Misrepresenting our colonial history on July 5, 2017The topic of colonialism in South Asia has resurfaced in social discourse recently; specifically in Pakistan, and this is partly driven by fears raised by China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC. But another aspect that has recently gained momentum across the region is how to look at the past and understand the colonial experience that permanently […]
Underneath Brexit on July 12, 2016How ironic that the place that is considered to be the home of democracy is struggling to digest the result of a referendum. Voices from inside and outside Britain claim that it has fallen into the hands of right wing fascists, and that leaving the European Union (EU) is directly opposed to standing for peace […]
Are the liberals actually liberal? on March 25, 2016February 29 was a monumental day for Pakistan. Two seemingly independent events that were worlds apart occurred: an Oscar and a hanging. In the aftermath of these events, there was the usual commotion on social media, with everyone trying to paint the narrative with their own brush. Look a little closer and it becomes obvious […]
Compassion and violence on June 5, 2015Compassion and violence, two terms that appear oxymoronic in nature, were the title of a talk to be given by the globally renowned Karen Armstrong at my university. This was not going to be a lecture on euthanasia or being philanthropic towards the victims; it focused on the need for compassion in the global fight […]
Looking within ourselves on December 19, 2014Stories of children hiding under the corpses of their friends, watching their class fellows and teachers being shot indiscriminately and the sight of their parents wailing at having lost everything will not let us sleep at night. This act of violence has pierced us as a nation; it will forever remain a chimera in our […]