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An ode to the political worker

PAKISTAN’S history is replete with the heroism of political workers who have repeatedly demonstrated that their commitment to democratic ideals is total and that they will risk life, limb, and…

Conspiracy theories and polarisation

WHY do conspiracy theories thrive and divide political opinion so much? The answer to this question is, perplexingly, very simple and rooted in the science of making decisions under uncertainty.…

Cable, conspiracy & populism

THE removal of a prime minister through a no-confidence motion is an extraordinary event in the life of a nation. Similarly, accusing the recognised political opposition of treason is a…

The conspiracy concoction

THE military has said unequivocally there was no conspiracy by the United States to bring about a regime change in Pakistan. The statement by the DG ISPR Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar has…

Real challenges and the political game

The formation of a new coalition government is unlikely to end the country’s political turmoil, but it does create an opening to address the many challenges currently faced by Pakistan.…

Next steps for a political miracle

The people of Pakistan spoke clearly on February 8. Their favourite political party is the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Their favourite leader, even though he is in jail, is as beloved to…

A good conspiracy

IF one thing’s true about human nature, it’s that everyone loves a good conspiracy. The stakes are sensational, the ending is grand, and most of the characters are faceless aliens…

Conspiracy theories, slogans, myths

Nations and communities need narratives, but they cannot progress with narratives alone. They also need practical ideas about education, healthcare, innovation, external relations, and economic growth. Unfortunately, for far too…

The cipher without a conspiracy

The politics of the cipher saga may no longer be newsworthy but the surrounding issues have a lasting place in Pakistan’s domestic dynamics and foreign policy. And there is a…

A conspiracy of incompetence

Every country on the planet is suffering from populism. It is a cancer that metastasizes because of the failure of neoliberalism, because of the certitude and arrogance of elites and…