The challenge ahead
Unlike the cliffhanger US elections on Nov 6, the leadership change in China this week was hardly an exercise in suspense or democracy. Xi Jinping`s anointment as the new leader…
Any disorder better than this paralysis
Never in my life did I think that I would have a kind word to say about a figure in religious garb. But then our bankrupt politics can make even…
Early spring
The last few weeks of 2012 weren’t that bad, given how most of 2011 had played out, especially recovering from the exogenous shocks of a failing US-Pakistan relationship – and…
Return of Qadri
Few would have taken notice of 'Sheikhul Islam' Allama Tahirul Qadri's public meeting at the Minar-i-Pakistan had he not managed to put on as impressive a show as he did.…
At a loss for words
The importance of words cannot be overemphasised. Language – the ability to speak – is what distinguishes humans from other animals. But it seems this distinction is dangerously narrowing down…
Sharif’s Punjab
DEMOCRACY is the best revenge. Though in coining the phrase, it probably never occurred to the PPP that the party could itself become a victim of democracy. Or that democracy…
Saving the sinking ship
The ability of this government to get some seemingly reasonable people to swallow the ridiculous tripe it often regurgitates is truly astounding. Having unsuccessfully tried to peddle the Sindh card…
The horse and the donkey
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has compared democracy to the horse and dictatorship to the donkey, and observed that the country has been ruled at times by the horse and…
Gilgit-Baltistan in limbo
Even after six decades, the people of GilgitBaltistan continue to suffer in constitutional limbo despite their unconditional accession to Pakistan. In spite of efforts to integrate with Pakistan, the people…
Stuck in the past
Given the cloud of uncertainty hovering over his government and advancing years, it’s doubtful if Manmohan Singh will realise his dream of visiting Pakistan before he leaves the South Block.…
