Art or fakes at PNCA? on October 2, 2018Many allegations have been levied against the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) for years now. However we see smoke, but not the fire. Some attempts have been made to discern the actual events, but the smoke of crafty rumours, obscures the entire picture, and every effort has failed. Former member, National Assembly, Arifa […]
Intimidating and pressurising Pakistan on September 26, 2018Two intimidating and pressurising happenings for Pakistan in the last week would certainly require more serious contemplation on strategic and tactical external relations by the government at home. The foremost is the verbal assault by the Indian government and their army chief. Second is the US State Department’s annual country report on terrorism that has […]
One CJP for many water woes on September 20, 2018For decades, certain sections of Pakistani society have opposed the construction of new dams in this country. They have continued to do so, while enjoying the fruits of the social and political compromises brought about by their efforts. All the while, common Pakistanis have been deprived of water. It seems no one has the courage […]
Fiddling with CPEC on September 12, 2018Finally, the cat is out of the bag. The British newspaper Financial Times, published Abdul Razak Dawood. His ‘grievances’ were well reflected in his interview published in Dawn on January 8, 2018. He openly complained that his company DESCON could not even get a smaller project against the Chinese companies under the CPEC framework. His […]
Redefining Pak-US relations on September 5, 2018Pakistan is still bitter about the additional cancellation of $300 million dollars in US aid. The move has left Pakistan wounded, just eight months after the US cut aid by $500 million. Furthermore, Islamabad didn’t even consider this money aid, but compensation for partaking in the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Pakistan has made numerous […]
New government, new challenges on August 28, 2018Translating his words to action on conserving public funds, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s adoption of a temperate lifestyle with only two supporting staff is a clear signal for the political elite around him, as well as the civil bureaucracy. Hopefully, this move will bring about some positive change. Though it is clear that more […]
What a change Kaptaan brings on August 21, 2018This country’s powerful change-makers are likely quite pleased to see the end-product of their efforts, a comparatively weak pitch and a team of immature slogan shouters. This is an outcome that suits them completely. A weak and inexperienced government will give the deep state all the room it needs to maneuver and pull the strings. […]
For a new Pakistan on August 7, 2018It is a good sign for Pakistan that the democratic process has moved on to bring in a third consecutive elected-government, despite the many handicaps this system suffers. Allegations of pre-poll rigging have been overshadowed by what transpired after the polling was done. The failure of the election ‘Results Transmission System’ (RTS) — intentional or […]
Walking the tight rope on July 31, 2018Nobody expected these results. Most political pundits did not expect the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to win so many seats in both the National Assembly (NA) and in the Punjab. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)never expected such a decisive loss. Certain all-season politicians have also been thrown out — including some establishment favourites! This is all very […]
Blatant manipulation on July 24, 2018Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and self-proclaimed ‘establishment man’ Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed was all set to claim victory in the NA-60 constituency after his opponent, Hanif Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was sentenced to life-imprisonment in the ephedrine quota case on Saturday night. Sadly for Rasheed and his supporters, their overnight celebrations soured […]