The deep state
JUDGES, prosecutors, investigators, witnesses, lawyers: no one is safe in a criminal justice system pitted against militants and their patrons in the deep state of Pakistan. The judges` detention case…
Introspection is in order
The May 11 election results require introspection by all political parties - winners and losers alike - the former on what not to do and the latter on a basic…
Balochistan`s fighting chance
AFTER ages, there is a note of jubilation in the discussions on the future of Balochistan. Till about a year ago, many were convinced it didn`t even have a future.…
Combating financing of terrorism – II
Appraisal of global and domestic initiatives: Since the tragic event of September 11, 2001, the United States and its allies have been engaged in what they call 'war on terror'…
Spotlight: Tackling terrorism? The civilian side hibernated throughout its 5-year rule! Elections: many a slip…!
It is not the intention to paint a pessimistic picture of the prospects of fair and free elections taking place in relative peace but only to make the point that…
At a precipice
Pakistan stands devastated today due to unprecedented massive corruption. According to a recent report by Transparency International Pakistan the last five years have been the worst in the history of…
The softer option
Some time ago, 38 ex-militants were released after receiving vocational training at Navi Sahar, an armed forces’ institute in Bajaur. It was an endeavour to reintegrate them into society, as…
Islands of affluence
‘Democracy is the best revenge’ having run its full course, other ‘avatars’ are about to descend over the hills of Islamabad. The populace awaits less than eagerly the rerun of…
Consensus on terrorism
The tone for a much-needed multi-party conference has finally been set. The leadership of the Awami National Party (ANP) has started contacting the leadership of other political parties. The plan…
Our growth diagnostics
"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Leo Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina opens with this line. This dictum holds true not only for…
