Gruesome crimes and our society on January 28, 2018The 12 horrendous rape-cum-murders of girls in Kasur alone in one year, brutal extra-judicial killings, ineffectiveness of criminal justice system and lack of political will to deal with these have once again elicited anger of the civil society. The way in which arrest of 24-year alleged serial killer Imran Ali (accused of raping and killing […]
Mishandling the Mayfair case on January 21, 2018The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), an organisation allegedly sleazed with incompetence and inefficiency, is mishandling the case of Hussain Nawaz, who admitted to be the owner of apartments 16, 16-A, 17 and 17-A, Avenfield House, Park Lane, London, United Kingdom (Mayfair properties) in his concise statement submitted in the Supreme Court. It is strange that […]
Why not an egalitarian Pakistan? on January 14, 2018Even after 70 years of independence, unending, fruitless debates about the raison d’être of Pakistan’s creation are exasperating. The arguments to justify a state, purportedly created in the name of religion, yet a ‘Republic’, will always remain unconvincing. ‘Republic’ derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the general body of citizens and precludes monarchy […]
Subjugation and ‘slave syndrome’ on January 7, 2018Subjugation, whether physical or mental, has devastating effects. The subjugated become neither dead nor alive. It can be characterised as ‘slave syndrome’. The agony of ‘slave syndrome’ is perpetual despair and never-ending suffering. It is much worse than death. Death of an individual or annihilation of a nation gives deliverance — a relief from anguish […]
Khan passes the test on December 31, 2017The decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan that non-declaration of London flat by Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in his wealth tax and income tax returns in Pakistan and subsequent disclosure through an amnesty scheme saved him from disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution of Pakistan has elicited criticism. Critics say that […]
Disqualification debates on December 24, 2017As expected, in the wake of judgements in the case of Imran Khan (getting clean chit) and Jahangir Khan Tareen (being disqualified), heated debates have triggered in the media and elsewhere. Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has every reason to rejoice as its chairman and founder becomes the first politician who can contest the coming election with […]
Democracy sans social justice on December 17, 2017In Pakistan, pseudo-intellectuals — representing all shades of thinking — waste thousands of hours on TV talk shows and social media criticising democracy, the constitution and suggest self-assumed ground-breaking (sic) models. These futile and unworkable models are not even worthy of any consideration. Our drawing-room-gossip-addicted intelligentsia is not ready to admit a simple fact that […]
Assets versus known means of income on December 10, 2017Ousted PM Nawaz Sharif, seriously or in a light vein, in a private gathering, reportedly said: “Even if my assets do not commensurate with my sources, it is none of your concern”. Coming from three-times elected prime minister, such a statement, even in a light mood, is quite shocking. For a public office holder, it […]
Overcoming captivity and disillusionment on December 3, 2017Following the Faizabad dharna (sit-in) which crippled Pakistan’s capital, the nation has been gripped by despair and disillusionment. Since 2008, civilian rule has been marred by demonstrations, political confrontations, deaths, denial of justice and economic vulnerability. The persistence of the unjust economic system which always leads to a clash of interests between the ruling classes […]
Why appoint ad-hoc judges in high hourts? on November 26, 2017Since 1973, the unwanted and unconstitutional practice of appointing additional judges on ad-hoc basis in High Courts “for such a period as determined by the President, not exceeding the period prescribed by law” is continuing unabated. This procedure needs serious consideration by the Chief Justice of Supreme Court and all those concerned with dispensation of […]