Militarism and democracy
Peace activists opposed to the nuclear weapons tests and other aggressive announcements by India last week should take heart from the truth that in democracies jingoism doesn`t always reward its…
The twelfth man
Mamnoon Hussain has been elected amid controversy as the twelfth president of Pakistan. Nine of his predecessors were either power-addicted generals or devious politicians who did incalculable harm to the…
India’s shining contradictions
The liberalisation and deregulation of the economy undertaken in the 1990s brought huge dividends for India in terms of economic growth and poverty reduction. Economic growth resulting from economic reforms…
The Pakistan presidency
The election of a new president of Pakistan having been completed, efforts should now be concentrated on securing for the presidency the dignity that it is supposed to be guaranteed…
Right to information
Nepotism, extortion and bribery have become a way of life, and not just with politicians. Except that in their case it tends to be exhibited more shamelessly. While corruption exists…
The media challenge
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid recently emphasised the PML-N government’s support for free media, acknowledging that it’s vital for promoting democracy. Ironically, that was one of the first things General Pervez…
Great expectations
Shortly, the government led by Nawaz Sharif will present the Federal Budget for 2013-14. This will be first manifestation of this government's depth of understanding of the problems Pakistan's economy…
Our rooms and their streets
Use your brain before May 11 – this meme, one of many that are doing the rounds on the Pakistani blogosphere in the run-up to the general elections, comes as…
Night watchmen
As the caretaker governments, federal and provincial, approach completion of their terms by end-May 2013, it becomes relevant to reflect on options for possible improvements to the appointment, functions and…
The politics of urbanisation
In relatively stable societies, economics shapes politics these are places where one can meaningfully say `it`s the economy, stupid`. Even seemingly bizarre foreign policies can be related to economics as…
