Syed Kamran Hashmi

Contrary to the common view, the old Roman aphorism divide et impera (divide and rule) did not originate from England. Indeed, we do not know where it sprang from as it has a long, convoluted past, more or less like the early Islamic history. Greeks accredit themselves for contriving it, while Romans praise their ancestors […]

For most people, outrage can be defined as an ‘extremely strong reaction of anger, shock or indignation’. Following every bomb blast, and after every wrongful accusation of blasphemy, we, as a nation, truly claim to be ‘outraged’ against violence in both the electronic and the conventional print media. Not only that, we also cry from […]

If you ask a Midwesterner (American) about the great game, he would probably first think of the ball game (baseball), and then include the World Series in his response. (Americans are so full of themselves). A liberal who is exposed to different cultures and ethnicities in the Northeast may think outside the box and include […]

In most modern countries, patriotic spirit takes precedence over all other ideologies. Although, at an individual level, sectarian biases, racial predilections and ethical preferences are still important, but they are almost always put aside when the larger question about the integrity of the nation arises. In Pakistan, unfortunately, we have not cultivated that culture at […]

In most modern countries, patriotic spirit takes precedence over all other ideologies. Although, at an individual level, sectarian biases, racial predilections and ethical preferences are still important, but they are almost always put aside when the larger question about the integrity of the nation arises. In Pakistan, unfortunately, we have not cultivated that culture at […]

We all yearn for fair and free elections this year, committed to change the course of history by exercising our right to vote. We are hoping the democratic process would then bring stability, progress and accountability in Pakistan. Realising its significance, the demand for fair elections has become tremendously popular, so powerful that for the […]

Determining the ideal profession for yourself is almost as hard as finding a perfect spouse. Many times, the search for a life partner is underestimated in our culture. Just because height, weight, shape, complexion, teaching, accomplishments, pay grade and family tree of the tentative spousal applicants are readily available, in reality, the pursuit for both […]

I thought I was going to have a major heart attack that day. Looking at him, I knew I would have to improvise a new strategy urgently to get through that crucial interview before my graduation, of which he was my examiner. Like all ‘brilliant’ students, I had not studied at all for my boards […]

Dying is the most tragic reality of life. But meeting your Maker with an impregnable faith, amidst your family members in a caring environment, is probably far less painful. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the luxury of peacefully slipping away is slowly being taken away from the minorities. They are increasingly getting crucified, burnt, bombed, beheaded or […]

Indeed, it is the beginning of the end for the US, a country that is not only running out of time, its options are depleting rapidly. Today, the world’s greatest economic power faces deep crises, namely, a badly damaged economy, a complicated political gridlock, a staggering national debt, a deeply divided society, escalating gun violence, […]