Regression of Media in Pakistan on January 14, 2024In the mid-1980s, when I stepped into the field of print media, it was just a few months after the long era of General Zia-ul-Haq. Following an extended period of martial rule, general elections were held, and a gentleman Muhammad Khan Junejo, hailing from Sindhri, was appointed as the Prime Minister. This was the era […]
The Homicide of PPP on January 7, 2024On April 4, 1979, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the former Prime Minister, faced the gallows in Rawalpindi’s Central Jail. As the noose tightened around his neck, no one could anticipate that despite his physical demise, Bhutto would evolve into an enduring symbol in Pakistan’s political narrative. His presence would persist as a divisive force, influencing the […]
Caging The Cornered Tiger on December 31, 2023On March 11, 1992, Pakistan faced Australia in its famed Cricket World Cup campaign. Pakistan had already lost too many matches and only a win against Australia could keep its hopes alive when Pakistan’s captain; Imran Khan came for the toss wearing a shirt with a tiger on it. Imran won the toss, and told […]
Options For Imran Khan on December 24, 2023February 8, 2024, has finally been announced as the date for General Elections in the country. According to the schedule, today is the deadline for submission of nominations. In the ever-complicated politics of Pakistan, three major political forces are readying themselves for the electoral battle. Among these, all eyes are set on the most prominent […]
Merry-Go-Round on December 17, 2023As I write these lines, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa, with two of his fellow judges, is busy conducting a hearing of constitutional significance. Moments ago, the Honorable Chief Justice remarked, “I am surprised that such orders are being passed. The judiciary cannot make decisions at its own discretion. Should we take […]
Erasing the Dried Ink on December 10, 2023Pakistan’s judicial history is stained by recurrent instances of unconstitutional and unlawful judgments handed down by the Supreme Court. Consequently, in global judiciary rankings, Pakistan consistently finds itself placed between 125 and 130. This awareness is not absent within the Pakistani judiciary. Despite acknowledging this reality, the unfortunate trend persists, with each passing era witnessing […]
Quarrelling With The Pope on December 3, 2023Elections are set to take place in Pakistan; with political parties gearing up to enter the electoral arena. Finalization of candidates is underway for each constituency. Formation of alliances, possible factions breaking up and seat adjustments are being discussed everywhere. Despite a lapse of time beyond the constitutional deadline, most politicians in the arena seem […]
Nothing But Uncertainty on November 26, 2023The Election Commission of Pakistan has initiated final preparations for the electoral process. Letters have been written to provincial chief secretaries informing them of the requirements for the provision of electoral staff. The process of meetings with representatives of political parties has been completed. Apparently, there is no doubt that there are any obstacles remaining […]
Pakistan’s Political See-Saw on November 5, 2023Justice Umar Ata Bandial, the former Chief Justice of Pakistan, strived for several months to ensure the conduct of the country’s general elections. However, luck favored the new Chief Justice; Qazi Faez Isa, as he had the honor of finally having the President and the Chief Election Commissioner agree on one date. Whatever the means, […]
What Next, Imran Khan? on October 29, 2023After winning the Cricket World Cup in 1992, Imran Khan had a significant purpose in his life: building a cancer hospital in his mother’s name. Utilizing his popularity, he collected millions of rupees in funds and successfully managed the hospital as a reputable institution. Interestingly, the plot allocated for the cancer hospital by the government […]