The challenge of national integration in Pakistan is as old as the history of the country. It is not just ethnic, lingual and cultural integration which can strengthen the foundations of Pakistan. There are other, unexplored avenues that can accomplish this task, including transforming the railways as a mode of communication, linking and integrating the […]
Can the PTI solve Karachi’s issues?
For the first time in 30 years, the voters of Karachi have opted for a national party instead of electing a Karachi-based party. Now that they are in power, how Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan handle Karachi’s problems — including crime, water scarcity and power shortages – will be seen as […]
Can the PTI eradicate corruption?
Every year, Berlin-based corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI) releases a Corruption Perceptions Index, which also covers Pakistan. In 1996, we were declared the second most corrupt country in the world. Though we are now ranked 32 out of 180 in the index, corruption still thrives in Pakistan. Following the July 2018 elections, is it possible […]
Human development in Naya Pakistan
The 2018 General Elections are done, and Pakistan’s moment of truth has arrived. Can the country change its trajectory, and finally become a state that delivers good governance, eradicates corruption and enhances the human development level of its citizens? Or will Pakistan degenerate further, going from a fragile to failing state? Western welfare states are […]
Europe’s worsening migrant crisis
In her annual summer press conference held in Berlin on July 20, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for pursuing a more “civilised approach” in dealing with the critical migrant crisis. Earlier, Hungary had announced its withdrawal from the UN pact on migration. The Global Compact for Migration under the auspices of the UN is […]
The fragile NATO alliance
NATO’S 29th summit held in Brussels on July 11-12 cannot be viewed as a normal activity because the event marked noticeable split in the almost 70 years old Atlantic alliance. Again, like the G-7 summit held last month in Quebec, Canada, the NATO summit also witnessed the intransigence and bellicose attitude of US President Donald […]
Germany’s moment of truth
Germany’s moment of truth has arrived. After over a million migrants sneaked into the country in the last quarter of 2015, the political discourse of Europe’s powerhouse on migrants has begun to transform. Today, the country is less tolerant when it comes to dealing with non-locals, and there is increasing demand for Germany’s borders to […]
Accountability: myths and realities
Accountability is a double-edged sword. This is because it can cleanse society of corruption and nepotism but, if applied selectively it can create and nurture another generation of corrupt individuals. The current process of accountability unleashed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in collaboration with the Supreme Court (SC) is something new for Pakistan. Never […]
In the midst of contradictions
There is no dearth in Pakistan of political leaders and other influential figures who claim their utmost commitment to the welfare of common people. However, their wealth, power and attitude negate these assertions. The release of details by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) about the assets and wealth of applicants contesting the July 25 […]
Deeper into the economic quicksand
Many alarmed voices have pointed out the steady erosion of Pakistan’s economy as a grave existential threat. In the first half of the year 2018, sharp deterioration in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves; the rise of US dollar versus Pakistani rupee, escalation of foreign and domestic debt and the huge trade gap reflect how serious the […]