The Achakzai recipe
The struggle for democracy has been going on since the creation of Pakistan but gets derailed for one reason or the other – and then we are back to square…
Back to the status quo
The recent hasty legislation carried out by parliament clearly indicates that the houses of public representatives have become merely a rubber stamp. It is thought that, since July 1, more…
Importance of local politics
Local government elections took place in 32 out of the 34 districts of Balochistan on May 29 after a delay of three and half years. Elections in two districts –…
How Nawaz and the opposition win 2023
Last week I wrote about how PM Khan’s five key bets can help him and the PTI win 2023. If he wins those five big bets he has made, there…
Pakistan’s true role in Afghanistan
In less than two weeks, the situation in Afghanistan has changed dramatically. Many people have been taken by surprise by the swiftness of the fall of the Islamic Republic of…
Conflicts and democracies
The recent game of death and destruction in Afghanistan has raised a number of questions for Pakistan, the region and the world. The clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban…
Terror and confusion
One of the most insidious effects of terror attacks is the confusion that they sow, and the way in which they magnify the divisions within society. In part, this is…
Good news and bad news
The federal cabinet announced on Tuesday two important decisions, one good - though inadequate - and the other plain bad. The good news is that the government has finally realized…
Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s politics
What else could my old prison-mate, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, have wanted by his political Dharna-4 juggernaut? He is at the centre of real politik – left, right and centre, and…
Integrating Fata
The long-awaited Fata merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is delayed yet again. Although there is a near-total consensus among the people – from the tribal areas and their cousins in the…
