Only way out of the marsh
In his book Makhdoom Javed Hashmi defines a closing of ranks by Pakistani politicians as a sign of impending military intervention. The politicians are well within their rights to fight…
IMF mission in town
At the request of the government, an IMF mission is visiting Pakistan to initiate discussion for a three-year bailout programme. As reported in the press, during their two-week stay in…
Beginning of the end
Thousands of Shia protesters braved sub-zero temperature for nearly three days as they staged a sit-in in Quetta, refusing to bury 87 victims of the January 10 twin bombings at…
From the wreckage of sectarianism
Despite the virtual media blackout of Gilgit-Baltistan it is becoming increasingly clear that sectarian violence in the entire region is spiralling out of control. Meanwhile, the systematic attacks on the…
Some Kabul themes
Apart from the negotiations with the Taliban and the US troops’ withdrawal plans, much of what is happening in Afghanistan, especially the impact of the state’s reconstruction on society, should…
The judicial environment
Last weekend, the Balochistan High Court and its bar association organized a two-day Conference on Environmental Law at Quetta. Over 300 persons participated including Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, eight judges…
Winning back the Baloch
After the stern warning by the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry that Balochistan’s worsening security situation warranted imposition of a state of emergency, Prime Minister Gilani embarked on long-awaited visit…
Murders most foul
While the establishment of the Kakar Tribunal to probe the killing of five unarmed Chechens in Quetta is to be welcomed, the move does not obviate the need for effective…
The not-so lone ranger
Lashkari Raisani made a rather dramatic announcement last week in Quetta when he said that Baloch insurgents had contacted him and appeared prepared to join the political mainstream. The statement…
A system with merit
Although the situation is just as bad in Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar, the national debate is currently focusing on Karachi’s law-and-order issues. Politics aside — and there is a surfeit…
