More than a love-hate relationship on September 8, 2018 When I was a kid in high school, I was constantly exposed to chants of “hum khud’dar, hum khud’dar” (we, the dignified). This mantra was broadcast 24/7 on the only available state television and radio stations during the initial phase of General Zia-ul-Haq’s tenure, when he […]
The future of the Indo-Pak rivalry on August 15, 2018“Oh, you are from Islamabad. I heard it’s beautiful”, chuckled the immigration officer. Bubbling with excitement, he expressed a desire to visit Pakistan one day. I was amongst the few passengers from my flight who remained at the New Delhi airport, awaiting my turn to fill in the special entry/exit forms mandatory for Pakistanis leaving […]
Playing with religion on June 30, 2018It was a fine day in 1979, and I was quarantined in my bedroom because of a fever. On that day, almost four decades ago, two remarkable incidents took place that only added to my predicament. First was the news that the Holy Kaaba had been besieged by a group of insurgents, and the second, […]
Living with false consciousness on June 12, 2018With deep concern and confrontation in his voice, he pointed at the two middle-aged ladies and asked the air hostess: are they going to sit with me? Of course, responded the stewardess with a soothing smile. Sporting a western business suite with high-water pants styled above the ankles and a missing necktie, he appeared overstretched […]
My lost paandan and the Lucknowiat on February 1, 2018A big silver paandan with a dome-shaped top having a few inches peaking summit, sitting on a wooden throne-like takht with round pillows, had always been a centre of attraction for my little sister and me. We never missed an opportunity to graze on the goodies in that beautiful betel leaves container that my late […]
What’s about to boomerang? on January 17, 2018The indicator of a state’s potential power is its measureable capabilities such as natural resources, population, military and economy. These are what shapes its role on the world stage. However, mishandling these capabilities can turn into a curse, if appropriate skills aren’t developed, God-gifted talents not honed, and a pragmatic approach compatible to contemporary Realpolitik […]
What challenges Imran’s PM candidacy on January 12, 2018The Karachi Press Club was once bustling with journalists and the likes with speculations and conspiracy theories taking rounds instigate by cricket icon’s entry into Pakistani politics. Soon after Imran Khan left the press club premises on a pleasant 1996 evening, a former editor-boss whispered in my ear, “Now you will see the Jewish money […]
Time to focus inwards on January 6, 2018How beautifully Persian poet Mawlana Rumi recommended the remedy for all troubles in the following words, “Do not runaway. Run inward.” The reference made by the eminent sage was not only spiritual, but equally applies on the physical world where the entire game revolves around the politics of gains. Self psychoanalysis offers the best solutions […]
Integrate to solve the Afghan problem on December 26, 2017Overlooking the scattered vegetation around the spiralling brook deep in the valley from a rocky knoll, in his usual mild whispers, roared the lion of Panjshir: “They are helping us only to continue the war but not to end it.” Sporting his signature round woolen cap, Ahmad Shah Massoud commented while discussing the post Soviet […]
Silence of the lambs on December 17, 2017In the quietude of meditation chambers at the Jaulian Monastery, Taxila, an oriental man stood before the ‘Healing Buddha’ engrossed in meditation with his index finger inserted in the naval of the ‘Healing Buddha’ statue. A few moments later, he stepped away making room for others in line to take turns. The aura of reverence, […]