Democracy, cynicism and history
There are few concepts in modern political thought that have generated as much popular enthusiasm as the concept of democracy. In Pakistan as well, the desire for a more just…
Battles we’re losing
What has a malnourished child, crawling in the dust of some distant village in Pakistan, got to do with, say, the passing out parade in the solemn and sanctified grounds…
Towards Beijing consensus
In his 2017 New Year address, President Xi Jinping stressed that Chinese people have long believed that "the world is a commonwealth". Chinese people not only hope to live better…
The UFG challenge
Natural gas is the biggest source of primary energy with a share of 46% in the energy mix, followed by oil, contributing another 35%. Pakistan can also boast of one…
Gender equality and women’s empowerment
Addressing gender inequality and ensuring equal participation and opportunities for women and girls in Asia-Pacific is central to achieving progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Tackling gender-based inequalities…
Tough realities
With the attention of the nation riveted on the Trump train wreck and on the historic Women’s March, one lesson of this moment is getting lost: The Democratic Party lost…
Facing tragedy with courage
It is a rare event in modern history that a country has been at war for over a decade without being able to identify who the enemy is. Pakistan’s 15-year…
The future of corruption
Would a conviction in the Panama case bring an end to corruption in Pakistan, as some politicians want us to believe? Presidents, prime ministers, generals, judges and corporate CEOs of…
Citizenship as a commodity
In Britain’s multitiered visa system, there are now many routes to citizenship. For those prepared to invest $1.24m in companies registered in Britain, there is Tier 1: a fast-tracked visa…
Tharparkar: the last bastion of peace
My immersion into the matchless natural beauty of Tharparkar is enlivened when I think of going away from the maddening crowd of urban life. The mesmerising charm of the chameleonic…
