The Republican Red Scare

If McCain and Palin want to play the guilt by association game, their own questionable ties must be examined.

They Will Seal The Case Sheets!

How are doctors affected when their treatment plans go wrong? What is the difference between complications, difference of opinion and negligence?

Ahmed Faraz (1931-2008) – The Romantic Rebel

To the end of his life, Faraz remained fully committed to the ideals of democracy and justice as witnessed by his close involvement in the lawyers movement of last year.

Muhammad Aslam Khan Khattak: A Man for All Seasons

His greatest disappointment he says is that he was withdrawn as Ambassador before he could bring about the confederation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Terrorism Accused: Is Legal Aid Justified?

The BJP National President, Mr. Rajnath Singh’s recent statement opposing the providing of legal aid to the suspected terrorists

Losing the Battle, Losing the Faith

The car is an old Toyota Mazda with two gentlemen with long beards. Few years back I would've thought how blessed are they for practicing the religion of peace. Today ...

Three Cups of Tea & Pennies for Peace

In 2000 only about 800,000 children went to school in Afghanistan. Today said Mortenson, 6.4 million kids are in school in that country out of which 2 million are girls.

Not to Forget the Devastation of October 8, 2005 Earthquake

We are yet to get out of the planning stage while people continue to strive for their survival braving the dilapidated conditions of the relief camps

Rape Survivor Families Struggle Against Odds

Even the high-profile case of Mukhtaran Mai, gang-raped by locally influential people in 2002, is still pending before the Supreme Court.

Demon

They slither, mock, and laugh at me
these demons, I can't walk away
I feel the curse well up in me
it tugs the life right out of me

Better Times

It is Akhtar’s fifth year in captivity. Like the others, he too is given the food confiscated from the UN and other aids which came in frequently at different locations in the city.

Love at Shara Zawia

Muneer and Emily had gone to Tangiers to register their marriage, as many foreigners who marry in Libya do.
Emily does not like to talk about these things.

‘Dustbin of history’ or ‘history of sorts’

Omar Abdullah the president of the National Conference opines that complete independence for both sides of Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC) is not a viable option at all.

Cockroaches of Disruption

The process of peace, the process of change
As the deal are struck, as deal are brokered
Through rumors and disobedience
To the nation, the silent witness

Salt N Pepper

I asked him about his wife and children. He loved kids but didn't have any. His wife, he said, was a loving person. He'd often say, "I have gray hair but I'm not that old!"

Fathers and Daughters

When Abu liked to talk of the moon, sitting by the sea, he was quite the man. He would tell me complicated things about life, and how to live it as a running clock with no hands. To feel its essential present.

MQM - History and Origins

The Mohajir-Sindhi alliance provided the only real chance to thwart the Punjabi dominance in Pakistani politics.

Living Gandhi and King Today: Unbroken Historic Continuity

In the current hopeless global situation, Gandhian way has a promise for a better world. It promotes consciousness of peace and harmony, the foundation to build a peaceful society

Dueling Partners: Pakistan and America

In this exclusive interview, Tariq Ali, a seasoned journalist and Pakistani insider, focuses on all major players, including the Bush Administration, Zardari, Bhutto, Musharraf, military

Reforming Religious Fundamentalists

What would you do with religious fundamentalists, especially those who adopt militant practices, have violent consciousness, and have become involved in armed struggle...

A Weak Pakistan is a Threat to Neighbours

Thanks to past policies, Pakistanis are caught between a rock and a hard place - American military attacks on the border and suicide bombings and sectarian violence around the country...

Historian Amaresh Misra on South Asia

Left alone, South Asia would have evolved more smoothly into the Industrial age, says historian Amaresh Misra

Whose Dog?

The way the Sangh Parivar has co-opted the working class and youth militants while serving the interests of the rich and powerful is a phenomenon which has torn India apart.

The Health and Medicinal Benefits of

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.

Coming to America

It's both surreal and frightening that these two (Palin and Zardari) upstart political figures could very well be significant actors in deciding the fate of global relations.

Zalim Online

An eye witness to the horror and carnage by the religious fanatics in Pakistan

The Only Good Muslim is the Anti-Muslim

For some, Barack Obama's stature as a man of the left has fallen precipitously, like late autumn leaves shed by branches bowing to the will of winter.

Jihad Revised

Pakistan, which is being torn apart by jihadists from within and across its border, needs to make this latest work by Fadl available widely in translation.

The Sangh Octopussy

In Kandhmal, Orissa, following communal violence, several hundred Christians are in refugee camps and have been threatened with death if they return without “reconverting”

Pakistani-Americans or American-Pakistanis?

How long will it before Pakistani-Americans will let their voices be heard as a group?

Behind That Voice!

Jagjit Singh is a man with many attributes – a great singer, a passionate artist, a social worker and most of all, a humble, down-to-earth man.

Into The Thick of the Battle

It is in the interest of the US that Pakistan is given a free hand to deal with the Taliban on its side of the border. This is Pakistan’s war now.

Movie Review: Streets of Karachi

Writer Shoieb Yunus successfully grasps growing up in a multi-religious Karachi of yesteryear where one lived in harmony.

We Have Met the Enemy and the Enemy is Us!

How the Chowkidar is Destroying the House from Inside.

The Marriott Bombing: ‘Pakistan’s 9/11’?

The message was clear: they can strike Pakistan’s capital, and they care nothing for democracy or for religion.

The Frontier Mail

Are the bomb-blasts in India and Pakistan all part of a greater plan, and if so, whose?

Don't Shoot the Messenger

We can go blue in the face shouting about the pernicious predators, but we stay silent while innocents are slain within our own borders.

Boot Point

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

Hotel Babylon: The Marriot Hotel Explosion

The latest reports from Geo News, as I write, are that a small car entered the front of the hotel and a man came out screaming for those who wanted to save themselves to run.

A Guantanomized Age

The questions aimed at us fall into two broad categories: "Why aren't more moderate Muslims condemning terrorism?" and "What is it about Islam that produces terrorists?

Resisting Subjugation

Foreign debt is $48 billion after devaluation of rupee and domestic debt is over Rs. 3.4 trillion now. The way we are managing our resources is leading us to self-annihilation.

Emerging Pakistan-U.S. relations

On September 12, 2008, Army Chief Ashfaq Kiyani sought to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty by authorizing the Army to retaliate to any attempts by ‘foreign troops’.

National Survey on Student Politics

A vast majority of university students (63.6 percent) wants reserved quota for girls in the student unions, according to a recent national survey on student politics.

The God Delusion

In protest of all religio-zealots, I am bringing to attention of all, the work of Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion".

ISI-the Trojan horse?

Many pertinent questions are raised by the common people about the recent rise of Talibanization in Pakistan, especially in North West Frontier Province.

Delhi Under Fright, Innocent Targeted

Today evening on 13th of September around 6’o clock bomb blasts took place at prime time in markets. The first attack took place at Karol Bagh, Gafar market.

The Prejudices Pakistan’s New President Faces

Asif Ali Zardari's presidential nomination was widely condemned - but the fact is that he is now the democratically elected President of Pakistan.

A Transfer

His younger son Hasen is studying in Hyderabad, doing first year of engineering while he lives in Tripoli alone. The elder son is doing a job in Lucknow.

The Cry of Karachi

“this is a city that can cry, look even the walls have become tears, I don’t know any other sea that is so distant.” I told you, sometimes I can’t let go.

September Morning

The pace might be pathetically slow but an increasing cadre of writers and thinkers have started to question smugness of the Islamic world.

A Dismal Performance!

His (Asif Ali Zardari) only answer to the economic meltdown was to raise the purchase price of wheat.

Muslim Psyche After September 11, 2001

When we reflect upon the reactions of Muslims from different parts of the world we see certain tendencies emerging in the last few years.

Automobiles Can Banish Unemployment and Poverty

The Nano is however belatedly making India's economists, planners and politicians realize that the automotive Industry is a huge driver of employment and growth.

Last Will and Testament

I, Lord James Eva Williamson of the state of Rajasthan, hereby bequeath all my property to MR Thomas Alva Eddyson. Who had saved my life.

My Encounter with Ahmed Faraz

As students at Peshawar, we often saw Faraz on campus. He was a noted poet even then but, among the students on campus, he was equally known, if not more, for his bohemian lifestyle.

Dr Afia Siddiqui's Case

While there is no dearth of people asking for her release and her handing over to Pakistan, I maintain my demand that a complete inquiry be made into whereabouts of Prisoner 650.

It's A Deal After All!

In the long run, however, it will be difficult to ignore Pakistan’s demand for a similar deal once it establishes a clean record of nuclear safety and non-proliferation.

Is Mumbai a hub of dirty politics?

After rejection from West Bengal Trinamool Congress, Tata received invitation from Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to start Nano project from Maharashtra.

Honor Killings in Babakot

Those beautiful faces, our daughters
Gone forever, heads sunk in grief
As words betray us, to describe
Heinous crimes and we call ourselves
The followers of prophet and Islam

Greek Tragedy

There is no one left to punish me. I’m the last Mannon; I’ve got to punish myself. Living alone here with the dead is a worse act of justice than death or poison.

US Commando Strike in Waziristan

They have decided that the centre of gravity of all the trouble is Pakistan. Right or wrong this appears to be the central US perception now.

Bihar & Louisiana: A Poem

You are not God,
Not even half God.
Nor Poseidon or Neptune.
Why this bloody ruin?

There is no ‘honour’ in killing

Whether the women were buried alive or whether they were already dead when buried is not the point. They were murdered.

Why Zardari Should Be President!

The matter that is debatable is not whether Asif Zardari should or should not run for the presidency but what steps he should take if he becomes the president.

A New Kind of Charity this Ramadan

Being vigilant and demanding transparency is not optional but imperative. We must learn to treat our donations as investments in the future of Pakistan.

Free to Breed

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?"

Save Me From Charismatic Leaders!

I am not against Obama because he is Black because I think that it would be wonderful for the US to have a Black President; not because his middle name is Husseini

Educational Practices in Private Schools in Pakistan

Education has becomes an act of depositing. Instead of communicating, the teacher issues communiqués and makes deposits which the students patiently receive, memorize, and repeat.

Alcohol and Teenagers: A Lethal Mixture

If one can Vote and join the Army and sent to Iraq when 18, why not being able to buy a beer in the USA?

In Memory of Ahmed Faraz

We will miss him and words
That breathed revolution
Death can only bring whispers
But words, a torrent of revolution

Faith and Religion

Though I have a Muslim name I am a non practicing Indian Muslim who does not believe in any organised religion.

Ahmed Faraz: The Light Stays

"woh koh-kun to naheeN tha leikin
karree chatanouN se larr chuka hei
woh thhak chuka tha aur us ka teisha
usi ke seenay mein garr chuka hei" - Ahmed Faraz

How real is your politik?

According to many political pundits and media luminaries, people like you and me don’t understand it so we should mutely accept the PPP’s push for Zardari as president!!!

Writings on the Wall

I have been in a state of stupor for the last couple of days, ever since Mr. Zardari’s got himself nominated for the position of the President of Pakistan.

Time for Medals

The PPP has done it once again -- so true to its philosophy of challenging the powerful and the mighty and coming out victorious despite all the unfavorable odds stacked against it.

Black Pencils

jehad in a woman?
daggers in a jar full of berry-nectar
pleasant as honey-sugar
ordinary, crowd senses as usual.

The Pink Side of Disney

Like Hannah, Barbie too had an ideal life. Except Barbie was a mere toy and that meant the endings to her stories were left to the imagination of the youthful owner.

Poet for Paperless People

Darwish was paperless and, because of his defiant words and politics, he was often imprisoned. He kept on honing his words as if they were weapons

In the Face of Adversity

Three courageous persons who are in compromised positions –physically, financially and socially, but have not lost their spirit.

Celebrating 61 Years of Broken Dreams

"Missing in Pakistan", a 29-minute documentary capturing Pakistan's gross human rights violations tacitly supported by the US Government, followed by a talk by Safdar Sarki.

Remembering the Jallianwala Bagh, Gandhi, Churchill and Jinnah

Reviewing positions of three key players on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre - the watershed event of India’s independence.

School Days

I was passing through St Patrick’s the other day when quite out of nowhere memories of my time spent in that gentle and noble place came flooding in.

Thinking of an Obama presidency, what ‘change’ may we really see?

the debate about how to lead the world in this era of Post-modernity and post-Cold War, has taken a new dimension which symbolizes itself in the ‘change’ mantra of Barack Obama.

Is this Amnesia or Dementia?

I am addressing this to myself, and to the Pakistani awam to which I belong. More than anything, I 'd like to talk to us about two words: Escape and Hope.

Musharraf's Resignation and Beyond

Musharraf’s departure is just one step in the process of democracy, for the continuation of which Pakistan and its allies will need all the patience they can muster.

Long Live the King: Musharraf’s Controversial Legacy

Nothing came out publicly from GHQ about Musharraf’s impeachment when the civilian government made its decision known. But bells had started ringing in both Rawalpindi and Washington.

Love him or hate him: Musharraf not a tyrant

Objectively-speaking, he can hardly be considered a “tyrant” or a “despot”.

My Dear President Musharraf

Mr. President, you are a man of honour and character. We do not appreciate such men.

The Aftermath of Musharraf’s Departure

After Musharraf’s departure, there might be some respite in the escalating insurgency and intensifying turmoil in Pakistan’s Northern scenic valley of Swat and Tribal regions.

Musharraf and Me

Musharraf will learn for the first time that Truth is the most elusive thing in the world and innocence the hardest to prove when the onus is on the innocent to prove his innocence

Global Warming: Green with Controversy

Its effects will happen 30 years down the road, and then you say, "Okay, do something about it."

When Trembling Hands Learn To Heal

Every time anyone in my hospital needs advice and support, someone tells him of a doctor that not only talks but listens as well.

17 August 1988

An army chief who should never have been the chief in the first place and should have instutionally retired by 1980 was finally terminated by divine design on 17 August 1988.

It's Politics Uber Alles In Kashmir ..... And India

The BJP, while paying lip service to maintaining peace, did nothing to calm the situation in Jammu; instead, its troops have taken to the streets in other cities in India.

Reviving the Pakistani cinema

For those who have been patiently awaiting a quality film by a Pakistani director, Mehreen Jabbar has just provided a cause for excitement.

Fashion Or Lack Thereof

You either want to cover your legs or you don’t; it is either too hot to wear a pair of cotton pants or it is not. Make your mind up.

Toward a Pakistani Media Strategy

Being disgusted with the way things are is not a sufficient response, and the Pakistani community needs to take the lead in changing its own image.

Long Live Pakistan

From 1947, the day we became free
As we stand, to celebrate another year
From Waziristan to distant corners,
Lies there the evidence, of our endeavors

What Talibanization?

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.

A Strategy For Real Agricultural Prosperity

2.4% farmers control 23% of the land. They are the barriers to India's progress in agriculture. They can be moved, and they must be moved if India is to eliminate rural poverty.

Your Sentence

Think that the system is dehumanising. Somewhere deep down you know that you are using dead metaphors, shortcuts to the death of your own thought. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

Olympic Dreamers

A famous American novelist Henry Miller once wrote, “Humans work while gods play”. But there are some humans who like to become gods as they love to play all their lives.

The Tribal and I

We, too, like the British lump up all tribal setups into a single category and generalise. Basing our understanding of 'their' culture on our 'feeling' towards them and a sense of superiority.

Beware of Thyself!

Why women suffer, cannot be explicated clearly, keeping in view the certain facts. Are they, standing themselves in the way of their own development?

Here We Go Again

But it’s really a wet firecracker without Army’s intervention, because sehba auntie or shareefudding peerzada can’t jump the gates of PTV and take over.

From Marx to Mao to Jintao

The world's eyes are focused on China today as Beijing plays host to the 2008 Summer International Olympics Games.

Pura Vida – 2 Weeks in the Land of Ticos

Futbol (soccer) is a national passion. Every town and village is built around a futbol field. Quoting a tour guide “we Costa Ricans love futbol but we suck at it”.

The Road To Misuraata

The Italian Cemetery at Gargarish has stories of the families who lived here and made Tripoli their home. This is where the family of my friend Marino is buried.

And then there was The Impeachment Issue…

A smug looking Mian saa’ab and the ever dramatic Dark Prince, announced at a joint press conference, their plans to pursue the Impeachment of President Pervaiz Musharraf.

Aafia Siddiqui to Appear in Court

Disappeared in Pakistan, hysterical screams heard in Afghanistan, and now appearing in a New York court

K2, the Savage Mountain

As I read the news, and watched it on Television, memories of my mountaineering days came back and deprived me of my sleep bringing nightmares of my own struggle on K2.

Karachi Monsoon

The rains are now bound to start where it’s almost non-stop. Half the roads are dug up. The drains are not complete. And the energy problem is only going to increase.

Brick Lane is About Immigrants Making Difficult Choices

Brick Lane exposes the core of a complex immigrant dilemma. Asians who move to the western world often live with this dilemma and just choose to ignore it.

Mahboba Andyar: A Poem

Andyar, an Olympic aspirant is gone missing;
Sole Afghan woman sprinter slated for Beijing.
Andyar, A rising spirit, a brave soul,
Pride of a nation, an archetypal role.

Quarter No.5

It had been raining for two hours. The heavens were in a generous mood that day. The sewer behind the 'servants' quarters' was overflowing with rainwater...

Late Colin David

Colin was born in Karachi in 1937; he began his art education at the University of Punjab when the fine arts departments opened its door to male students in 1956.

The Labour Struggle

The current upsurge of labour strikes all over the country has once again brought to the forefront the same rhetoric of 'work harder instead of complaining'.

Fissures in the Middle

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.

Responsibility of the Media and the Repercussions of Terror Strikes

What is forgotten in the attempt to pacify the people is that there is no restraint in labelling a community responsible.

The Tunnel

We aren’t the people of these bright lights and we will never be, we’re people of the docks. A fish cant survive on land. Don’t you ever forget that.

America's Opportunity in Pakistan's Tribal Belt

a key question on Islamabad ’s mind is the fate of stalled legislation creating reconstruction opportunity zones (ROZs) to spur development and combat militancy in FATA.

Ahmedabad Blasts: Numbed Apathy and The Conspiracy Of Our Resilience

I lost my Chacha (father’s younger brother) in the Ahmedabad blasts yesterday. He was only 49. No, he had not participated in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

Pakistan and the Death Penalty: Time to Call it Quits

Those who are awarded capital punishment are usually “the poorest of the poor.” Most of them are illiterate and have no resources or support.

The Indian Mujahideen – The Answer to BJP’s Pseudo-Secularist Fascism or a New Method to Spread Unrest?

The blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad have brought into focus the potent terror network that exists in India unbeknownst to Indian intelligence agencies and the government.

Kashmir Experiencing Hyderabad

In January every year all India industrial exhibition is held in Nampally, Hyderabad. Most of the businessmen taking part in the exhibition are from Srinagar.

Roshni

In the stillness of the evening, the quietness of a beautiful garden, the most powerful man in the world has a conversation with his sister.

Government Wins Manmohan Singh Loses

The way is now clear to officially approach the Board of Governors of the IAEA to approve the agreement reached between the Government of India and the IAEA officials.

Feminist Mumbo-Jumbo!

Patriarchal society has ingrained in us so deeply the thought that women are lesser to men, that it is bound to surface (even if it is subconscious).

Translation of a (Love) Letter by Allama Iqbal to Miss Atiya Faizi

Atiya Faizi was the socialite daughter of a prominent Bombay trader named Hussain Afandi. She was born in 1891 and first met Iqbal in Cambridge in 1907.

Fields Of Joy

Two lost Kandaharis, Opiumzai and Hashishuddin, were wandering aimlessly when they chanced upon something very special...

Time for Musharraf to Quit

President Musharraf will go down in history as one of those third world leaders who by playing as the second fiddle to West exposed Pakistan to religious militancy.

Why is Karachi Turning Into a Sell-Out?

Isn't this the same city that lost 20,000 of its young men in 1990's at the hands of this same military establishment that we seem to be so fond of these days?

Dhokha and Being a Muslim in India

Mukesh Bhatt’s Muzammil Ibrahim starred ‘Dhokha’ or ‘Betrayal’ is the Bollywood’s latest offering that raises several questions about Muslims and their identity in India.

What's In a Name?

The name, Blue Area, has for some reason stuck in the collective memory of people of Islamabad, but not Jinnah Avenue. I never understood why?

Pakistan’s Prevailing Political And Economic Mess

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) though a laudable incentive, is highly insufficient. With rising inflation, the Rs 1000 package may be next to nothing.

Of Medical Students, Passports and Religous Tolerance

Who am I to declare that Mirza Ghulam Ahmed Quadiani is an impostor nabi? Why on earth am I even being asked the question?

An Ode Called Amritsar

On hearing that I was about to visit her ancestral city, my mother gave me instructions to reach her childhood home from the railway station...

Banana Republic

Khaliq wanted to buy bananas so he inquired the price per dozen. “120 rupees sir”, we were told. I thought I miss heard so I asked again. “120 rupees per dozen sir, 10 rupees each.”

The Non-Existent Tourist’s Guide To Pakistan

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.

Edward De Bono's Point C: Situtation in Pakistan

Capital of a nuclear power now plunges into darkness daily, for 5 to 6 hours. In small cities, this duration is 11 to 16 hours. With hottest months of the year still to come.

Lighting Up My Fire

I switch on the radio, and a good song from the eighties is playing. I start reminiscing about the olden days, the fake Ray Ban Wayfarers and the Sony Walkmans...

A Fatal Act-Bad News for India Pakistan Relations

The assassination of Indian Defence Attache in Kabul on 7th July 2008 is a watershed in the ongoing undeclared low intensity war in Afghanistan.

Swat: Can the deal work?

After the peace deal between the Taliban and the government people thought that normal life would return to the troubled district of Swat.

I Fell Among (the APPNA) Doctors

Like the conductor of a choir, with one hand raised, she piped up with a full-throated ‘Paaak sar zameeen shadbaad … The children simply stared at their toes in embarrassment.

A Journey Interrupted: Being Indian in Pakistan by Farzana Versey

It (Indian Muslim) happens to be my identity. And this book is about the identity question in large measure - my identity, the Pakistani identities.

Bionic Woman

The corporate woman is such a powerful and inspiring symbol when you are studying. It’s a realization you get later that a married working woman is a warrior.

Pigeons on My Balcony

"They have laid eggs. Now Bhatt, if you do not throw them out, the babies will dirty your balcony like anything." That is the way they look at it, my dear human friends.

The Peacock Moments

Hope cannot be lost or forgotten
Carry they will these droplets of rain
Change will arrive, peace will reside
The old effect, the peacock moments!

Democracy is the Best Revenge?

2007 – 2008 will certainly be remembered as one of the most historically significant and turbulent for Pakistan with unprecedented public protests and mass revenges.

Aamir - A Film Review

Most of the film is shot in the rough, mean streets of Mumbai and captures the cold, indifferent character of the city and its people.

Who Sold the Centrifuges?

Dr. Qadeer’s inflammatory outburst against President Pervez Musharraf would, instead of personally absolving him, aid in painting Pakistan in more lurid colors by her detractors.

London’s Knife-Crime Epidemic:

Such is the horror in Britain at this new phenomenon, that the Police have declared tackling knife-crime to be their new number one target surpassing even that of terrorism.

Muslim Ghettoisation

The perception among Muslims is that they are unwelcome in Britain is undermining efforts to help them integrate into wider society.

The Gin Game

Despite being a small group, The Gate Theater surely managed to touch an emotional yet witty story through a brilliantly written piece of literature.

The Unbearable Lightness of Seeing

Lately his wife seems to be depressed and irritated when he comes home in the evening. The children look cold and withdrawn. Sohail Khan himself feels a shift in his moods.

Yet Another Immigrant Story

I arrived in the US about eight months ago, to get married in Houston and move to Maryland, where I live now. My last visit had been less than a year ago, during which I met my husband.

Solving Amarnath: A New Hope in Kashmir

It demonstrates to the Kashmiris that by resorting to non-violent action, there is a room for manoeuvre and things can be changed through peaceful means.

Diabetes: Wrestling with a Twenty-First Century Monster

“Half of world’s population at risk of diabetes by end of next decade.” This disorder is encroaching on the traditional confines of age, ethnicity, and geography—in particular AGE.

Nirad Babu's Ghost

His (Nirad C. Chaudhuri's) discourse could effortlessly vacillate between, say, the role of the Kama sutra in the Indian psyche to the merits of a Chateau d'Yquem.

The Reflection In My Window

As he twisted her wrist, the little girl writhed in pain, tears welling in her eyes as she struggled to free her self. Her brother, pulled at the man’s other arm ...

Anti-Americanism in Pakistan and the Taliban Menace

The Taliban are waging an armed struggle to remake society. They will keep fighting this war even if America were to miraculously evaporate into space.

Muslims in America

I am all for Muslim identity but frankly what I don’t get is the overbearing role dogma plays in every action of the Muslim community in America.

The Lame Duck Government

The Pakistan army has been once again mobilized in a big way to stamp out the presence of Taliban in the Tribal areas as well as Swat and Mardan.

Music: Muslim Madonna

Performing seated alongside notable ghazal maestros of the subcontinent was the eight years old Deepika Thathaal known by her stage name Deeyah.

Whose Life is it Anyway?

A simple question evoked by an image in a local English daily, showing an old mother hugging the blood-soaked dead body of her teenager son in Baquba, Iraq.

We Can Make a Difference

They are the children who have been abandoned, have run away from abusive homes, were orphaned or simply got lost.

Forgotten President & Shape of Things to Come?

A new kind of voting belt is being created where people are more aware of the larger issues, of national causes and increasingly form opinions under the spell of Urdu media?

Nawaz Sharif’s Moment of Truth

Nawaz Sharif disqualified to run for the national Assembly by none other than the Lahore High Court. How should he react to it? How should he take it?

The Brain Food

Eat your carrots; you’ll see better in the dark. Don’t go swimming until an hour after you eat. It turns out that some of these have stood the test of time.

A Meeting with Che Guevara

The man had a charismatic presence in green olive fatigues and black beret at a rakish angle. The very best of the Hollywood and Bollywood stars all rolled into one.

Local Liberal Dribble

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 Global Self-Help Addict

Self help is the hallmark of the global professional. Words that inspire, soothe, comfort and motivate are powerful and popular forces of support in an everchanging workplace.

Who is Making the Oil Fume ?

35 countries, 25 oil company CEOs and 7 global energy organizations assemble at Red sea city of Jeddah today as the world faces one of the most unprecedented global crisis

The Puppet Speaks

Karzai’s recent diatribe against Pakistan, among other things, reminds one of Pakistan’s Punjabi movies, in which the blood-soaked hero makes the pledge of eliminating his enemy

Anil Ambani Pursues Global Media Empire

Besides the Hollywood deals, Ambani is launching 20 TV channels and owns FM stations in India.

Freud and Jung and Their Secret Affairs

Of all of Freud’s admirers and critics, the most complex, complicated and troubled relationship was of Carl Jung. He started as an admirer and ended as a critic.

The 'One God' Religions of Revelation

The success of the `One God’ idea was its ability to use fear to empower the professional priests enabling them to command the absolute obedience of their followers.

Opportunity Missed

If the nation of Pakistan can buy democracy, rule of law (going forward), civilian supremacy, justice etc. for 1.5 billion dollars from Mr. Zardari, I say where do we sign up?

Federal Budget — A Test of Loyalties

The budget is, in most aspects, a non-affair. Now we have to face the rising prices of essential items. In this the government is of no help.

Aitzaz’s Monumental Blunder

There is all quiet in Pakistan after the lawyers’ long march. The struggle of more than one year was wasted away in matter of hours.

The Bhopal Tragedy Continues

On June 10th a global hunger strike was called to bring justice to Bhopal victims and put the corporation Dow Chemical, to shame, since the Indian government does not seem to be doing its job.

Restoring the Civil Rights of Ahmadis

The persecution of Ahmadis even under the present mangled constitution is patently unconstitutional.

The Cruel Expulsions

Reaction to “Twenty Three Students Expelled From Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad”

Affair With The knife

With media promoting extreme makeovers and their short-term ‘amazing’ results, more and more people today believe that going under the knife is safe and easy.

The Chips are Down

Mr. Zardari once again asked the president either to resign voluntarily or be prepared for his unceremonious and rather dishonorable ouster by the parliament via an impeachment.

Healthcare in Pakistan, Lessons from Cuba

Cuba has the most impressive doctor to patient ratio of 1 to 175. All this and more while facing more than 40 years of US trade and financial embargoes.

Democracy and Me

An ordinary individual, me:
citizen in the world’s most populous democracy.
Democracy?
Yes, government by the people.

Attack in Mohmand

The recent attack on Frontier Corps (FC) post in Mohmand Agency is the first major US step in arm twisting the hopeless new Pakistani democratic set up.

Long March

In thousands, we will march, for change
Hear you will my friends, not far away
The days of change and nights of comfort
Walk with me, as each step gathers its storm

Timeless

Ever so gently, he took her old fingers in his hand and uncurled them lightly. His face was now trembling, as if he were fighting a great storm inside of him

A Stage For - V for Vendetta

"People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."

Another Lal Masjid in the Making?

The walls were filled with anti-west hate slogans, “Al-Jihad Al-Qital” (holy war, bloody battle) written everywhere around the central mosque. This was not the Bahawalpur I knew.

Twenty Three Students Expelled From Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad

On Thursday, June 5th the principal of Punjab Medical College in Faisalabad expelled every student who belonged to the minority Ahmadi community from his college.

Dancing With Madonna

Dancing helps in developing, not only a beautiful body, but also a healthy mind, and should be encouraged in society.

Paper Trail

To produce five sheets of 8 x 11 inch paper we use the equivalent energy of an 80 watt bulb operating for an hour; but at a cost far greater than that of electricity.

Who Moved My Cheese

Mr Gore wasn’t afraid of looking foolish, he’d take his presentation wherever people would listen. His persistence ended up creating a climate of global acceptance of global warming.

Please De-stabilize the System

Who are we trying to save the system from anyway? Why are we STILL sugar-coating this?

The Emerging Threat

According to some people, Mangal Bagh has the full backing of government. If this is true than another Frankenstein is in the making.

Indiana Jones, Iron Man and a Touch of Narnia

If one enjoyed “The Raiders of the Lost Ark” or “The Temple of Doom” along with an okay “The Last Crusade”, nineteen years later viewers will still enjoy The Crystal Skull, wrinkles and all.

The Old Bungalow

Etched in my memory
Looming the house stood
Once it was my home
Now it’s on my mind

Looking Towards a Brighter Future

Being born in a farmer’s family in a small conservative village of Punjab, I could only wish that her intelligence and spark for life would meet its rewards.

Pakistan (private) Ltd.

‘Why could you not have been brave enough, why do you not have some courage, why did you not ever go to jail, why did you never kill someone, why did you not ever embezzle money – ’

The Lucifer Effect

The only things that can truly slow the decay of our society, is to make sure the rule of law is implemented ‘equally and across the board’ to everyone.

Pakistan's Nuclear Test - Ten Years Later

Today we are at war on multiple fronts. But the Bomb provides no defense. Rather, it has helped bring us to this grievously troubled situation and offers no way out.

Delayed Justice

Centre’s decision to award a compensation package totaling Rs 330 crores to the victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots can at best be described as a pre-election effort at applying a healing touch.

Myths Surrounding the Lawyer’s Movement

Election data made public is quite opposite to the generally promoted perception that February 18 saw an overwhelming mandate to restore the judiciary and remove Musharraf

Cluster Bombs

United States, Russia and China have not signed the Mine Ban treaty and will not sign the Cluster Ban either, but their future actions affected by the outcome of this Treaty.

Were Buddhists and Jains Persecuted in Ancient India?

Many genuinely believe that Hinduism had always been a tolerant religion that assimilated other peoples and ideas without bloody conflict.

India-US Nuclear Deal

If the government thrusts the deal down the throats of the Indian nation the Left may pull out of the alliance and force the country to face general elections.

Confessions of a Religious Fundamentalist

I just want you to understand that never mind the beautiful facades of different ISMS, at the base of it all we are all religious and all fundamentalists.

Dancing on Broken Glass

President Pervez Musharraf’s appointment of businessman and media tycoon Salman Taseer as governor Punjab set off howls of protest from the PPP’s chief coalition partner PML-N

Hitched Hikers Guide

I never aspired for such superficial goals. Being mature beyond my age, I always dreamt of being a Groom (Dulha).

Logotherapy: Humanism In Psychiatry

The heart has reasons that reason does not know ... A reflection on Victor Frankl’s “The Unheard Cry for Meaning”

Creating Magic For The Audience - An Interview with Afia Serena Nathaniel

Any change begins with a simple idea, Afia believes. ‘Those who can present ideas are in a unique position to effect change in their societies, ‘she says.

Zardari and the Politics of Defiance

“We do not want bread, we do not want electricity, but we want him (Musharraf) out” ... Can Zardari risk being complacent with the president?

Fatima Bhutto Fighting for Justice

The man Fatima Bhutto holds responsible for her father’s death is not only out of prison after 11 years without conviction, but is suddenly the most powerful man in the country.

Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State

"I have not found a single period that I could in all honesty say I would trade for my 21st-century existence as a Muslim living in a secular democratic society."

India Pakistan Talks

India and Pakistan are to have Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary level talks starting May 20 in Islamabad. It is time to once again look at the chessboard and see what has changed.

Life Long Commitment vs. Singledom

Marriage, I think, is highly overrated. Marriage being the perfect happily ever after and the solution to life’s problems is ‘just a myth we’ve been fed since childhood’

The Wrong Mix

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."

Whither Enlightened Moderation

The latest patch up between the NWFP provincial government and Taliban of Swat and South Waziristan buries the much touted President Musharraf’s theme of enlightened moderation

Twenty 20 Cricket

Will twenty-20 cricket kill the ‘gentleman’s sport’ or is it going to be its savior!

Building a Dream House

This Saturday was a very pleasant day . It rained in the afternoon, and as usual, Islamabad after a rain on a summer afternoon, was the perfect place to just drive around.

Saqi Farooqi ... A Rebellious Poet

He likes to be in the centre of controversy and to achieve that he challenges every literary, social, religious, moral and sexual taboo that he comes across.

Persecution of Religious Minorities In Islamic Countries

Meaningless protests over stupid cartoons do not achieve anything. Speaking up against injustices in their own countries does.

National Reconciliation Order

The concept of Truth and Reconciliation of Nelson Mandela cannot be offered as a parallel of pardoning the outlaws.

Mohajirs Are People Too

It was quite obvious that unlike Punjabis and Pushtoons, mohajirs have figured out that if there is chaos in the airport it is not because of Allah’s will.

30 Days in Afghanistan - Dinner Conversations

I'm in Kabul, Afghanistan. Actually, I'm in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - and across and beside me, people are beginning to get drunk. Muslims are getting drunk.

A Little After Three

I lay face down, pretending to have fallen asleep. Soon I heard random words like boy, Muslim, Sindhi, dowry, next week, dinner, and blood pressure.

May 12: One Year Passed, No Lessons Learned

On May 12, the entire nation would be mourning the death of forty-four innocent civilians on what turned out to be one of the darkest days in the history of Karachi.

Happy Mother's Day

Today, 11th May is Mother’s Day. It is almost absurdly romantic that a country like Pakistan would celebrate a day like to honor mothers!

Nipa Chowrangi

The neighbors couldn’t hear her screaming over the sound of the building’s generator, so that particular Sunday Aslam was able to beat Tehmina for considerably longer than he usually did.

When a Knock at the Door is Not Enough

She surprised me by her answer, same old she said, battering. Her honesty made me nod. I said, oh, and walked away. The purpose was served. The momentum was broken.

I Spy Hindutva

Attempts have been made to 'saffronize' at both the ground level (by editing textbooks) and by challenging conclusions of scholars who have attempted to rewrite history.

Myanmar Disaster

“Dedicated to the people of Burma in their hour of need………but stands there, the government and its obstacles “!!!

The Raj Lives: India In Nepal

Six decades after the British withdrew from the subcontinent, it takes considerable audacity to produce a book titled “The Raj Lives”.

Can the Judiciary Save the Coalition?

Handing the Supreme Court back to a judge and his team that stood up to the COAS and the President amounts to adding a new player in the already confusing power politics in Pakistan.

Bridge Mania

Myrtle Bennett of Kansas City shot her husband John to death on September 29, 1929, over a bridge hand. Her husband had opened the bidding with one spade.

Still Looking!

“No, no, no!” I had stormed out yesterday leaving my Mum baffled and Shabbi Auntie angry, when she brought in yet another rishta-seeking brigade.

PPP Isn’t Convinced!

Pandering to the presidency, appointment of Mehmood Ali Durrani and Rehman Malik, failure to remove Malik Abdul Qayyum, are signs that establishment isn’t blinking just yet.

Nirmala Deshpande - A Truly Great Soul

Nirmala Deshpande a dedicated Gandhian was a true peace activist.

Race to the Finish