Under siege in Quetta
It is not another country but they do things differently in Balochistan or, to be more specific, in Quetta. I spent nearly three days in Quetta this week and, though…
Reform agenda
EXCEPT for the 92.97-metre javelin throw by our spirited lad from Mian Channu, Pakistan has been left behind the rest of the world, economically, technologically, and on all counts of…
Kurram carnage
VIOLENCE in Kurram has spiked in frequency and magnitude recently. Fresh clashes erupted on Nov 21, when passenger vehicles were ambushed near Mandori. Forty-four persons lost their lives, including women and children. In revenge…
Countering terror — beyond labels
During the past few weeks, terrorists affiliated with the TTP), Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) have been referred to by Pakistani authorities as Khawarij. This term,…
Clash of ignorant armies
Unless you have switched yourself off from the world outside, it should be difficult for you to keep your cool at this time. The focus now is on the power…
No quick fixes in Balochistan
THE deadly terrorist attack in Quetta has reignited debates surrounding the security situation in Balochistan. Predictably, hawkish voices have sought to discredit advocates for political reconciliation. This knee-jerk reaction merits…
Terror in Dukki
RECENTLY, a horrific incident of terror took place in the far-off district of Dukki in Balochistan, where 21 poor miners, mostly Pakhtuns, working in the coal mines, were mercilessly slaughtered by…
Democracy’s missing link
After weeks-long back and forth due to deliberations, the entire polity of Pakistan reached a consensus on the 26th Amendment. It may not be considered a watershed moment in the…
The urgent need to counter mob justice
Both print and social media these days are painting a grim picture of the rising incidents of lynching and vigilante justice across different parts of our country. This deadly wave…
Unplanned future
The past few years were spent in electioneering and in the wrangling between various political parties. While the lower segment of society faced a miserable time due to inflation and…
