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!

Prisoner of Conscience

Mr. Afridi is imprisoned because of his peaceful expression of his beliefs. He is victim of an unfair trial.

Is Decline of the Fourth-Estate Here and Happening?

Distinguished Editor and Author of our times M J Akbar is removed from the Chairmanship of 'The Asian Age' and 'Deccan Chronicle'.

The Good Monster: Musharraf's Cultural Legacy

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.

Media: The more things change...

Where only one Najam Sethi was picked up under the Sharif regime, over the past eight years, dozens have been picked up and tortured by Pakistan’s secret agencies.

Vi Veri Universum Vivus Vici

Feigning infant-like naivety, we assume that like a chess board, war remains restricted to an 8x8 playing field and will never reach our doors.

Freedom of Expression

Was the media really free in Pakistan prior to November 3 2007? Is the media right to claim that it was being responsible and professional.

Musharraf and The Media

With the imposition of martial law, all TV channels suddenly disappeared. BBC and CNN and Fox all were gone.

Are we free?

To speak without fear of judgment
To write without pangs of guilt

Corruption and Freedom of Press in Pakistan

There have been a number of statements lauding the “freedom” of the press accompanied by a grim reminder of the “dark” days under the democratic governments of the 90s. What does the evidence say?

Fall

Do I really have to?
Watch
The slow unwinding of leaves
As they fall ever so slowly from the branches
that nurtured them

Media and Civil Society

The power struggle between the military and the political elite under the watchful eye of media and a new-born judiciary in Pakistan.

One Wall

Hidden in silence
Surrounded by one wall

Letter from Pakistan

My American friends, can you imagine your great country without justice for all? Can you live in country where justice is not available? Thanks to your Government who is supporting a military dictator in Pakistan, we cannot experience the same freedoms as

Section 144: Ban on public gatherings

The section 144 has its roots in British constitution of 1938. British needed it to secure their imperialistic interests. The question is whose imperialistic needs it is serving now?

Monar Jomban (part 4 of 4)

They used to say ‘Allah will save us’ and a quarter of a century later I agree ‘only Allah can save us’ - the mess has gone beyond human intervention. I am old and my laughter is my tears too. (He suddenly looked around and said in

Fruits of Western Civilisation

The first psychiatrist he saw, at age 7, decided after a 20-minute visit that the boy was suffering from depression.

Temptations and Free Will

Do you like to throw temptations as challenges at yourself

Chained dreams and unchained reality

So betrayed by faith
The others stand so tall and straight
Why was it always my mind that strayed?

A Free Being

I moved out. For once, I felt that I had broken away from the system. A system which I loved but one that never gave me the breathing space I’d always craved for...

Optimism in a Pessimistic World

I am wary of anything that seems too perfect because there have to be as many imperfections concealed within it to reach the equilibrium of black and white that is a property of everything within this world

Pakistan Bans Blogspot

I don’t know what appalls me more: the sheer idiocy of such a blanket ban; the horror that someone thinks they’ve just struck a blow for Islam; or this insidious thought that, in Pakistan, we have no rights, only privileges

Muslim Sensibilities and Freedom of Speech

In such an atmosphere, clash between democratic freedoms and religious fervor, between criticism and tender Muslim sensibilities is a reality

Have Muslims Become Caricatures?
Another point of view

Omar Marzauk, a Danish comedian, used to joke that he should have born a poodle, not a Muslim [in Denmark] “Dogs in this nation have their own burial grounds, and Muslims don’t,' he would say

Cartoons -- Freedom or Ridicule?

Protecting your ICT Software Rights

Are all of us thieves?

A Free Country

Views of the Indian youth about their Independence Day

A Whiter Shade of Green

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 Freedom of Empathy

Are we strong enough to want the freedom that so many would die for? Can we begin to appreciate what we have been given?

Towards a shackled society, perhaps

The vague and ambiguous provision of “ensuring Islamic values at public places” is bound to open a Pandora’s box because it would be safe to assume that the person whom the NWFP government will appoint as ombudsman will share the MMAR

How Free is ’free?’

The Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah's August 11, 1947 speech to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, in which he talked about freedom of religion, is no longer censored, as it was for years.

Ban on Play Mr. Jinnah

If you feel that you have got the hatred for Pakistan as a heritage and do not want to pass on this hatred to the next generations...what we need today is to revisit history and forgive and forget and carry on as good neighbours then read on.

The State Strikes Back

Many expected this to take a bit of time but the State pulled a surprise this past Saturday. The Rangers moved in to occupy all PTCL installations in the country and the Army signals core moved in to take over operations so that the workers could no long

Uproar over a Cartoon?

Why so much uproar over an editorial cartoon? Why is it considered derogatory and why are the Pakistanis so offended?

On the Importance of Reclaiming Chowk

Are the Interact Guidelines on Chowk null and void?

America’s Moral Compass

The Western social contract is far more tolerant and fair than the Islamic social contract rooted in 7th century notions of intolerance.

The Idea of Chowk

Its round, don't try to fit it into a square

Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere

It would be better for the US if it pursues the policy of positive peace which is the presence of justice and which can be achieved by letting the democracy takes it roots in its real term and promotes liberty and freedom not for the sake of security, but

Basking in Controversy

'Suppressed Voices', a cultural program hosted by Friends of South Asia (FOSA) in December

What is Freedom After All?

Freedom can mean many things, what does it mean to you?

Graffiti

Officer Don said this was a sign that the same kids who painted the school walls ended up in jail. I thought it was the silencing of free voice that led to a colorful outbreak of anger.

The FM Boom

So what does this mean for Pakistan? After all, most FM stations just dish out ‘ear candy’ - easy listening, music hits, recipes, chit chat... Just more commercialisation and encouragement of ‘the burger culture’, right? Maybe, but

Free Speech and Intolerance

At the end of the day we must be morally coherent and cohesive, and protect democracy and the civil society, even if this means sending the far-right and the fascists to hell in a handcart.

Let my People Go

Man was born free but is held in protectionist trade chains almost everywhere

Prisoner of Landi Kotal*

The living are doomed to be incarcerated in prisons of their own making. Only the fool or the foolhardy break out of it.

Free Thought is Key to Progress

Aazadi-e-afkar sey haiy unn ki tabahi, Rakhtay naheen jo fikr-o-tadabbar ka saleeq
(If a person is forbidden from indulging in free thought, how he can acquire the skills and the right attitude for free thinking)

On the Picket Line in Islamabad

It is Islamabad’s best-known secret. The picket lines at KFC and Pizza Hut are well into their second month and there has not been a word about it in the local press

On the Assertion of Rights

Why Pakistan’s institutions are ass backwards

Survival of the Fittest

If Pakistan is next then what are the options?

An Answer to the Pro War Surrealists

If you feel that your way of life is better than us, than live it, but stop trying to impose it upon us.

The Wages Of Death

Wars are political acts of concentrated violence and yet, there is violence in this war, but there is no rhyme to its logic.

US Attack on Iraq: Just Do It!

The US war on Iraq will end a tyrant regime, bring Iraq out of Isolation and set into motion a wave of globalization which could bring hope to hundreds of millions of people

The Urdu Press in New York

We never thought we would flee America

Towards Greater Tolerance

Anti-Pakistanism and neo-Indian Nationalism

Oh America!

For a society that watched the Gulf war as though it were a TV serial, why was I often told not to take pictures of people in the street?

Jihad – The Misperceptions

It would be unfair to mistrust the dedication and valour of the jihadis

Islamic Utopia?

Reconciling Islam and Modernity

Sobho: the struggle continues

I still believe in the revolution, in a society that provides justice for all

The Election Burp

Don’t stand around wondering what to do, trying to please everybody—take a stick and throw it.

Myopic, Malevolent, Megalomaniac

Musharraf knows that PPP (P) and PML (N) would not like to join hands with MMA because it displeases USA

Military, Musharraf and Magic

Political experts can opine all they want. They can criticize Musharraf, the Military and the short-term nature of US support.

Road Blocks in Normalising Relations

If cross border terrorism ceases, facilitating a dialogue between India and Pakistan, will a dividend of long term peace follow?

Piece of What?

I left home for a gathering of peaceniks and ended up at the social event of the year. The card in my hand said ‘Arundhati Roy: keynote speaker: seminar on peace and freedom in south Asia’

India’s Potential Lose-Lose-Lose Scenario

India may actually be helping Pakistan in the long run, not harming it, with its current war hysteria

The Hindu Right

Advani’s yathra in an air-conditioned Toyota left a trail of blood in its wake

The Right To Bigotry

as long as government and courts and police and diplomats and moralists approve of it

The Quarterbreds of Californet

What choice is left in the face of such enmity?

On the Nature of the Principal Civic Contracts

Is anyone amongst the current world leadership dreaming with us

An Equal Reaction

We don’t know WHAT happened at Godhra

The Panel of Vendettas at UC Berkley

A true hero would make a radical notion and never back track

The Place of Debate

He said there was also a need for debating on the concept of secularism, whether it is contrary to Islamic teachings and concept?

Empty Vessels And All That Jazz

do you think he is up to task to rid us of feudals next?

The Future Is Another Country: 2050 And Beyond

Osama bin Laden has his own vision of a perfect world and millions will die

Taliban : An Analysis

an ideal Islamic society.

Is Jehad Passe’?

it is too early to say that the military has changed its spots

The Passion of The Pacifist

An interview with Asgharali Engineer

Muslims and The West After 11th September

America has exacted blood revenge for the Twin Towers

The Clash Of Un-Civilizations And Osama-ism

It is misleading to think and give an impression that these issues will just disappear if Osama is captured or killed today.

Journalists or Americans?

Is Islamist even a word?

A Decision to Regret

the Afghans have always resisted a government imposed from abroad

Jihad: Paradoxes and Defining Moments

There will always be a lunatic fringe in the Muslim society

Explaining it to an American Friend

godspeed and prudence in this time of grieving

Talking to Vajpayee

Vajpayee has demonstrated that he can be different

Welcome to the Dark Side

Uncensored .... But until we openly debate and denounce the corruption in journalism, we cannot really condemn it in other institutions.

The Winds of Change

When the world’s only superpower changes direction, smaller states, especially those located on the periphery of potential conflict, have to be nimble in adjusting their policies.

Why Pakistan?

why should we persist in our self-flagellation?

Democracy in Pakistan: The Missing Link?

Democracy has long been a buzzword in Pakistan

A Long Night’s Odyssey

we do not have the luxury of time

Bigotry, Racism and American Media

all of us have vividly seen that Israeli security forces consistently breached all international human rights standards

The Autonomy is for India

greater autonomy for states is the only way

Negotiating Human Rights

arrested in Pakistan for saving the life of a battered woman

1971 in 2000

... this singular event is consigned to the dustbin of history.

Faith, Religion and National Direction

A winner makes commitments, a loser makes promises

Khuda Hafiz, Kashmir?

I am a militant. According to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member ...

A Rumor Of Lies

Pakistan, as a nation, seems to have entered a political terra incognita from which it is unlikely to return

A Nation of Beggars

The irony is that the poverty myth has itself become a barrier to reducing poverty

The Real Face of Saudia Arabia

Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to the human rights as envisioned by United Nations

Talibanization or the Turkish Model?

My son is a U.S Citizen, and he is going to Afghanistan to join the Taliban.

The Millenium Manifesto or ’Ikeesween Sadi Dastoor’

Kashmir does not belong to Pakistan regardless of historical events during partition...

In Defence of Benevolent Dictators

More democracy ? More of the same ? No thanks

Scandalising the Pakistani Courts

Ardeshir Cowasjee has been hauled into court again on contempt charges ...

Text of Speech by Gen. Pervez Musharraf

The choice before us on Oct 12th was between saving the body - that is the nation, at the cost of a limb - which is the Constitution, or saving the limb and losing the whole body

Masala Democracy

Only in South Asia would a masala mix of militancy, neglect of the masses, and elite politics pass for democracy

Connected to: Harsh Kapoor

SPIDER talks to Cyber Warrior Harsh Kapoor about his stance on the recent blocking of the Dawn Internet Edition in India

The Smart and the Ordinary

For it is the dream of today from which tomorrows are

Kargil and the Myth of Losing the Media War

Consider for a moment that you are NOT a Pakistani

Kargil Issue

I begin the issue right from 1947 when India and Pakistan were planned to be two separate countries

Falsehoods Galore

Pakistan has thus turned into an oligarchy well versed in the art of making things disappear

India’s Failure of Imagination

No one in India, it seems, has a clue what people across the border in Pakistan are thinking

I Protest!

The Peshawar branch of the Aurat Foundation held a protest march on April 13, 1999.

Nuclear powers can count too!

Can we implement a new census at the dawn of the new millenium?

Balkan Tragedy: A Re-enactment of the 1971 Genocide in Bangladesh

The escalating human tragedy in Kosovo gives me a sense of deja vu

Why Vajpayee’s Trip to Lahore Was a Failure

Vajpayee’s bus trip can be described in one word: nothing

Need for a Confederation

India had never been a Nation, it is still not one

A Matter of Principle

Anatomy of the governments vendetta against a leading newspaper in Pakistan

Heat Wave

Of a people used to scorching summer winds

Agenda for Pakistani Press

The press has no credibility

Is Impeachment Realistic

Scandal and sex are easier to start than explain. Just ask the President.

The lack of Women’s Rights in Pakistan

Tracing the roots of oppression

Talking of Talks

...the Prime Ministers have had a telephone talk

What Is Your Caste?

Caste is South Asia’s apartheid

India

India I still haven’t told you what you did to Manto when he did not
leave for Pakistan in ’47.

Giving Way to Intolerance

During the last many years, religious intolerance and sectarian fanaticism have created a war-like situation in Pakistan

Communists and Congress Should Give Birth to ’Red Indians’

The Communist parties and the Congress (I) are toying with the idea of coming closer to form an alternative political dispensation

Extra-judicial Executions

Romilia Hernandez was an innocent 21 year old woman...

Onwards to the Nuclear Abyss

India, Pakistan and the March of Folly

Cash for Vote

An Expatriate Bill.

Upon the return of a Desi

The phenonmenon of reverse culture shock.

Raj and I

A complete sense of certainty prevails in our country. There is nothing to panic about.

Christians of Pakistan

The constitution defines Pakistan as an Islamic nation and guarantees freedom to all other religion. Are we doing justice in implementing this all important social tolerance act?

The Harsh Truth

The first topic of conversation is always Pakistan. Karachi mein kya ho raha hay? The discourse begins ...

Pakistan’s Golden Jubilee

Even now, the Mian has a cabinet of 41 ministers. FORTY ONE (count ’em)!! I can’t even think of thirty things that would need a minister.