Blow Daddy Feb 23, 2009

You seem to like wars, son.
Yes. I like to watch them on TV.
But real wars are fought outside the TV, son.
Really? How is that possible? What sort of a war is that?

Thereek-e-Televiban: A Short History Dec 24, 2008

Thereeka-e-Televiban (TT) – also called the Cable TV-Mujahids- is a militant organization operating in the cities of Pakistan. It is a collection of various radical groups.

Mirror, Mirror Dec 15, 2008

The electronic media in Indian and Pakistan is simply reflecting the paranoia and politics of a class of people that became an important economic plank in the economics of consumerism

The Correct Turn Nov 17, 2008

Like most movements of the 20th Century that adopted what is called Political Islam as its calling card, the Kashmir militancy too collapsed under its own weight.

The Health and Medicinal Benefits of Sep 28, 2008

Institute of Manic-Depression published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that Talk Show reduced the risk of sensibility in men and women by nearly sixty percent.

Boot Point Sep 21, 2008

Party chief Altaf Hussain and the MQM Rabita Committee cancelled Liaquat's membership after accusing him of "spreading religious hatred through his TV shows"

Free to Breed Aug 31, 2008

How come there is no "talk" on TV when a group of fanatics attack a concert, a painting exhibition, a "mixed function" at a college, or force the way the fanatics deem "correct?"

What Talibanization? Aug 14, 2008

The moment I stepped out, my way was politely blocked by three young tableeghi jamaat recruits. "Aslaamulalaikum," said one of them in a swallowing Arabic accent. "Walaikum," said I.

Fissures in the Middle Jul 28, 2008

Pakistan is at war. It is a conflict of ideas across the country and Pakistan’s bourgeoning middle-class is at the centre of it.

The Non-Existent Tourist’s Guide To Pakistan Jul 13, 2008

The male-female ratio of the population is 50-50, even though, according to local traditions in the north, women do not exist. Only men and goats.

Local Liberal Dribble Jun 24, 2008

I think it's time we start addressing irrationally-charged matters like religious fanaticism as a psychological issue rather than an intellectual or an ideological one.

The Wrong Mix May 19, 2008

Refusing to ally with capitalist-democracies of the West and cautious about openly supporting the USSR/communism Islamic Socialists attempted to come up with a "third way."

Student Politics in Pakistan: A Profile Mar 4, 2008

Student politics in Pakistan has had a history of mixed fortunes and shades. Though extremely tumultuous, it is also a history of rich democratic traditions.

Mass Difference: The Bhuttos and Civil Society Jan 6, 2008

Populist, mass-oriented politics can effectively cancel out the two most prominent anti-populist strains in Pakistan i.e. the politico-religious and the elite-bourgeois.

The Good Monster: Musharraf's Cultural Legacy Dec 11, 2007

A leader’s true legacy tends to be more accurately deciphered when studied through the effects his ideas and policies have had on the cultural mindset of the people.

From Immy to Irony Nov 23, 2007

Lag gai na emergency! Whack! Shut up, Dimoo. So, Jimran, are you still at an undisclosed location at the Punjabi University?

Cholesterol Say Paak Nov 8, 2007

I usually get my news by driving around the city. I see a look of uncertainty on the faces of the people, but no great movement.

Where's the news? Oct 16, 2007

The so-called "movement against Musharraf" and the unfolding "democratic revolution" seems like a shrinking reality no bigger than a 26-inch TV screen.

News just in Aug 25, 2007

BREAKING NEWS! According to highly informed sources, President Musharraf is planing to declare a state of emergency in the country.

Fox off! Jun 12, 2007

What is sicker? State brutality or the brutality being turned into a sensational slide show by the channels to improve their ratings and attract viewrship?

Month of the Gun May 31, 2007

I am 22 years old and quite a sight. I have a ’revolutionary beard,’ and my hair is long; I wear a Che cap and my malaangi bangles go kling klang whenever I move my hands and wrists.

The PG Hamid Talat Khan Show Apr 30, 2007

Hello viewers, I am PG Hamid Talat Khan, with another episode of the PG Hamid Talat Khan Show, in which we talk to some of the country’s leading politicians and also take calls from our viewers.

Raiwind IX Mar 15, 2007

During a talk show hosted by former Pakistani cricket captain, Rameez Raja, Inzimam-ul-Haq suggested that along with the usual cricket training, cricketers should also be given “deeni taleem” (religious education).

The YouTube Baby Feb 19, 2007

Even though it may have seemed an exciting prospect for many watching a young (bearded) man standing up to the most powerful person in the country, yes, but about what was he standing up for?

A Strike Against Strike Dec 26, 2006

What is one reminded of when he or she sees things like unattended garbage dumps, blackened billboards, burning buses and broken windowpanes? Things more frequently witnessed during strikes.

Excursions into dystopia Nov 5, 2006

It is an irony that we have dozens and dozens of TV channels out there with pretty liberal programming policies, the whole concept (or ability?) of quality seems to have flown out the window.

Veil for vendetta Oct 22, 2006

If countries and society can (and should!) heap scorn at swastika-wearing neo-Nazis, so should they at people trying to make religious statements with hijabs and crosses, especially at schools.

Sissy Fascists Oct 17, 2006

“Now I get it! If this is how our pop stars are thinking, I find myself to be wasting my time asking them to use there art for social and political causes. Of course you will never use your star status to talk about the Hudood Ordinance, now would y

Conspiracy Theories: From the Mind to the Media Sep 29, 2006

Many have come up trumps discovering a massive market hungry for the latest conspiracy theory. The result being, the tremendous commercial growth witnessed by FOX News Network, Al-jazeera and a number of Pakistani news channels and newspapers.

Filming the Prophet May 23, 2006

Apart from tackling the political and religious fall-ins and fall-outs of making a film like “The Message,” Moustapha also had to pull off a convincing portrayal of the Prophet without ever being allowed to show him

Vital Signs: A Personal History May 11, 2006

They were also influenced by an important turning point in the history of the troubled nation. Thousands of young Pakistanis thronged the streets dancing and waving flags, and with “Dil, Dil Pakistan” blaring out from car stereos and music sto

Be Counted Apr 6, 2006

Assumptions regarding the “masses” in this regard are flawed. The liberals are underestimating and undermining popular sentiment, while the conservatives are constantly overriding popular beliefs

The Bubble Bursts Mar 20, 2006

It took just two days of chaotic mob violence in Lahore and Peshawar to wipe away six years of a carefully constructed liberal cultural revolution … or was it just a façade?

Under the Influence Feb 15, 2006

Millions of young Pakistanis who entered their teens during the Zia regime looked admiringly at the dynamic duo whose music helped them cope with the frustrating moral and reactionary idiosyncrasies of the dictatorship

The Fundo Chic? Jan 25, 2006

It all seemed to begin with Ferhat Hashmi. After her, came a string of evangelists cashing in on what can now be called the ‘fundo chic’, opposite to what was once called the ‘radical chic’

Fractals Jan 10, 2006

Babul was a priest as well. This time, space and place had many priests. But there was just one religion. But many factions and sects and heresies and so on and so forth

Catch 22 1/2 Dec 27, 2005

Conservatism was not only being used to appease certain sections of society, but were now actually being aired in policy-making political circles

Spirits and Sauces Dec 14, 2005

“To be happy is psychotic?”
“Yes. In a world such as this, it sure is.” Saying this Khalil pulled out a massive .45 magnum from underneath his checkered, 100% cotton grunge shirt

Make Room, Make Room! Nov 30, 2005

These days, especially in many developing countries of Asia, the hot words in advertising are “breaking the clutter” and “out of the box thinking.”

Rabid Nov 16, 2005

The Ground Beneath Pakistan’s Feet Oct 16, 2005

On the airwaves, a creeping battle of ideologies has already begun, bringing out into the open the political and ideological leanings of various large television channels.

A Whiter Shade of Green Aug 8, 2005

If I have never written a single word against Musharaf then I have neither written a single word for Musharaf either. Until now. Right now.

The Aftergod Jun 10, 2005

Lucifer, kneeling in front of God: And it will be done, my Lord. Detonates a massive anti-matter bomb: And away we go. God speed.

Sultan Mints May 12, 2005

Yes, sir, she sure felt like living in a pornographic film. A film made by sex fanatics.

Gabriel’s Bike Mar 24, 2005

Human beings are either the descendants or creations of aliens who landed on Earth millennia ago, and much of our culture was given to us by extraterrestrial visitors in the time of pre-history.

The Holy Mind Blow Feb 16, 2005

This new “liberal” lot. They have done more to give the mullahs the space to continue playing havoc with the country’s sociology and politics than the mullahs themselves!

Psychemanica Feb 2, 2005

I screamed inside. I played cool on the out. “I am the messiah,” said I. “I am.” “I.” My, my, what delusion. Since when was I reborn? Since he died. But what then when I die?

The God Pulp Jan 6, 2005

“Cough! Cough!” Coughed the sofa. “Don’t insult my intellect.” “ What?” Said Kamran. “Screw that, man, let’s get stoned!”

Socio-political History of Modern Pop Music in Pakistan Dec 13, 2004

A complete chronology of influences on Pakistani Pop music and the rapid trend to being 'globalized'

Dystopia: After the cliché Nov 27, 2004

Dystopia. The opposite of Utopia. Or a Utopia gone bad. An idea and vision of a perfect world getting lost when translated into concrete reality.

When the Orient met the Ox-ident Oct 10, 2004

“Where are you going, sister?' asked Duby, a stray cat stuck inside a bogy of a train carrying people and merchandise from Pakistan to Amritsar. This particular bogy had a cow (an aged Bhagi), two horses (Timmy and Boby) and a mouse, Micky.

Gulp Fiction Sep 29, 2004

Magazines I’d like to see: Paranoid 911, Talwaar Times, Cannibalism Today, HardOn

Books Every Globalized Pakistani & Indian Middleclass Youngster Must Own … Sep 22, 2004

“I am absolutely, totally confused and proud of it!” Awwwwww. How very global.

Cactus Gas Aug 16, 2004

Rajan. That’s what my alcoholic father used to scream every time the pathetic man wanted his trembling drags tensely inhaled from dry Gold Leaf fags.

Stout! Jul 4, 2004

They say God is the wisest. But why do this God appeal to the most exploitative and the most stupid, and the most sadistic, and the most idiotic.

The Prophecies of Nosydamanus Apr 29, 2004

Some say Nosy was the greatest seers since Nosterdamus. Some believe he was even greater than his European counterpart. Some say he was a highly evolved bicycle.

Untitled Apr 6, 2004

Boy, what was that awful sound? A bomb explosion somewhere in Karachi. Phew. Thank God. For a while I thought it was mom exploding because I had forgotten to record the 1865th episode of Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahoo Thi.

Graffiti Christ Feb 23, 2004

“Baysheram aurat! Shameless cow! Where’s your hijab?” he shouted.

The Third Pasture Feb 4, 2004

The play land today, nothing more than an apolitical wasteland of aimless youth. A youth that refuse. Refuse to understand. Understand the political and economic forces driving them. Driving them towards professional and social aspirations and goals. Goal

Bravo! Jan 25, 2004

The nazim barging into Ali Haider's flat... is this a trailer for a Ziaist future? We've had enough of trailers highlighting assorted Ziaist tendencies and Taliban whip-lash in the MMA ruled NWFP. So why should we in Karachi feel so 'liberal' and safe?

Snarl! Jan 9, 2004

This “religious” fashion show is going beyond the personal self. If countries and society can (and should!) heap scorn at swastika-wearing neo-Nazis, so should they at people trying to make religious statements with hijabs and crosses, especia

Cynical 21st Century Psychobabble Dec 17, 2003

Bharat: The burping sound made by right-wing Hindu patients of chronic indigestion. Example: “So, my dear friends, as I was saying … *BHARAT! * … excuse me.”

The 20 best local pop albums … ever! Dec 9, 2003

The production and creative qualities of VS:2 have helped it to sound as modern as anything done with the help of far more advanced recording facilities today, even after twelve years when it was first released.

Acidity - Novellete Part III (final) Oct 31, 2003

A novelette zigzagging along an addict’s (heroinchie’s) pathological observations of the bleak and absurd comedy of 21st century’s social and political neurosis

Acidity - Novellete Part II Oct 6, 2003

A novelette zigzagging along an addict’s (heroinchie’s) pathological observations of the bleak and absurd comedy of 21st century’s social and political neurosis

Acidity - Novellete Part I Sep 29, 2003

A novelette zigzagging along an addict’s (heroinchie’s) pathological observations of the bleak and absurd comedy of 21st century’s social and political neurosis

The Knee Count Issue Aug 13, 2003

Maybe a cabbage is how you describe yourself. To tell you the truth, I really don’t give a damn. I don’t care why we are here. But I do care why I’m here and Madhuri Dixit there!

The Mental Animal & The Rib! Jul 22, 2003

So, who is right? The agnostic scientists, or the above-mentioned religious beliefs? And we as ashraful makhlukat have the obligation to study and advance the positive aspects of knowledge

Said Noha, “Sponsor my Ark!” Jul 6, 2003

It was well past midnight. Early enough for the creatures of the night to be fooled by the sudden pale brightness of the sky.

Frontier Baby Blues Jun 28, 2003

When asked what he wants to be as a grown-up, 10-year-old Masood was candid: “Suicide bomber!”

Cable-Unable May 13, 2003

My jihad is against hypocrites!

• All
• Twenty-First Century Woman
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• Particle Politics
• Djinn and Tonic
• Zehra Crossing
• Personal Political
• Scattered Wide
• Delhi Calling
• Fly In The Soup
• Reel Chakkar
• Science and Sciencibility
• Free for All
• The Headless Chicken
• Cafe Black
• On Record
• Roving Eye
• Chowk Guest
• Mind Space
• Its a Square World
• Alive and Well
• Catalysts For Change
• Blueprint
• Light Upon Light

• Pakistan's Struggle for Democracy
• The Indian Story
• Indo-Pak Relations
• Personal Narratives
• Religion Today
• War on Terror
• Role of Media
• Call for Social Change
• Hold Them Accountable
• Environment and Us
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