Like any other part of the world, religion holds great importance in Pakistan, particularly for “Muslims.” To Muslims, not only their own religion but that of others (Ahmadis, in particular) is very important. Where “Muslims” defend their own religion, they also defend that of Ahmadis too and do not let them ‘deviate’ from their religion. […]
Jacinda Ardern and questions for the Muslim world
Following the recent heinous attack in New Zealand (NZ) that resulted in the deaths of 50 Muslim worshippers, NZ Prime Minister (PM) Jacinda Ardern has been hailed for how she handled the tragedy. Dispelling the notion of othering, Ardern said, “New Zealand mourns with you. We are one”. She has been applauded for focusing on […]
Controlling divisive fatwas
“A person issuing an edict or fatwa, which harms another or puts another in harm’s way, must be criminally prosecuted under the Pakistan Penal Code, the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 or the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016″. This is one of the directions passed by bench of Supreme Court (SC) headed by Justice Mushir Alam […]
Sarabjit Singh murder: a serious miscarriage of justice
A subordinate court in Lahore few days back acquitted both nominated accused of killing Indian ‘spy’ Sarabjit Singh despite substantial evidence was available on record against them. Their trial continued for more than five years. The both accused also had confessed to their crime before a special inquiry board headed by a deputy inspector general […]
Will the Freemasons get ’90 Shahrah’ back from CM Punjab now?
In his maiden speech, Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of his austerity scheme announced to convert huge buildings such as the governor houses and Prime Minister house, spread over hundreds of canals of land, into public institutions. The decision, which is termed as pro-people, is appreciated across the country. These buildings belong to the […]
The Tweet that was meant to keep the state ‘on track’
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter depict the trends of our social and political lives. Apart from electronic and print media, sometimes social media platforms are considered more reliable by certain readers. They often end up criticising print and electronic media for not providing them with the kind of news that interests them, […]
Another election based on religious exclusion
Set by dictators, electoral standards aimed at religious exclusion continue to plague Pakistan. Despite having undergone two democratic governments, nobody has been able to undo the damage caused to our Constitution to ensure the participation of all segments of society in a truly free and fair election. Deviating from the vision of the founder of […]
‘Anti-Semitic’ views bring Pak-Canadian politician under fire
A woman Canadian politician of Pakistani origin is under fire as her opponents are calling her ouster from Ontario’s election race for her ‘anti-Semitic’ facebook post. Leaders of Progressive Conservatives are calling on New Democratic Party leader Andrea Horwath to withdraw candidature in Toronto from Tasleem Riaz for provincial elections scheduled for June 07. At […]
Two men set off bomb in restaurant in Canada; 15 wounded
As many as 15 people have been injured after a bomb was detonated inside an Indian restaurant in Mississauga area of Greater Toronto late on Thursday. “About 15 people were taken to hospital after the blast at the Bombay Bhel restaurant. Three people had critical injuries”, the Peel Regional Paramedic Service said in a Tweet. […]
Religion, politics and exclusion
The vast majority of humanity is religious. Most of the world follows mainstream faiths like Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. It also seems as if in many countries, there may be an increasing unwillingness to keep the role of faith limited to private life. The religious are increasingly seeking to transform the moral fabric of […]