Requiem for the living
When Zardari replaced Musharraf, it was a double whammy for the 180 million Pakistanis. Instead of leading the country, the two were better suited for starring in a new TV…
FBR: new chairman, old challenges
Of all the federal government institutions, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is, rightly or wrongly, considered as the most incompetent, inefficient and corrupt. Even if it is merely a perception…
Glaxo probe seen to reflect scale of bribery in China?
The Chinese government's investigation of alleged large-scale bribery by British-based pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) reflects widespread corruption in the industry, experts claim. Some commentators see GSK as being caught up…
Cambodia’s Khmer healers get schooled in ancient art
A lizard dipped in wine may not seem like an obvious asthma remedy, but as Cambodian traditional healers strive to turn their ancient wisdom into a professional industry such treatments…
Whither the state?
“We believe in dialogue but it should not be frivolous. Asking us to lay down arms is a joke”, said TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud in December 2012. He further stated…
Tax proposals – I
On June 5, 2013, we will have a new government in action - faced with multifaceted and complicated problems on economic front. It's immediate task of framing budget for fiscal…
Excellent institutions
few days ago my dear friend, Hanif Abbasi, invited me to attend the annual prize distribution ceremony at the Government Postgraduate Viqar-un-Nisa College for Women (VNC) in Rawalpindi as chief…
Young, skilled, expelled: foreign talent in demand in US
They are young, highly-skilled and urgently needed by the US economy - Indian, Chinese or Eastern European high-tech experts who have graduated with a degree from an American university. But…
A law in defiance of the SC
The Sindh Assembly has passed a law on February 21, forming the provincial higher education commission to control the provincial universities. At present the Higher Education Commission (HEC) that was…
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…
