The ballot and the bayonet
In most countries, if a criminal gang had issued a death threat against high-profile national organisations five months earlier than their killing spree, two things would happen: Firstly, the state…
Discussion on elections at the Frontline Club
After Benazir Bhutto’s assassination over five years ago (how time flies!), the only political figure in Pakistan foreigners have heard of is Imran Khan. His fame is largely attributable to…
Economic effects of elections
There is a flutter of activities now that elections are upon us. I have been a bit dismayed at elections not because this election may not be fair (it never…
From princesses to politicians
A great deal has been made of famous women in power in South Asian countries. Bright-eyed – if somewhat misguided – patriots have claimed that the systematic cultural, political and…
Apt handling of national security – II
Our armed forces and intelligence agencies have become more hardened today than they were ever before in the conduct of Low Intensity Conflict (LIC). However, over the past decade, the…
The power sector
Power sector's performance is no longer simply a source of concern for the domestic, industrial or commercial sectors but has become a source of aggravated concern, an anecdotal survey of…
Election Outlook-VIII: Balochistan: blessed but blighted
"They've been committing a broad-daylight robbery on our resource," an agitating Nawab Akbar Bugti told this writer at his Dera Bugti residence with a growing sense of frustration and despondency…
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'…
‘Bugging’ Wali Bagh for ANP prospects: Election Outlook-VII
"Is he a Pakhtun?,"* an ailing 89-year-old Khan Abdul Wali Khan asked his son Sangeen Wali in Pashto as he began to inquire about the identity of this writer. Lying…
Spare Islam and Iqbal
Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s warning against separating Islam from Pakistan’s polity or politics should not surprise anyone because Islam has been used as a battle cry by almost all Muslim…
