The saviour delusion
In terms of our national consciousness three trends seem to be ascendant: we have lost faith in the ability of individuals to possess integrity or be guided by principles, firm…
The state and economic development
The role of the Pakistani state in the country’s economy has recently come under scrutiny - in reference to the ongoing electricity and natural gas/CNG crisis. The argument usually put…
The orphan economy
There are at least six different parties and groups giving their own views about the state of the economy and the required direction of policies, and their viewpoints differ drastically…
Purple bamboo
The early morning mist hangs heavy. Seemingly light and ephemeral, it smothers the ground and hangs heavy on the soul too. No one knows when it will lift its burden.…
Inequality in society
With elections approaching, the usual claims from incumbent political parties of being pro-poor and even ‘revolutionary’ have increased in both frequency and amplitude. Notwithstanding their magnificent promises of ending corruption,…
The Congress and the ‘middle class’
Rahul Gandhi’s elevation as the Congress Party’s vice-president was an organisational non-event. He was already functioning as its Number Two, and dynastically destined to succeed his mother. The appointment’s significance…
ECP can make history
There is now widespread consensus within Pakistan that critical to a well-functioning democracy, and to Pakistan’s stability and progress, is that elected officials must be held to the highest possible…
Positive politics
Politics sits at the apex of a nation-state. It links the society to the state and acts as the supreme authority safeguarding the interests of both. A nation-state prospers and…
Belgian queen in hot water over inheritance foundation
For a long time, Queen Fabiola of Belgium seemed above reproach - lauded for her religious fervour, praised for her social deeds and sympathised with after a series of miscarriages…
18th Amendment – fallacious argument
Pakistan has a democratic government? There is no need to talk about this anymore. That devolution has taken place as a result of the 18th Amendment to the constitution. Please…
