The warning signs are here — is anyone listening? on November 4, 2018Asia Bibi, a poor Christian farm worker, wrongfully accused of blasphemy was acquitted by the Supreme Court (SC) after nearly a decade. This was a rare occasion whereby the highest court in Pakistan overturned a blasphemy conviction and delivered a clear verdict. The hope was that this verdict would become the basis for a robust […]
The limits of populism on October 14, 2018It has been more than fifty days since the creation of Naya Pakistan. The hype, the promise and euphoria among the voters of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) is now taking a more somber turn as the hard realities of governing become clearer every day. While it is true that the PTI government has inherited […]
When democracy turns into a farce on October 7, 2018The arrest of Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif is a reminder of creeping authoritarianism and arbitrary governance that are turning into the new normal. Not that politicians should not be held accountable or punished, the timing of this action –days before by-elections in Lahore – raises questions and makes […]
Reforming the civil service — avoiding the pitfalls on September 30, 2018There is wide consensus across Pakistan’s political spectrum that the civil service needs to be reformed and perhaps fundamentally restructured. Politicians and generals have spoken about fixing the thana kutchery culture. Yet, little progress has been made in the forty years since the last sweeping reform under PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was undertaken with mixed […]
Turbulent times for a new PM on August 12, 2018Imran Khan’s ascension to the Islamabad throne is not without its pitfalls. As he may have already realised, the ride in the years ahead will be everything but smooth. This is why pundits have been focusing on the first hundred days of his government as critical to the stability and popularity of his government. It […]
Imran’s moment has arrived on July 29, 2018As expected, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has emerged as the winner in the recent general elections. Finally, Imran Khan’s struggle for the last two decades and especially during the past few years is bearing fruit. That Khan ascends the Islamabad throne with the support of powerful quarters is no secret. Equally important is that he […]
Third election in a decade: democratic process wins on July 25, 2018Pakistanis will elect a new government today. Since the return of democracy in 2008, a third elected government will be sworn into office. The simple fact that there will be another peaceful transfer of power in a few days, is, something to celebrate. For too long Pakistanis had been denied the right to choose their […]
Election 2018 — Seven cautionary signs on July 15, 2018Under ordinary circumstances, the election campaign should have peaked by now with political parties and their candidates conducting corner meetings, door-to-door contact and polling day planning. But this is not the case for there has been looming uncertainty, turbulence and of late violence marring the election season. Amid this chaos, the military and the judiciary […]
Mainstreaming extremism in electoral arena is dangerous on July 8, 2018The forthcoming elections in 2018 are mired in plethora of controversies; and this does not augur well for the years to come. The Sharif brothers, beset by convictions, defections and media trials are struggling to retain their electoral power but their arch-foe Imran Khan is gaining by the day. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the young leader […]
Election 2018 will not lead to political stability on July 1, 2018Pakistani electorate will exercise its right to choose the next government in less than a month. Much has been said about the ongoing engineering or pre-poll manipulation but that’s not the entire story. The political parties contesting these elections are also in a state of disarray and their choices in selecting candidates and announcing party […]