by. Dr Ejaz Hussain

Politics in Pakistan went through a radical phase during 1967-1969 when the political and ideological opposition took to the streets against Ayub Khan questioning his domestic and foreign policy. Ironically, some old allies of the regime turned sides. ZulfikarBhutto and Air Marshal (rtd) Asghar Khan are cases in point. Each formeda political party to ostensibly […]

On February 14, 1960, a referendum where General Ayub Khan was the sole candidate was held. The basic but rational 75,283 democrats, with 95.6 percent turn out, elected Khan as president for the next five years. Also, the elected president, through the electoral college, was mandated to bless Pakistan with a Constitution. However, politicians and […]

The Local Bodies’ Elections (LBE) are happening in Sindh and Punjab. The second phase in these provinces was concluded the day before. I was lucky enough to travel to and observe polling in the districts ofSheikhupura, Chiniot, MandiBahauddin and Hafizabad where I cast my vote. The people seemed very excited.There were colourful posters, stickers and […]

Pakistan’s foreign policy, which is often conflated with defence policy, is very unique in nature and character. For example, since the current Sharif government took oath, the Prime Minister (PM) has visited many countries, including China and, most recently, the US. However, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, and his core team […]

Time becomes the best judge when the judge finds difficulty in adjudging conflicting claims. While writing the dissenting note on the legality of military courts — established through 21st Constitutional Amendment earlier this year — the six judges of the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan put the judgment of the rest of the (11) judges […]

Ever since the General Election 2013 Inquiry Commission (GEIC) delivered its final report on the matters pertaining to massive rigging in the general elections of 2013 — as alleged by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) — it has invited unprecedented criticism and hatred directed towards Pakistan’s judicial system in general and superior judiciary in particular. The […]

In Pakistan, every third person talks about rule of law. The majority views it negatively for it does not exist. Scores are abused, abducted and killed in broad daylight. Settled areas, both rural and urban, are also observing the weakening writ of the state. One of the reasons behind bad governance in Pakistan and the […]

Since the so-called National Action Plan (NAP) was hurriedly conceived, proposed and cosmetically approved by the civilian government in terms of the 21st Constitutional Amendment earlier this year, more than 1,000 civilians and security personnel have lost their lives in various acts of terrorism across the country. The most recent and tragic occurred in Safoora, […]

Pakistan’s geostrategic position is unique and, hence, significant. On the one hand, the country carries geographical proximity with Central Asia, South Asia and even China, and, on the other hand, its territorial fault lines are realised in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. In the past, many lucrative opportunities were visited upon this land […]

The government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) finally reached an agreement last week over the constitution of a judicial commission to probe into the alleged rigging in the general elections held in May 2013. The Nawaz government has claimed its success with respect to bending its political opponents to come to the negotiating […]