Aliya Anjum

In the Ramadan preceding the pandemic, I attended Taraweeh and Eid prayers at a sectarian mosque, which, in a microcosm, reflected the state of the ummah. With its sectarian identification, the mosque started on the wrong foot. Allah SWT told Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that such people were not of him. “Verily, as for those who […]

Narcissism is classified as a Cluster B antisocial personality disorder. The dictionary meaning is stated as low self-esteem countered through selfishness, a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration, characterising a personality type. What better way for a narcissist to gain admirers than to be an evangelist for religion? The […]

Frank Herbert was a prolific science fiction writer who authored “Dune,” in 1965, a classic of its genre which sold a record number of copies. Science fiction is an American forte. Neil Armstrong stepped foot on the moon in 1964, and declared that it was, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” […]

Dear Prime Minister,   Allah SWT has ordained you as our head of state. A ruler has the greatest level of accountability on the Day of Judgment. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “On the day of Judgment, a just ruler would be one of the seven under the shade of Allah, when there would be no […]

I had penned an op-ed column about the Pakistani media way back in 2010. It had discussed how political, religious and entertainment programs dominated the media and the military was maligned. Looking back, it is heartening to note that the media has changed for the better. The military engaged in the psyops war by producing […]

Pakistan’s ranking on the Human Development Index (HDI) in 2020 was 154 out of a total of 189 countries. The HDI employs three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life; access to knowledge and a decent standard of living. The state’s priorities should have addressed hunger and malnutrition before focusing on education. […]

The clothing of world-class western female athletes has lately become a source of controversy. An athlete in the Paralympics was told by a female official that her outfit was inappropriate. On the other hand, the women’s team from Norway was fined for modest dressing at the European beach handball championship. Sports historian, Johanna Mellis, shed […]

Manhood is a source of pride. It may mean different things to different people, but the word has a very significant connotation for every man. Within our patriarchal son-worshipping society, manhood represents power, influence and dominance. The caretaker role is alien to the Pakistani perception of manhood when understood in the context of gender relations. […]

It was shocking to see a Hindu temple recently ransacked by an angry mob, somewhere in Pakistan. Angry young men were seen damaging Hindu idols. Thankfully, Prime Minister Imran Khan had promptly condemned the attack and ordered the provincial police chief to take action against anyone involved, including negligent police officers. He even promised that […]

As a child I read an Urdu series with a setting in ancient India about the intriguing travels of a child named Anusha, with his wise older guru. One particular story masterfully communicated the precarious state of a resident in an unjust state. Anusha and his guru, weary and emaciated from their long sojourn, entered […]