Askari Raza Malik

It was going to be a historic decision but it turned out to be a disappointment. The majority could not break away from its tradition of being timid, lame, and uninspiring. Though all honourable judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan were convinced that the nation had been cheated by its current rulers, but they differed in their opinions on the way forward. Two of them wanted to make an example … [Read more...] about The ‘historic’ decision

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. It might have become a fancy idiom in other societies, but in Pakistan, we are forced to swallow its bitter truth and live with it. Our democratic force is composed of such knights who are the architects, custodians and champions of our democracy. They are also known as the electable. Zardaris and Sharifs have them in abundance. In a democracy, they all flourish … [Read more...] about The sinews of democracy

“Welcome to America, but what are you doing in a Muslim country?” He must have been as usual amused. Colonel (r) Anil Madan is a Christian from an illustrious family of Lahore. He was visiting the US. Anil was known for his truthfulness. His Commanding Officer, Colonel Dilawar Bangesh, called him the best Muslim young officer in the unit. This was despite the fact that in those days … [Read more...] about This is Americ

Taimur Hassan, the famous Pakistan golf champion, was once visiting General Zahid Ali Akbar, the president of Pakistan Golf Association. Taimur, nicknamed Timmy, has been a brazenly blunt person. As the general was giving his plan of bringing some significant changes in Rawalpindi golf course, Timmy was visibly amused. He volunteered to suggest an operational plan to the General. It was too much … [Read more...] about Welcoming new army chief

My grandfather had joined the Khilafat Movement. He lost his job, his property and the laurels won by his father by courtesy of the British bosses. Worst of all, he had boycotted the British school system ruining the careers of his seven sons of no mean abilities. Since grandpa is always right, no one ever questioned his judgment. I had visited Turkey twice before, on official purpose. Our hosts … [Read more...] about ‘Haman Yaran Dozakh’

In Toronto, this Pakistani-Kenyan-Canadian lady said, “It is not only the fruit. We also pay for our sweet memories.” Pakistani mangoes are always scarce. If you love mangoes as most Pakistanis do, you must book them in advance. You are ear-to-ear grinning if you could grab the last packet of nan khatai. The shelf is almost always empty. It is beyond price. The name Pakistan sells like … [Read more...] about It is not only the fruit

Democracy is the only system of government that progressively promotes justice. If practised long enough it ultimately holds the promise of a just, civilised and virtuous society. Stability and progress are its natural outcome. The pursuit of such lofty ideals demands perseverance and single-mindedness. In short, the answer to present bad democracy is “more democracy.” What is amiss … [Read more...] about The essential evil

National policy: The mother source of national policy is the national purpose, a nation’s dream, a cherished aspiration or its ideals. The most talked about is the American dream. At home it has been Jinnah’s dream of Pakistan. An utter contortion and mutilation of Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s dream remains to be the major cause of confusion that had pervaded our past and clouds our … [Read more...] about In quest of national policy