant corners,
Lies there the evidence, of our endeavors

A Strategy For Real Agricultural Prosperity

2.4% farmers control 23% of the land. They are the barriers to India's progress in agriculture. They can be moved, and they must be moved if India is to eliminate rural poverty.

Olympic Dreamers

A famous American novelist Henry Miller once wrote, “Humans work while gods play”. But there are some humans who like to become gods as they love to play all their lives.

The Tribal and I

We, too, like the British lump up all tribal setups into a single category and generalise. Basing our understanding of 'their' culture on our 'feeling' towards them and a sense of superiority.

Here We Go Again

But it’s really a wet firecracker without Army’s intervention, because sehba auntie or shareefudding peerzada can’t jump the gates of PTV and take over.

From Marx to Mao to Jintao

The world's eyes are focused on China today as Beijing plays host to the 2008 Summer International Olympics Games.

The Road To Misuraata

The Italian Cemetery at Gargarish has stories of the families who lived here and made Tripoli their home. This is where the family of my friend Marino is buried.

And then there was The Impeachment Issue…

A smug looking Mian saa’ab and the ever dramatic Dark Prince, announced at a joint press conference, their plans to pursue the Impeachment of President Pervaiz Musharraf.

Aafia Siddiqui to Appear in Court

Disappeared in Pakistan, hysterical screams heard in Afghanistan, and now appearing in a New York court

K2, the Savage Mountain

As I read the news, and watched it on Television, memories of my mountaineering days came back and deprived me of my sleep bringing nightmares of my own struggle on K2.

Karachi Monsoon

The rains are now bound to start where it’s almost non-stop. Half the roads are dug up. The drains are not complete. And the energy problem is only going to increase.

Mahboba Andyar: A Poem

Andyar, an Olympic aspirant is gone missing;
Sole Afghan woman sprinter slated for Beijing.
Andyar, A rising spirit, a brave soul,
Pride of a nation, an archetypal role.

Quarter No.5

It had been raining for two hours. The heavens were in a generous mood that day. The sewer behind the 'servants' quarters' was overflowing with rainwater...

Late Colin David

Colin was born in Karachi in 1937; he began his art education at the University of Punjab when the fine arts departments opened its door to male students in 1956.

The Labour Struggle

The current upsurge of labour strikes all over the country has once again brought to the forefront the same rhetoric of 'work harder instead of complaining'.

Responsibility of the Media and the Repercussions of Terror Strikes

What is forgotten in the attempt to pacify the people is that there is no restraint in labelling a community responsible.

America's Opportunity in Pakistan's Tribal Belt

a key question on Islamabad ’s mind is the fate of stalled legislation creating reconstruction opportunity zones (ROZs) to spur development and combat militancy in FATA.

Ahmedabad Blasts: Numbed Apathy and The Conspiracy Of Our Resilience

I lost my Chacha (father’s younger brother) in the Ahmedabad blasts yesterday. He was only 49. No, he had not participated in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

Pakistan and the Death Penalty: Time to Call it Quits

Those who are awarded capital punishment are usually “the poorest of the poor.” Most of them are illiterate and have no resources or support.

Feminist Mumbo-Jumbo!

Patriarchal society has ingrained in us so deeply the thought that women are lesser to men, that it is bound to surface (even if it is subconscious).

Fields Of Joy

Two lost Kandaharis, Opiumzai and Hashishuddin, were wandering aimlessly when they chanced upon something very special...

Time for Musharraf to Quit

President Musharraf will go down in history as one of those third world leaders who by playing as the second fiddle to West exposed Pakistan to religious militancy.

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?

Pakistan’s Prevailing Political And Economic Mess

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) though a laudable incentive, is highly insufficient. With rising inflation, the Rs 1000 package may be next to nothing.

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...

Edward De Bono's Point C: Situtation in Pakistan

Capital of a nuclear power now plunges into darkness daily, for 5 to 6 hours. In small cities, this duration is 11 to 16 hours. With hottest months of the year still to come.

A Fatal Act-Bad News for India Pakistan Relations

The assassination of Indian Defence Attache in Kabul on 7th July 2008 is a watershed in the ongoing undeclared low intensity war in Afghanistan.

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.

I Fell Among (the APPNA) Doctors

Like the conductor of a choir, with one hand raised, she piped up with a full-throated ‘Paaak sar zameeen shadbaad … The children simply stared at their toes in embarrassment.

Pigeons on My Balcony

"They have laid eggs. Now Bhatt, if you do not throw them out, the babies will dirty your balcony like anything." That is the way they look at it, my dear human friends.

The Peacock Moments

Hope cannot be lost or forgotten
Carry they will these droplets of rain
Change will arrive, peace will reside
The old effect, the peacock moments!

Who Sold the Centrifuges?

Dr. Qadeer’s inflammatory outburst against President Pervez Musharraf would, instead of personally absolving him, aid in painting Pakistan in more lurid colors by her detractors.

Solving Amarnath: A New Hope in Kashmir

It demonstrates to the Kashmiris that by resorting to non-violent action, there is a room for manoeuvre and things can be changed through peaceful means.

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.

We Can Make a Difference

They are the children who have been abandoned, have run away from abusive homes, were orphaned or simply got lost.

Forgotten President & Shape of Things to Come?

A new kind of voting belt is being created where people are more aware of the larger issues, of national causes and increasingly form opinions under the spell of Urdu media?

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 Global Self-Help Addict

Self help is the hallmark of the global professional. Words that inspire, soothe, comfort and motivate are powerful and popular forces of support in an everchanging workplace.

Who is Making the Oil Fume ?

35 countries, 25 oil company CEOs and 7 global energy organizations assemble at Red sea city of Jeddah today as the world faces one of the most unprecedented global crisis

Freud and Jung and Their Secret Affairs

Of all of Freud’s admirers and critics, the most complex, complicated and troubled relationship was of Carl Jung. He started as an admirer and ended as a critic.

Opportunity Missed

If the nation of Pakistan can buy democracy, rule of law (going forward), civilian supremacy, justice etc. for 1.5 billion dollars from Mr. Zardari, I say where do we sign up?

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.

Affair With The knife

With media promoting extreme makeovers and their short-term ‘amazing’ results, more and more people today believe that going under the knife is safe and easy.

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.

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.

Attack in Mohmand

The recent attack on Frontier Corps (FC) post in Mohmand Agency is the first major US step in arm twisting the hopeless new Pakistani democratic set up.

Long March

In thousands, we will march, for change
Hear you will my friends, not far away
The days of change and nights of comfort
Walk with me, as each step gathers its storm

A Stage For - V for Vendetta

"People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."

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.

Dancing With Madonna

Dancing helps in developing, not only a beautiful body, but also a healthy mind, and should be encouraged in society.

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.

Please De-stabilize the System

Who are we trying to save the system from anyway? Why are we STILL sugar-coating this?

The Old Bungalow

Etched in my memory
Looming the house stood
Once it was my home
Now it’s on my mind

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 – ’

Pakistan's Nuclear Test - Ten Years Later

Today we are at war on multiple fronts. But the Bomb provides no defense. Rather, it has helped bring us to this grievously troubled situation and offers no way out.

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.

Myths Surrounding the Lawyer’s Movement

Election data made public is quite opposite to the generally promoted perception that February 18 saw an overwhelming mandate to restore the judiciary and remove Musharraf

Cluster Bombs

United States, Russia and China have not signed the Mine Ban treaty and will not sign the Cluster Ban either, but their future actions affected by the outcome of this Treaty.

India-US Nuclear Deal

If the government thrusts the deal down the throats of the Indian nation the Left may pull out of the alliance and force the country to face general elections.

Dancing on Broken Glass

President Pervez Musharraf’s appointment of businessman and media tycoon Salman Taseer as governor Punjab set off howls of protest from the PPP’s chief coalition partner PML-N

Logotherapy: Humanism In Psychiatry

The heart has reasons that reason does not know ... A reflection on Victor Frankl’s “The Unheard Cry for Meaning”

Zardari and the Politics of Defiance

“We do not want bread, we do not want electricity, but we want him (Musharraf) out” ... Can Zardari risk being complacent with the president?

Fatima Bhutto Fighting for Justice

The man Fatima Bhutto holds responsible for her father’s death is not only out of prison after 11 years without conviction, but is suddenly the most powerful man in the country.

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."

India Pakistan Talks

India and Pakistan are to have Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary level talks starting May 20 in Islamabad. It is time to once again look at the chessboard and see what has changed.

Life Long Commitment vs. Singledom

Marriage, I think, is highly overrated. Marriage being the perfect happily ever after and the solution to life’s problems is ‘just a myth we’ve been fed since childhood’

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

Saqi Farooqi ... A Rebellious Poet

He likes to be in the centre of controversy and to achieve that he challenges every literary, social, religious, moral and sexual taboo that he comes across.

Persecution of Religious Minorities In Islamic Countries

Meaningless protests over stupid cartoons do not achieve anything. Speaking up against injustices in their own countries does.

National Reconciliation Order

The concept of Truth and Reconciliation of Nelson Mandela cannot be offered as a parallel of pardoning the outlaws.

Mohajirs Are People Too

It was quite obvious that unlike Punjabis and Pushtoons, mohajirs have figured out that if there is chaos in the airport it is not because of Allah’s will.

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”.

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.

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.

Race to the Finish

60 years ago, when Jackie Robinson, first Black Man to play in US Major League Baseball, walked onto the field, he was taunted, ridiculed, and booed, but despite all adversity, he delivered.

Stripping Away Beauty

There are more houses and wider roads but lesser pastures and more stinking water drains. The weather does not seem all that pleasant and the air is ridden with smoke and smog.

Don’t Hang Sarabjeet

This is not an easy decision for a President who has often been accused of being an appeaser to the Americans and Indians by his countrymen.

Dumbing Down Parliament....Again!

What kind of message are we sending our youth? "Beta, it's ok if you flunked out of B.A and cannot be a Banker or an Engineer or a Lawyer. You can still be Minister of Industry!"

People of Gilgit Baltistan Waiting to be Heard

A week after sending this letter to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, emergency was imposed in Pakistan, constitution was suspended and the Chief Justice was deposed.

My Most Memorable Journey

Surraiya Bi had finally reached India her place of birth after eleven years of yearning and praying.

Prisoner of Conscience

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

Children of the Streets

His frail hands make a slight mistake and draw the wrath of the Ustad who lands a kick in his side. The boy gives out a painful scream but quickly turns back to work.

Where Billions Vanish

The Musharraf years are over. It is now time for parliament to carry out a public inquiry into the irresponsible and crazy policies that have hitherto been the hall-mark of decision-making.

Mind the Gap, The Generation Gap That Is

Between 9/11, Afghanistan, Bush and Iraq, a new generation is forming which will define America for the next thirty years at the least. I call it the angry generation.

Little Pakistan: Brooklyn’s Coney Island Avenue

This article does not discuss racism or race relations. Instead, it hopes to capture how a community has gone through such adversity and is coming back to life, after almost losing it.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, in 2007, 1205 women were reported to have been killed in the name of honor. Each year the number is doubling.

Last But Not Least

Poverty may be more than a silent killer. This sentence cannot be ignored as emotional rhetoric since, sadly, it has become a hair-raising reality.

Gen. Petraeus & Crocker's Washington Show is a Damp Squib

If an act of mercy is twice blessed, then an act of illegal invasion and brutal occupation has since proved to be doubly cursed for the invaders as well.

The Psychology of Mothering

It is interesting that as our culture is changing and many women are reluctant to take on motherly duties, more men are becoming motherly and nurturing.

Benazir’s Legacy

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

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.

Spinning the Public Beating and the Mob Justice

You really need to be a bad administrator or power usurper that people are so full of hatred for you that they can’t help but beat you.

The ‘shoey’ Side of Politics

People had not shut their ‘shocked’ mouths at the treatment meted out to Arbab Ghulam Rahim when they saw Sher Afgan being roughed up by the black coats.

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 Movement Revisited

Dr Haroon Ahmed and Saleem Asmi, two stalwarts of the first student movement in Pakistan, the Democratic Students Federation (DSF) write to set the record straight about DSF.

A Walk down Memory Lane

Forgive me if I am not taken in by the high sounding statements issued by the winners (and losers) of Election 2008, I simply see 'more of the same' for the future.

Simply Outrageous!

In their recent visits, the US officials kept looking for those who could listen to them and nod in the affirmative. They found none.

Surviving Musharraf's Exit?

Throughout the election campaign and since the elections, no political party or politician has come up with any original thought or plan for the problems that confront Pakistan

Hypnotherapy: Mind-Body Interactions

Imagine thinking yourself to better health. Dating back from 2600 BC this concept of inducing oneself to an alternative state of mind, has evolved through many stages.

Sustained Pleasure, Instant Gratification

So what am I supposed to do? Keep working hard to fulfill my ambitions, or worry about the state of my mind to positively influence the next generation?

War of Another Kind

One reassuring factor for Gillani is that its a coalition government where all the major political parties have posed their trust in him and have assured their support.

Small Spies Must be Hanged , While Bigger Ones Prosper

The law is basically for the poor man. In cases of espionage official secrets act of 1923 , no politician bothered to revise this arbitrary British law.

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.

An Agenda for the New Government

This time round, the change has come from the people. And it is their expectations and aspirations that have to be addressed.

Power to the People

There is suddenly a change in the air, amidst all this chaos which still continues to remain, still there seems to be something blooming, dare I say optimism.

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.

The Vicious Circle of Violence

The birthday of The Prophet Muhammad is a good time to remember that he was a man of peace. But the intoxicating violence now makes it difficult to go back to the origins.

Zardari Rev 2

Zardari’s political shrewdness, if not statesmanship, has succeeded in making the civil society and the media revive the earlier impressions about Zardari.

A Great Day, A New Hope for Pakistan

As our parliamentarians take oath and swear allegiance to the constitution today, one can feel happy about Pakistan.

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.

New US Strategy Needed in Afghanistan and Pakistan

The main thrust of USA's policy was to construct roads and schools and clinics. These were important but no substantial stakeholders or major employment opportunities were created...

Lost That Loving Feeling

Is love bound to end? Is very relationship doomed to
die a natural death at the hands of time?

Pakistan: The War of Drones

Why do so many Pakistanis suddenly lose their voice when it comes to condemning suicide bombings? Is it because the bomber kills in the name of Islam?

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'.

Kashmir Liberated, Others Languish

Kashmir Singh spent 35 years in various Pakistani prisons before Ansar Burney, the caretaker minister of human rights found him and obtained a presidential pardon.

The Nawaiwaqt Generation and the Power of No!

I am not the only one who is perplexed by the term civil society that has rapidly gained coinage in Pakistan... The group from Punjab that had seemingly eternally supported the army

Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa Agha on Pakistan Military

Stay out of politics, it is good for you, good for us, Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa Agha advises Pakistan Military.

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.

Puppetry Through the Ages

Over the years, puppetry has developed into a powerful medium of communication as it offers a real challenge to the imagination of viewers and creative ability of the presenters.

Reinterpretation of Islam in Turkey

Reinterpretation of Quran (and Hadith) is allowed in principle although no effective reinterpretation has ever taken place in the Muslim world.

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'

An Unnecessary Interview with History

Tonight we have an unnecessary interview with ex- Chief Executive, ex- Chief of Army staff and soon to be the ex- President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharaff.

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.

Pakistan, a Different Country!

Benazir is now remembered as a Rani, a princess and soon will turn in to the first woman Saint in Pakistan.

Pervez Musharraf and India Pakistan Rapproachment

Eight years of the Musharraf era has seen a sea change in the Indo-Pak bilateral relationship. Musharraf, in my opinion, can take a large measure of credit for this change.

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.”

The ANP Challenge

What if instead of a PPP prime minister or PML-N prime minister, ANP’s Asfandyar Wali Khan was to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan? Could this be a viable option?

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.

Warday

A continuation of the Graphic novel WARDAY, but from the perspective of ex-patriot Pakistani population stranded after a 36 hour nuclear holocaust.

Voting For Change

Despite pre-poll manipulation and irregularities voters have rejected the politics of hate and religious extremism.

Election 2008: Looking Ahead

The election result has come as a touch of healing to the anxious, wounded and exhausted and tense nation.

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.

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.

The Emperor is wearing Albanian Clothes

As soon as the western powers recognise Kosovo as an independent country, it will cause a huge dislocation in the fabric of all other separatist terrorist campaigns

Manufacturing a Fig Leaf of Democracy in Pakistan

According to an IRI poll in September 2006, Musharraf had a 63 percent approval rating. But last October 11, IRI released a poll showing him at 21 percent.

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.

February 18th, 2008-Election Day

Election in Tribal Areas and Pukhtunkhua province has been marred by violence. There have been attacks on the offices and rallies of all major political party.

Political Issues Ahead of Pakistan Elections

If these elections are not free and fair, irrespective of the turn out, public reaction would “boil up in the times to come,” according to lawyer Sahabnam.

Elections and the Future Leaders of Pakistan

Future Leaders of Pakistan is an organization that is straining against the shackles of convention and tradition and is aiming to do things a little differently.

The More Things Change...

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

Pakistan Elections 2008 - An analysis

For the first time since the constitution of 1973,elections promise to be fought around an agenda that has to do with democracy, social welfare and minorities rights.

Mediocre vs. Mediocre

As expected the report by Scotland Yard on Benazir Bhutto investigation came up with nothing helpful. Now what remains to be seen is the reaction of Pakistan People’s Party.

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.

Targeted Taxi Drivers

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

I Thought I Heard You Laughing

Unlike most people I know, I don't believe in love at first sight. But the world being as mad as it is, somehow manages to make you.

Fight Against The Emergeny Continues

If we are stressed, if we are constantly worried, then I believe it is a sign of great optimism. The struggle for a better Pakistan has just begun.

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.

Cynicism Amongst Pakistani Youth

Today the most disturbing trend amongst the youth is the growing use of narcotics. This phenomenon cannot be viewed in isolation from the socio-political and economic realities.

The Unravelling of Project Snow

It is interesting to see the dynamics between the members of of Project Snow during the recent fracas downunder. And the cry about the great game of cricket from this old guard!

A History of the Pakistan Army by Brian Cloughley

Brian Cloughley has made an honest attempt to present things as they are or as he perceived them to be with whatever facts he could lay hands to.

Mehrgarh...The Lost Civilization

A chopping tool found in Pakistan dates to 2 million years ago, earlier than the earliest hominid remains, the Homo species "Narmada Man," (250,000 years ago).

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...

Pakistan's Universities - Problems and Solutions

300% jump in research publications, nine new engineering universities with European faculty, 3000 Pakistani students sent overseas for higher-degrees...self-serving lies, half-truths and deceit.

Pakistan, Welcome to Hyderabad

It was here (Niaz Stadium) that Imran Khan tore through the Indian Test batting line-up in 1983 with 8-23, and famously denied Miandad his triple hundred by declaring the innings.

It's ME on Both Sides!

I was told that my dad had been by my mother's side when I was born but left only after he found out that his child was a girl.

Afghanistan - A Strategic Analysis

Afghanistan remains haunted and plagued by its violent history and its neighbours continue to enjoy the fruits of war and crisis in Afghanistan.

Rashidabad: Beginning Charity at Home

Irrespective of race, religion, language and ethnic background, all children in the hostel and the orphanage are provided equal opportunity to prosper.

Overseas Pakistanis and Right of Franchise

Overseas Pakistanis were granted the right to vote only in the 2002 referendum but the current election commission does not grant the right of franchise for expatriates.

Indian Supreme Court says- ‘Live in is marriage’

A momentous turn that will create upheavals in Indian society from bottom to top.

Surplus Majors and Jerk Chicken

Yesterday, when I went to collect my monthly dole from my local council, the officer in charge was apologetic, ‘Sorry Mr Nazir this is all we have for you at the moment,’ she said.

US Conspiracy to Destablize Pakistan?

First it was Ms Bhutto who was conspiring along with the US to destabilise and denuclearise Pakistan. And the CIA eliminated her. Israeli agency, Mossad, was also involved...

The Dirty Tricks Brigade Tries to Spoil a Party

Already stunned at the loss of their leader, the PPP is now reeling from the registration of tens of thousands of FIRs against its workers including charges of attempted murder.

Sounds from Within

Walking in the woods today
I talked loud and low,
To the ever listening trees
I said my silent woe.

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.

The Snow Will Melt

“So what happened to that Fokker which crashed in the mountains?” sipping coffee, she (Benazir Bhutto) took the words right out of my mouth. Did Billy and Dabbu speak through her?

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.

A Life Created

Responsibility for a miracle,
another life, another hope
another start, a new beginning
a fresh Phoenix has risen.

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