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.

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.

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.

A Stage For - V for Vendetta

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

Please De-stabilize the System

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Prisoner of Conscience

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

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.

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.

Benazir’s Legacy

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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...

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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 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'.

Pakistan After The Assassination: Interview with Pervez Hoodbhoy

Interview with Pervez Hoodbhoy by Stefania Maurizi of Venerdi of La Repubblica

A Cursed Nation

What a sorrow, we dream of an ideal society a prosperous country but we want someone else to fight for this cause.

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.

Saatchi, Musharraf and Britney Spears

‘Is there any chance of your catching Osama Bin Laden? That will definitely put you right back at the top of the charts...’

The Only Way Forward for Pakistan

There should be an APC (All Party Conference) right away in which a National consensus government is formulated with the mandate of organizing free and fair elections within 6 months.

Benazir Bhutto: Death of Hope and Dilemma

She is an even more significant loss for the West that myopically supports personalities rather than masses and institutions in the countries of interest.

Pakistan

Another day descends into its history
Of bloodshed, ignorance and plunder
Who shall we blame, the west or Islam

Pakistani Artist Gulgee Murdered

Pakistan's renowned artist Ismail Gulgee was found murdered along with his wife Zarine and maid at their residence in Karachi (Clifton area) on Wednesday.

Interview: Imran Khan on Elections and Boycott

Participating in elections will only give legitimacy to an illegal action.

The Missing Pakistanis

Where are those souls
Into wilderness, they disappeared
Like autumn leaves,
With no traces

Death of Aqsa Pervez: A reflection on Canadian Muslim-Pakistanis

As parents, we need to understand and acknowledge that our children deserve even more understanding and support because they are caught between two distinct worlds.

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...

Election Boycott

Only 5 out 33 parties in APDM want to participate in elections. Parties in favour boycott met at Imran Khan’s residence on Monday

Comments on Ongoing Debate about ISI in the Afghan War

The Afghan War started a grand party for Pakistan's ruling elite and even Pakistan. Afghan refugees were cleverly and criminally used to solicit US and Saudi aid. All glorified as Jihad.

The Conspiracy Theory

Even today I come across many adults who essentially think of the world in such simplistic terms: interconnected; controlled and run by a single source of intelligence.

The Slow, Castration of Pakistani Cricket

When asked if this draw was a moral victory for the Pakistanis Kumble remarked "When you struggle to pick up five wickets in both innings, that's no moral victory to me."

And Now, The Charter of Demands—The Comedy Continues!

Turkish President Abdullah Gul was not very impressed after meeting the cream of the Pakistani political elite.

Enlightened Mediocrity

‘He (Musharraf) is better off than the Queen you know,’ I continued, ‘considering that even the poor lady is answerable at times...’

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.

The Plan To Topple Pakistan Military

Its not about Musharraf anymore. This is about clipping the wings of a strong Pakistani military, denying space for China in Pakistan, squashing the ISI, stirring ethnic unrest...

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.

Is this the worst Pakistan team ever?

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

A Scene

The horse without the rider
Baby without the mother
Not one chasing the other
Sitting silently - over the ruins

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.

Foreign Factor in our Higher Education

Our whole system of education is working in such a way to produce good high-tech workforce for European and American markets. Irony is we do this at our own expense.

Pakistani Judges - Read This Lawyer’s Oath

One fails to understand how the growing need to associate with Mr. Jinnah leaves Musharraf little association with the ideals that the man stood for.

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.

I Await ...

Of what avail the melodies and glitter,
That an evening muse brings;
Life is false:
The past is faded, 'today' is a brittle 'now';

State of Pakistan: What Can Pakistanis Do

As compared to countries of 250 years or more, 60 is a mere child. Nation building takes time and people have to stand by their nation.

Book Review – Searching for Sister Pakistan

Editor Rakshanda Jalil writes ... My concern in this book has been to present as complete a picture of the everydayness of life as it is lived and experienced by Pakistani women.

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.

Overcoming Learned Helplessness and Apathy

The shackles of “learned helplessness” can only be broken if all the political parties and intelligentsia join hands to restore rule of democracy and the independence of judiciary.

Is Patriotism at Times The Last Refuge

We, the third largest ex-pat community in the world after China and India have learnt to keep our fronts, haven’t we?

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.

Johnny On The Street

Should the lawyers be able to recapture the imagination of the nation and catalyze meaningful national resistance, the calculus shall change.

Reflections During a US Visa Grind

An account of the current conditions for visitors to the US Embassy in Islamabad. Also a comment on the mindsets and values of Pakistanis and Americans.

Do You Have a Substitute?

Emergency in Pakistan was the need of time as we had no other options. Do we have any substitute for General Musharraf? Is there any other person who can run the country?

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.

The Roving Stones

My lords have announced they will cause revolutionary changes, changes that will cause a grass root level change. But how could they?

Pervez Musharraf Declares Emergency in Pakistan

As of 6PM on Saturday President General Musharraf has suspended the constitution and declared State of Emergency in Pakistan.

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?

Daughter of the Beast: The General's New Clothes

Benazir is eager to show that she is not doing deals with Musharraf but, as Ahmed Rashid points out, despite the army’s dwindling popularity she needs the army because it controls Pakistan.

Communists and the Making of Pakistan

History of the last years of Punjab under the Raj

Of Carnage and Triumph

At least 135 innocent lives lost; hundreds of families devastated.

Where's the news?

The so-called "movement against Musharraf" and the unfolding "democratic revolution" seems like a shrinking reality no bigger than a 26-inch TV screen.

Back To Idol Worship

Are musician (so-called marassis) the only people left on planet earth to be our idols? Aren't there people like Naom Chomski, Stephen Hawking even Dr. AQ Khan to be our idols?

Whither Pakistan? The Presidential 'Election' and Beyond

It is my view that in the not too distant future Pakistan too will go through its own version of an Islamic revolution.

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

Pakistan’s Political Future Still Hanging on a Flimsy Thread

When the petitions were indeed non-maintainable, then why did the Supreme Court not throw them out straight away?

Musharraf’s New Ordinance Hoopla

What is this ordinance hoopla Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto have just come up with. They want to take out accountability from the entire political and banking process.

The Deal--a Satire

You have ruled long enough,
Oh, dear Supreme Spirit
Of Evil and Unrighteousness
You have done enough harm

Awake, the Wretched of My Land

Pakistan must learn from its turbulent past to save its future.

The Ramadan Ordinance

In 1981, the Ramadan Ordinance was issued by President of Pakistan Zia ul Haq, whereby eating, drinking and smoking in public during fasting hours in the month of Ramadan was declared unlawful.

Good on ya Bangladesh!

Thank you Bangladesh for having the moral courage to resolve a humanitarian crisis by granting citizenship to those unfortunate soles who are famously known as “stranded Pakistanis”.

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.

Pakistani Twist to “Aliens in America” TV Series

Are the Pakistani and Muslim community here in America ready for raunchy American teenage humor?

Law of Necessity… A Logical Recourse

All military interventions in Pakistan have a distinction of getting legal/constitutional indemnity in two phases. First, the judiciary legalises the intervention...

The Ghost of Justice Munir is Still Alive

Islamabad’s nervous and jittery ‘guardians’ have turned the capital city into a fenced-of, ‘no-go’ town.

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.

A History of Failure: The Rise and Fall of Military

Is military rule the solution to Pakistan's problems? Is Musharraf any different than his predecessor generals?

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.

PM Shoukat Aziz Ponders a Term for Chief Justice

Given the crucial role of Chief Justice and Supreme Court in current Pakistani politics, ruling elite is busy looking at various options to remove this stumbling block.

Cutting Down the Law

With the banishment of Nawaz Sharif once again the General and the incumbent Government has, shown its myopia, arrogance and contempt for the laws of Pakistan.

The Power of Ideas and the Modern University

Ideas rule the world, drive our actions, inform our beliefs, and unleash mighty revolutions. How must Pakistan’s higher education system change for it to succeed?

These Lawyers Seem Somewhat Above the Law

It is not about Naeem Bokhari; or anyone else we don’t like; it is about law, courts and the social order.

A Political Manifesto for Sale! - Part I

In the current feverish run-up to elections, have you wondered why our political parties have still not published any meaningful manifestos?

The Green Palette

Painting in Pakistan: the legacy of Anna Molka Ahmed, Zubeda Agha, Ustad Sharif, Allah Buksh, Chughtai, Sadequian and many others.

Assessing the Socio-Economic Decline of Pakistan

While the future does not appear to be rosy from any angle, it is worthwhile to state that the situation in Pakistan has still not reached a point where we could group it with failed countries.

The Eclipse of the MQM

It can be argued that the leadership and activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) will remember the 12th of May 2007 as the moment a 10 year policy of the party came crashing down.

Days of Rage

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

NED Alumni Convention 2007

Alumni of NED University, founded in 1921, are gathering on September 8, 2007 in Silicon Valley in their largest ever NEDian convention.

Afghanistan: The Continuing Challenge?

Gen. Musharaf and Ms. Bhutto, both equally willing and falling over each other to oblige Washington in the pursuit of its war against terrorism.

Suo Motu Action Against Corrupt Stock Brokers of KSE

Investors lost more than $13 billion in stock market crash of March 2005. 88 stock brokers of KSE were found responsible but no action has been taken.

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?

Beginning of an End

Nawaz Sharif’s expected reentry in Pakistan is creating a new power configuration.

Boots, Beards, Burqas and Bombs

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

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.

Making a new Future: Peace Dividends for India and Pakistan

India Pakistan relationships in the light of future economic and security dividends of peace.

The 'poor' Neighbour

India is seen as a success story, while Pakistan is written off as a failed state and the hiding place of Osama bin Laden. What went wrong?

Stephen Gill on his Writing and Diaspora

Multiple award-winning author Stephen Gill was born in Pakistan, grew in India and has settled in Canada after staying in Ethiopia and England for a while.

Emergency: From Behind the Sandbags

Emergency at this time serves Chaudhri Shujaat more than it serves Musharraf, who wants to play this final card not so early.

60 Years of American DogHood

Graffiti in Karachi proclaims that General Musharraf is an American Dog who must be shot dead. (General Amriki Kutta, Tthaa!!). It’s an idea, problem is that not much of Pakistan will remain if we shoot all the American Dogs

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?

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.

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.

Pakistan: A Downward Spiral?

The first step to resolving the problems is to understand them. We cannot afford to go round in circles without imploding at some point.

The Deal and Our Responsibility

Does the deal between Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto really matter? And will we sit and let others to continue muddling with the affairs of Pakistan.

Pakistani Adoptions

About private adoptions from Pakistan

OPEN Silicon Valley Holds Fourth Annual Forum

This full day affair incorporated three keynote speeches, four panels and workshops and approximately three hundred people in attendance.

As The Drama Unfolds

Mulana Abdul Aziz calls for Jihad one minute and runs for his life the next second.

Rest in Peace Pakistan (1947-1974)

You cannot understand Pakistan until and unless you understand how the demise of the ideal of Pakistan was brought about by its own people

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.

Musharaff Finds a Way Out

An election year usually carries lots of surprises in it and this one, perhaps the first official one since 70s, is no different.

Going Back in Time

If the pharmacists are not going to be properly utilized to improve medicine use situation, then turning a four year pharmacy degree (B.Pharmacy) into a five year Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) and opening new pharmacy schools in the country is certainly qu

Dawn of a new era in Pakistan

The month of March this year may be considered a turning point in the judicial history of Pakistan, but more so it will be remembered for manifestation of the powerful role played by the media.

Section 144: Ban on public gatherings

The section 144 has its roots in British constitution of 1938. British needed it to secure their imperialistic interests. The question is whose imperialistic needs it is serving now?

Pakistani Media to Face Wrath of the Government

Eleven new amendments have been introduced in the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), which would help the Musharaff regime to control the electronic media including TV channels, Internet and mobile TVs.

The Silent Majority Speaks

I have not yet seen or heard that an excellent bank manager, an efficient medical doctor or the most qualified air steward has been made a Corp Commander or an Air Marshall. I have however see many armed force officers in positions where they are not supp

Who Is the Target Here?

The never-die judicial-issue is spinning out of control and irony of the matter is that every player dealing with this is made to believe that he holds the trump card.

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.

Blue Line

They have seen right through my nonchalance as I picked up the pregnancy test at the airport, kept my shaking hands at bay, and walked with assumed confidence through the hotel doors.

The Importance of a Dictator’s Failure

By actively and methodically side-lining the political parties that had a presence outside of just one province, national building was turned into national fragmentation.

The General vs. the Judge

The attempt to browbeat a Judge has released a new fissure in Pakistani society. The violence in Karachi makes compromise difficult for both sides. There is an easy solution...

Citizenship and Identity in Pakistan

Before the British colonised the subcontinent, the people of this region existed in overlapping sets of multiple identities, where contending sovereignty of identity groups was negotiated and power was shared at several levels. When the British came alon

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?

Betrayal of Great expectations?

The absurdity of the theater that we find ourselves in never ceases to amaze even the most insensitive amongst us

Why is the Government Dithering When it Should Stand Firm?

With religious extremists openly challenging the writ of the state, and despite overwhelming public demands that this be stopped, the government seems to be giving in.

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.

With or Without Musharraf – A Mohajir’s Perspective

Whether we stay in Pakistan, go it alone, or confederate with like-minded freedom loving Sindhis or Baluchis, there are many steps we can take in the interim.

Pakistan Shinning III - Population and Literacy

There is no precedent in history of any nation demonstrating double-digit (or even high single digit) GDP growth while spending next to nothing on its human capital.

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

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

A Collective Failure to Fail

Each loss brought with it claims ranging from match-fixing and biased umpiring to the lack of divine providence. We never lost all these years. We were simply made to finish second by forces that conspired against us.

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?

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.

Men in Khaki

Instead of fixing the PIA bigwigs—mostly cronies of his and Shaukat Aziz—who have brought so much ignominy and shame on Pakistan, the commando general opts to pick up a fight with the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Chaudhry, and embarks o

Justice, Judiciary and Journalist

Removal of ‘just another’ Chief Justice has united the country. The voice of lawyers and journalists is that of the entire country.

On Zillae Huma Usman

What good is the facade of encouraging educated women to be at the forefront at the expense of their life?

Trapped, surrounded, quarantined or just reading too much into it?

I get the strong feeling that Pakistan is definitely under the microscope, if not under quarantine. Not a good feeling to have, I am afraid.

Pakistan Shinning I - Propoganda or Reality

The Musharraf Government is frantically beating the drums of its fictional economic miracle of the past half a dozen years. This is painfully reminiscent of similar media projection attempted by the erstwhile BJP Government with its 'India Shining' propag

Pakistan Quarters

The name probably symbolized the fact that it gave shelter to the families of most of the government servants, keeping the administration of the newly formed nation running, Karachi being the capital then.

Thar Desert Festival puts Tourism Ministry to Shame

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

Teaching Science Badly – and Well

Dogmatism kills science. Students should therefore experience science as a process for extending understanding, not as unalterable truth. Never should the teacher say X or Y is true just because that’s what the textbook says.

Let’s not Barter Away Our Food Security for GM Crops

What does all this mean for the Pakistani farmer? On the one hand, GM seeds and crops promise an increased yield. But the catch is that the farmer cannot re-use the seed. This makes the farmer a client of the biotech company for life.

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?

Soul Atrophy

Teams in any sport can be as good or as bad as the countries, societies and institutions they represent.

Religious Tourism

Enthralling and enchanting locations of Pakistan beckon not only domestic but also foreign tourists to great extent.

Education Reform: Signs of Hope

There is good news: the “White Paper” to “debate and finalize national education policy”, distributed in December 2006 by the Ministry of Education, though incomplete and flawed, is an enormous step forward.

My People!

I am outraged because I care and I care because it’s my country and I care because it’s my people.

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

Adam Khor Ayash Gorillay

Is everyone these days tripping over themselves to conform to this stereotype of being hip?

This Really Gets My Goat

As the outcry against the Pakistani governments plan to mine the Durand Line grows, I am reminded of the title of a Ray Bradbury novel published in 1985, Death Is A Lonely Business. Death is a lonely business. Step on an anti-personnel landmine, and it

Do Pakistanis deserve a democratic system?

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

Medicalising Pakistan

A recent visit to Pakistan was the eye opening one. There was one pharmacy in my neighborhood a few years ago, but now the small street is sprawling with five pharmacies and all are doing “wonderful business”.

Phantom of the Opera

A quintessentially tear-jerking performance, reminded us that when a Phantom is killed, we cry at the inevitable sadness of obsession.

Where Are They?

In Pakistan, since the past few years, there have been a number of missing persons who have been picked up by “law enforcement agencies” and these people have had a clear record.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: The Choice Between Alliance and Acrimony

To turn around the setbacks of spring and summer of 2006 for both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and by extension for the US interests in the region, the roots of mutual suspicion need to be addressed and a new chapter in Afghanistan-Pakistan relationships ope

Imran Khan the Politician

Today, he looks lost and bewildered, like the proverbial ’babe in the woods’. The sportsman extraordinaire looks helpless in politics – a fish gasping for breath in the middle of a desert.

India, Pakistan and the Kashmir dispute

The number of people who have died and who are still dying in order for us to hold on to our illusory ideals are not worth the ideals.

Re-Imagining Pakistan

Commencement lecture by Pervez Hoodbhoy at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, 9 December 2006.

Recognising Student Unions

Prohibiting political parties on campus is in actuality curbing students’ rights. That is why there are clashes and conflicts as well as demonstrations and strikes by these so-called ‘banned’ or rather, half-functional student parties.

Stagnating Pakistan-Iran Relations

When it comes to Pakistan-Iran relations there is much more than what actually is being said by the establishment or its proxies.

Indian Filmmaker Plucks Musical Strings in Pakistan

Khayal Darpan, a documentary film explores Pakistan's Classical Music traditions

The Great Wrong

Whenever in Pakistan some political leaders or political party comes forward with the suggestion to divide Punjab for the larger good of Pakistan, then the reaction seen among certain politicians, intellectuals and literary men of Punjab is of total hosti

India-Pakistan talks: the endless cycle

The two countries agreed to set up a six-member panel to counter terrorism; A nuclear safety agreement was signed; However, no progress took place on reducing troops in Kashmir and in Siachen.

How Many Votes a Party Needs to Win Pak Elections?

How many votes a party requires to win a majority in National Assembly or Pakistan? Just 10 million! Surprised? Read on.

The Massacre at Bajaur

There have been so many blames as well as blunders assigned to the Pakistan Army that it has become indefensible even for a relentless ally of the establishment to validate their performance.

Pakistan's Afghan Policy

Afghanistan was created as a buffer state between the British and Russian empires. The international boundary line between Afghanistan and the British empire, inherited in 1947 by Pakistan, is the Durand line. This line divided ethnic Pashtun tribes into

Musharraf’s Coup - Seven Years Later

Some had feared – while others had hoped – that General Pervez Musharraf’s coup of October 12, 1999, would bring the revolution of Kemal Ataturk to a Pakistan firmly in the iron grip of mullahs.

Pervez Musharraf Vs. George Orwell

It wasn’t that simple though, I noticed that Pervez Musharraf steers clear from George Orwell’s most cautioned malaise – Lack of Clarity.

Don’t Cry for me Rawalpindi

They each carry a sports bag and wore crisp new white shirts with the letters “Under 19” engraved on the left side.

The Poor of Allai

The earthquake of 8th October that affected the wealthy and poor alike in the devastated areas has once again brought out the plight of the poor.

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.

Saving Pakistan with the Constitution

When the regime breaks the citizen’s contract with its people – that of the Constitution – do the citizens have every right to break away from the state?

Profile of a Young Pakistan

My dear Pakistan: I don’t mean that you cannot make good for future out of your present. I am sure you are smart and you can do it. It is not easy but you will have to think differently and positively and you have to learn self reliance. It is diffi

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

Foreigner in My Land

I have discovered life again and again by doing things people feared the most. I was told by a Pakistani consultant living a prosperous life in Saudi Arabia that Pakistan has nothing to offer. It is full of corruption and most of the youth don’t get

Valentine

The politics, which is practiced in Pakistan, has no bearing to the reality that exists in Pakistan and thus, the political debate in Pakistan is limited to a few personal arguments of the political parties in opposition and the government in power.

The Height of Higher Education

Pakistan studies should become a part of the study of world history without recourse to jingoism and ‘patriotic excesses’. By doing so, two major sources of confusion and non-critical thinking will be removed from the domain of universities

A Failing State in a State of Denial

This year’s Failed States Index places Pakistan in the 9th place, with a score higher than that of Afghanistan. What are the implications for the country’s future?

World View and Expectations from Pakistani Universities

Why Do We Reject Our Past?

I agree with the notion that I was a member of Indic-civilization for 5000 years, Muslim for around 1000 and Pakistani for 60. I wish our leaders would give us the chance to appreciate and accept all of these great periods as our national identity

A Rhyme For Fools -- 1

In Pakistani politics, democracy is seen as an end in itself and that its attainment will be marked by the culmination of civilian power over the military. Also, the idea of democracy is identified with political personalities, both military and civilian

Taj a Mirage

I saw a group of young artisans. They looked timid and frightened, their head bent down trying to concentrate on their work, but at the same time wanting to communicate with the onlookers

SP PETITION:Adoption of Earthquake Orphans in Pakistan

We would like to make a concerted effort to open up the possibility of adoption for children of all ages orphaned by the earthquake

The Baluchistan Problem

The Quest for American Popularity in Pakistan

Public diplomacy may melt some icy precepts in Pakistan but American ideals will still flounder in the murky waters of conspiracy theories until there is tangible movement towards regional reconciliation

Why do Pakistanis consider Mahmud Ghazni, Mohammad Ghauri and Aurangzeb Great Muslims?

Red Sea Rising

America is still at the same place, using double standards and double edged swords to promote both Pakistan and India, the former by diplomatic patronizing and the latter with economic and military assistance. However, one key player has changed -- China

Pakistan Bans Blogspot

I don’t know what appalls me more: the sheer idiocy of such a blanket ban; the horror that someone thinks they’ve just struck a blow for Islam; or this insidious thought that, in Pakistan, we have no rights, only privileges

Anatomy of a Karachi Bomb Blast

With so many issues whipping the air like a tornado on the national canvas it is impossible to assign responsibility of such terrorism to any single group unless someone claims it and provides a signed affidavit to that effect

US-India Relations in Danger After an Attempt on the President's life!