From recognition to representation on September 17, 2018We live in a world of diverse cultures, races and ethnicities. Respect and acceptance of diversity is the most fundamental principle of harmony and peace in a human society. While the world is moving from universalism to recognising difference and embracing equality with diversity, Pakistan is destroying it by alienating its citizens by not granted […]
Searching for new constituencies on November 27, 2014The historic animosity between India and Pakistan has an enormous social cost for the people of both countries. India and Pakistan, as hyper-national security states built on religion-based identities, are constantly playing on the fear of the ‘external threat’. Hindu India is always a threat to Muslim Pakistan and vice versa. This hatred for each […]
Leading in gender inequality on October 30, 2014Pakistan is ranked at the 141th position in the Global Gender Gap Report (GGGR), 2014, the second lowest spot on a list of 142 countries. The report, produced by the World Economic Forum, assesses the magnitude of gender disparities in the four areas of health, education, economy and politics. Researchers and academicians may have reservations […]
The terror of anti-terrorism on October 17, 2014The Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) were established after promulgation of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, to fast-track cases against terrorists. In addition to terrorism, a range of other crimes such as arms trafficking, kidnapping, gang rape, sectarian violence, extortion, and target killings are also covered in the ATA. The parallel judicial infrastructure of the ATC under […]
Failing state, failing governments on October 2, 2014The power struggle within the factions of the ruling class has embroiled the country in its worst political crisis. While the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) are all three pro-status quo, pro-establishment parties, they do represent the interests of different sections of the ruling elite. The PML-N represents […]
All is not lost on September 4, 2014The dharna (sit-in) politics of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) has a huge impact on the social, economic, political and psychological life of the country. The three weeks siege of Islamabad has paralysed the state’s functioning. The lives of residents of the city are in complete disarray. The country is […]
Foul play on August 21, 2014The forces of the status quo have historically dominated the mainstream political scene of Pakistan. The only exception was Bhutto’s regime when efforts were made to change the status quo. However, indecisiveness and the constant vacillation of the Bhutto government between the pro- and anti-status quo forces resulted not only in the failure to bring […]