Barrister Iftikhar Ahmad

Sociological concepts and methods have been fruitfully applied in efforts to understand and counter terrorism. The focus of research is on the dynamics through which terrorism becomes a social phenomenon. Terrorism is an interpretation of events and their presumed causes. These interpretations are not unbiased attempts to depict the truth but rather conscious efforts to […]

Balochistan, the most resource-rich province of Pakistan, appears to have been attracting the attention of foreign predators, usurpers and imperialistic powers that intend to expand their influence in the region to gain control of its minerals and other economic resources. Unfortunately, Balochistan lacks technological prowess and economic resources to exploit its minerals, untapped resources and […]

The Judicial Commission (JC) report cleared the PML-N of all election rigging charges. The verdict should be accepted to work for Pakistan’s national interests in a new chapter of positive politics and national integration. The destructive dharnas (sit-ins) and rallies of the PTI, under Imran Khan, were bad decisions that led to politics of hate […]

Saad Aziz has the dubious honour of enhancing Pakistan’s terrorism vocabulary. Before his May 21 confession to killing social activist Sabeen Mahmud and gunning down Ismailis in Safoora Goth, Pakistan’s political pendulum on terror swung between two stops: every hit on the homeland could be traced back to either the Taliban or India’s intelligence agencies. […]

A briefing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will help remove misperceptions. As Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said, the CPEC was not just the name of a road or a route; it was a portfolio of projects having a complete framework. The CPEC is an umbrella that includes projects of energy, industry, the Gwadar […]

There is no denying that China recognises the geo-economic and geopolitical importance of a strategic relationship with Pakistan. Pakistan was a thriving economy in the 1950s and 1960s and could become one again. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offers great hope in this context. Socio-political and economic internal and external realities of countries that guide […]

Public policy and governance are the prime movers of development in various sectors of the economy and the characteristics of society. An integrated approach is needed to make best use of resources and to improve the delivery systems to the satisfaction of the people. Effective and efficient service delivery depends on the organisation of civil […]

The Arab backlash should be an eye opener for us. We need to prioritise what is good for Pakistan. The sanctity of our parliament is important. There should be no departure from the parliamentary resolution nor is there any room for misinterpreting the content and spirit of the decision. The war in Yemen, the opinions […]

With new vision and inspiration Pakistan is back on the track with unity, faith and discipline, the basic ingredients of nation building. Highly commendable is General Raheel Sharif’s commitment to stern action against all violent groups and militants, including militants in the political parties, especially those based in Karachi. One must also commend the new […]

The situation in Karachi is very poignant and sad. What we hear, read and see are heartbreaking accounts. The horror of terror continues to haunt us, feeding into our psyches and injuring our souls. I salute those fighting and writing in defence of Pakistan. Terrorists are not ashamed as they continue to work on their […]