The crisis of political leadershipon September 1, 2018A bus carrying a hundred politicians crashed near a farm. The farmer dug a mass grave and promptly buried them all. The police chief asked him, "were they all dead?". "Some said they were not. But you know the way politicians are". The quip is purely American. On this side of the seven seas politicians are also perceived to be liars. Some solace.There was a Persian poet by the name of Anwari. … [Read more...] about The crisis of political leadership
India — playing with fireon February 25, 2018India continues to indulge in blatant, unrelenting ceasefire violations, all along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary. In its recent frenzy, it seems to be possessed by a demon crossing all the limits of sane human behaviour. Scores of civilians have been unnecessarily killed including women and children and many more wounded. Not to mention the colossal damage to civilian … [Read more...] about India — playing with fire
Nowhere to goon January 13, 2018‘Na jai raftan' (nowhere to go) and 'na pai mandan' (no place to set a foot). This describes the predicament the politicians in Pakistan have brought upon us to bear. To be, or not to be, that is the question: whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer, the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them." (Shakespeare)Lies upon lies, … [Read more...] about Nowhere to go
The historic decisionon May 10, 2017It 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
The sinews of democracyon April 27, 2017Absolute 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
This is Americon February 15, 2017“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
Welcoming new army chiefon December 8, 2016Taimur 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
Haman Yaran Dozakhon November 8, 2016My 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
It is not only the fruiton September 22, 2016In 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
The essential evilon July 28, 2016Democracy 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
