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People, politicians and political space

When Imran Khan came to power in 2018 many hoped he would break the hold of the corrupt and inefficient two-party system, which had controlled Pakistan’s political space since 1988.…

Our politicians’ dilemma

The recent move by President Arif Alvi to announce the date for provincial elections has plunged the country into a new political crisis. This action has triggered a debate about…

Celebrity politicians

Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, the culture industry seemed content to play a supporting role in our politics. Celebrities surrogated for candidates, and reproduced social hierarchies through…

Politicians by inheritance

A politician is generally defined as a person who is ‘professionally’ involved in politics, especially as a holder of an elected office. However, almost all dictionaries also give the following…

Politicians and propaganda

Ruling elites all over the world are adroit at projecting their image as charismatic personalities who have a magic wand that can resolve all the problems being faced by the…

Policing the politicians

DESPITE having been asked to step up to clear the mess created by those staking a claim to being clean, incorruptible, judicious, and the most patriotic among us on more…

New dual nationality politicians

According to press reports, the government is introducing the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament that seeks to change Article 63(1)(c). The Amendment states that a person shall be disqualified…

Politicians’ real enemy

PUNJAB’S legislative business rarely makes it to the headlines for the right reasons and this time around it is no different. In the last week of June, the assembly passed…

Politicians’ revenge

NOT long after the US appointed a national security adviser in 1947 that a rash spread over a large part of the democratic world. Countries began appointing NSAs minus the…