A season of self-censorship — confessions of an Editor-at-largeBy: Raza Rumi on April 22, 2018Once again, Pakistan’s media is under fire. Unlike the past, there are no formal advisories or strictures but a combination of subliminal messages and self-censorship. That this happens on the verge of a third transition of power is deeply worrying and ominous. Hundreds of journalists and editors have issued a collective statement protesting the ongoing curbs on freedom of expression in the … [Read more...] about A season of self-censorship — confessions of an Editor-at-large
Burns of hatredBy: M Aamer Sarfarz on April 22, 2018I was sulking about global discrimination and inequality when my son squealed that we are no less xenophobic than any other nationality. I rejected it outright, but reflected later. We do actually divide our world into good, bad, valuable and worthless depending upon how some people make us feel. Would it be more constructive if we classify them as substantial and hollow states of mind wherever … [Read more...] about Burns of hatred
Why do Pakistani politicians defect?By: Dr Ejaz Hussain on April 22, 2018Once more, Pakistani politicians are in the news for all the wrong reasons. As if defections from the ruling PML-N or PTI were insufficient to provide material for deadlines, Nadeem Afzal Chan of the PPP also made headlines for defecting to the PTI. Afzal, in recent years, gave the impression to have upgraded his role within the PPP by representing the party on different forums, especially the … [Read more...] about Why do Pakistani politicians defect?
Minorities and the electionsBy: Yaqoob Khan Bangash on April 22, 2018Every five years (and I hope it remains five), the question of minorities’ participation in the election arises. While some minority leaders create a lot of noise about representation, including calls for a ‘dual vote,’ most major political parties feel content after mere lip service or some other token gesture. However, the issue of minorities and the election is far more critical for our nation … [Read more...] about Minorities and the elections
PML-N’s sixth budgetBy: Dr Ikramul Haq on April 22, 2018On April 27, 2018, the PML-N government — which is ending its tenure on May 31 — intends to announce its sixth budget. Critics have argued that this budget should be left for the new elected government. In response, the PML-N says that there is no constitutional bar for announcing the annual budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year (FY), though its tenure does not actually cover this period. Thus far, … [Read more...] about PML-N’s sixth budget
PM Abbasi receives a bookBy: Akbar Ahmed on April 21, 2018Last month, while collecting my mail in routine I received an extraordinary surprise - a personal letter from Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. In February, courtesy of the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, I had sent Prime Minister Abbasi a signed copy of my new book, Journey into Europe: Islam, Immigration, and Identity. I sent it hoping he would receive it and perhaps read it, but as is … [Read more...] about PM Abbasi receives a book
FATF needs to have a closer look at IndiaBy: S M Hali on April 21, 2018The Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) recent decision to 'grey list' Pakistan for its failure to take satisfactory preventative measures against terror financing has added to the country's woes. Pakistan may suffer a risk downgrade by multilateral lenders such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and also a reduction in risk-rating by Moody's, … [Read more...] about FATF needs to have a closer look at India
Consequences of SC’s ruling on Article (62)(1)(f)By: Taimur Khan on April 21, 2018The recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling on the interpretation of Article 62(1)(f) – which may have effectively ended certain political careers– has left behind certain critical questions about its application in future cases, as well as its overall impact. One such question arises as to the meaning of para. 36 of the judgment, which provides: “In the result, we are inclined to hold that the … [Read more...] about Consequences of SC’s ruling on Article (62)(1)(f)
A pillar called manBy: Mawish Moulvi on April 21, 2018If he runs wearing blue, she must sit dressed in pink. If he speaks up in a crowd, she must silently walk by head bowed. If tall, dark and handsome he roams the night, she must return home by daylight and scrub her face to a paler shade. If he works to build a career, she must push to bring a child. From time immemorial, a woman's identity has been constructed in opposition to men. All that men … [Read more...] about A pillar called man
A case for free and fair electionsBy: Saad Hafiz on April 21, 2018The countdown to the 2018 general elections in Pakistan has started with political parties dusting-up election manifestos, sprucing up slogans and activating electoral strategies. However, the upcoming elections won't bring about transformative change. In fact, voters will probably go through the same cycle of hope and disillusionment. However, choosing a government through the ballot box is the … [Read more...] about A case for free and fair elections
