Raza Rumi

After the Panama verdict in 2017 that ousted Nawaz Sharif as the Prime Minister, it was viewed by many as the boost for the fortunes of Imran Khan and his party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Eight months later, it is unclear if the judicial knock-out of Nawaz Sharif has benefitted Khan. In fact, the Sharif brothers […]

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international watchdog, is all set to place Pakistan on its watch list this summer. This development will have serious ramifications for Pakistan’s economy and will add to growing isolation abroad as part of the increasing US pressure on the country. Last week’s extraordinary moves led by the US […]

It will take some time to accept that Asma Jahangir has gone silent. That she is not at the centre of Pakistan’s political discourse. As a formidable and relentless fighter, Asma Jahangir personified the struggles Pakistanis have waged against executive excesses, shameful cultural practices and discriminatory legislation throughout the country’s history. Jahangir kept the torch […]

This past fortnight Pakistan witnessed unprecedented mobilisation by the youth of tribal areas. Thousands protested seeking justice for Naqeebullah Mehsud brutally killed in a fake encounter by Karachi police — all in the name of counter terrorism. Mehsud’s death sparked national outrage and it soon became a metaphor for the historic injustices meted out to […]

The disqualification of Nawaz Sharif through a controversial court verdict was the easier task. Reining in his support and ousting him from the political arena has been altogether tougher. There are fundamental shifts that have occurred in Pakistani society that partially explain why this is happening. The principle contradiction, to borrow an outworn phrase, in […]

The brutal rape and murder of 8-year-old Zainab was a tragedy that should have been a wake up call for the country and how we raise children at homes, schools and madaris. Instead, it has turned into a sordid game for political elites and a rating contest for mainstream electronic media. Once again, a historic […]

As a successor of the colonial police force, police departments in South Asia are notorious for their high-handed, brutal methods, especially for what is known as faked “encounter killings.” The Police Order of 1861 drafted by the British in India remains in force. In India, it has not even received the cosmetic name change that […]

Pakistani journalists and activists continue to face intimidation and violence. Worse, they have to deal with a culture of impunity that impedes justice and keeps the dissenting voices under check. Recently, Taha Siddiqui, an Islamabad based journalist was taught a lesson for his outspoken views; especially those pertaining to the Republic’s holy cows. Taha escaped […]

Pakistan’s relationship with the United States has hit a new low. Judging by the mistrust and anger on both sides, it will take considerable effort to repair it. This festering acrimony can have serious consequences. Public messaging has overtaken bilateral engagement and bravado has trumped diplomacy. Earlier this week, Pakistan was placed on a special […]