From tariffs to tokens
With America’s obsession to gain revenue by restricting trade through customs and tariffs, a historical similarity presents itself: mercantilism. The core similarity between today’s trade framework and then is the…
Airstrikes, drones, tariffs: being US friend not what it used to be
Donald Trump returned to the White House vowing always to put America first. In recent days, even longtime US allies have found out the hard way that friendship has limits.…
AI crossroads
IT’S earnings season. Once again, the markets are moving to the rhythm set by the ‘Magnificent Seven’ dominating the Nasdaq. Their numbers are in, and the mood on Wall Street…
The Zion-Hindutva axis
Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu are not only ideological contemporaries but increasingly are also walking parallel paths that could either transform their nations into global powerhouses or plunge them into…
Reform imperatives
In the twenty-first century, marked by rapid digitisation, digitalisation and the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence, the constitution of Pakistan -- and all constitutions developed before this century --…
Call for democratic forbearance
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a multi-party democracy. The preamble to its constitution affirms that the state shall be founded on the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and…
‘America has to come first’: Trump wins favour with Native Americans
Fed up with rising gas prices, Nita Mexican voted last November for Donald Trump, who is increasingly popular among Native American communities which have long supported the political left. “A…
Misogyny pandemic
LAST week, local and international media reported that the passing of a parliamentary bill to ban underage child marriages in Islamabad was a rare public relations victory for Pakistan. Yes, progressive legislation…
Gender gap rethink
THE World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 has placed Pakistan among the bottom 10 nations globally. However, a critical examination reveals that the report’s framework — while useful…
The Trojan horse has entered
The Israeli strike on Iranian soil didn’t just hit a few silos; it blew open a decades-long intelligence alliance buried deep within Middle Eastern infrastructure. For over 25 years, Mossad…
