Critical responses
In dealing with the menace of terrorism, clarity is finally emerging at the institutional level. The army chief`s speech last year on Independence Day was encouraging as he stressed clarity…
Ground zero
A version of this essay was published exactly four years ago. The introduction has been updated and some details altered in the text. But the message remains the same: nuclear…
A BJP-driven U-turn?
Looking at the U-turn in Indo-Pak relations, January seems a strange month. The change perplexed everyone, because throughout 2012, a perception was built that these belligerent neighbours had finally accepted…
Ties with India
Preoccupation with domestic issues over the past few weeks should not have prevented Pakistan`s policymakers and informed sections of society from taking note of the dangerous events along the Line…
Wish all you want
The two indigenous long marches of the past rekindle totally different memories. So, will the third have its distinguishing features? Do you care if it does? Who knows? Even as…
The heart of the matter
With all the distraction that is created by politics, the latest invasion being the promised long march by Tahirul Qadri, the momentous issue at this time is religious extremism and…
The silent bystanders
The curious rumblings being witnessed on the eve of yet-to-be announced elections in Pakistan can be perceived as a game between entrenched political insiders, mainly consisting of the two major…
The Monti option
Pakistan will hold its next parliamentary and presidential elections this year. Many Pakistanis see this first ever completion of its term by an elected civilian government as cause for celebration.…
Country needs new constitution – I
Pakistan is mired today in the gravest challenges of its lifetime including threats to its security, and economic survival; its economic woes compounded by a burgeoning global financial meltdown; any…
Combating money-laundering and terrorism financing
Money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are serious threats to security and the integrity of the financial system. The FATF Standards…
